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A Multiple Award Winning Publication

MARCH 2011

Black Women Making Great Strides in Business

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an online communication tool designed to enhance the relationship between AEG and our partners. The portal is an online and paperless tool that will provide you with: Increased visibility for AEG business opportunities Extended Company Profile in online directory Direct email updates from AEG clients and buyers Easy accounts payable information sharing Increased exposure for MBEs, WBEs, and DBEs It is important that you register your business so that we have the ability to contact you for participation in future opportunities. Suppliers seeking to initiate business with AEG are encouraged to register as well.

Registration is simple and we invite you to visit our Supplier Portal at your earliest convenience:

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Publisher’s Message Earl “Skip” Cooper, II

Black Women Making Great Strides in Business

T

he Black Business Association (BBA) recently conducted another successful “Salute to Black Women Business Conference and Awards Luncheon.” The 2011 theme was “Our Strength is Our History.” As is their practice the Salute included an educational and inspirational program that looked forward to the future and honored six outstanding women and a community foundation that have opened doors for the next generation of women leaders.

In a climate of stiff competition in the job market and economic challenges, the BBA produced a conference that featured workshops on financial security, self-improvement and personal empowerment. Perspectives: Women of Color in Corporate America; EMarketing: The Competitive Edge to Strengthen Your Business; and Creating Generational Wealth: How to Make Sure that Your Wealth Outlives You! were just a few of the workshops created to sharpen attendee skills and take them to the next level.

In recognizing March as Women’s History Month, it’s very important that the BBA, as an African American organization, acknowledge outstanding 1

2

State of California. In Alice Hoffman5, we have a uniquely qualified individual in Sacramento. She has the ear of key elected officials from the governor on down. Lula Washington6 has fought and paid her dues. Now she’s a highly sought-after choreographer. I’m very proud of her as I am of all of the BBA’s honorees.

From the early ‘70’s, most of the top African American actresses in Southern California were members of The Kwanzaa Foundation. It has been a very active and charitable giving organization for close to 40 years. I’m very pleased that the BBA recognized this important foundation with an award.

For every one honoree singled out by any organization, there are thousands of other African American women that also deserve to be recognized. As a people, we should acknowledge and pay homage to African American women not just for one day or one week or one month, but every day of the year.

It is my hope that the BBA and other organizations will continue to conduct ‘Salutes to Black Women’ and continue to inspire, encourage and empower those honored and those that benefit from their examples. 

African American women who have historically made contributions to not only society, but to the world that often times go overlooked. Black women have always been the cornerstone and the strength of the Black community.

They are the mothers, the sisters, and the ones that are the real foundation of the community, keeping things together for us in so many different ways. The BBA recognized and honored the evolution of Black women in their roles as leaders.

Most of us have admired for many, many years each of the women that were honored by the BBA at the Salute.

Nichelle Nichols’1 portrayal of Lt. Uhura on Star Trek was very significant and powerful during a time when we weren’t accustomed to seeing African Americans in futuristic roles. I was on the LA/ NAACP Board with Brenda Wright2 in the ‘80’s. Those that know her, know that not only is she the essence of professionalism, but she is also committed to the community. Chef Marilyn Cole3 and I go back to the ‘70’s. Her culinary skills have earned her the title of the “Queen of Soul Food.” I have known Yvonne Burke4 for over 35 years.

She’s is a true political trailblazer in the 3

4

5

3  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

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About the Black Business News…

Black Business News

The mission of The Black Business News is to inspire and inform public and private sector industry representatives on the importance of smart small business growth. As a versatile source of socioeconomic development activity, the Black Business News imparts current local, national and international industry trends related to small businesses across the United States of America (USA), detailing greater access to financial capital, management efficiencies, business education, mentors and networks. The goals of the Black Business News include: •

increasing the use of business enterprises owned by USA-based blacks, by advocating for greater access to leading finance lenders and successful business managers.

P.O. Box 43159, Los Angeles, CA 90043 323-291-9334 Fax: 323-291-9234

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Earl “Skip” Cooper, II

PRODUCTION MANAGER Narishima Osei

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

LaSandra Stratton • Dean Jones • Steven Turner

GRAPHIC DESIGN Sarah Harris

STORY EDITORS

•

working to merge resources, values, profits, technology throughout the public and private sectors.

Wanda Flagg ▪ Jennifer Marie Hamilton

•

balancing major public and private sector contracting methods with positive outcomes of black-owned and operated enterprises.

Ian Foxx ▪ Sabir • Narishima Osei

•

providing an affirmative influence for emerging entrepreneurs sharing innovative design and creative cultural content that exposes them to the history of black enterprises and excite them to participate in the USA’s future.

•

advocating and promoting on behalf of black-owned businesses by promoting the need for expanding an economic foundation that supports an unfettered and selfsustained urban society with USA job creation and economic opportuniwhere blacks work, live and operate able business enterprises.

PHOTOGRAPHY

CONTENT ADMINISTRATOR LaSandra Stratton

LAYOUT/TYPESETTING Lion Communications

Copyright © 2011 by Black Business News All Rights Reserved.

The posting of stories, commentaries, reports, documents and links (embedded or otherwise) on this site does not in any way, shape or form, implied or otherwise, necessarily express or suggest endorsement or support of any of such posted material or parts therein.

t y, vi-

AWARDS U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

2007 Journalist of the Year Award LA/Minority Business Opportunity Center (LA/MBOC)

2010 Media Firm of the Year

4  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

FEATURES…

3

March 2011

Publisher’s Message: Black Women Making Great Strides in Business

8 Government…

11 Oprah Winfrey on her OWN 12 Michelle Obama on International Women’s Day 14 President Obama Hosts National Policy Alliance 18 2010 Medal of Freedom Awards 22 MBDA Contributes to “Winning The Future” 24 Mignon L. Clyburn on Lifeline and Link-Up Reform 29 2011 OSDBU Conference 31 SBA Jobs Act Tour Coming Your Way

30 Business…

32 Trade, Contracting, Challenges, Grants 35 Editorial: Black-Owned Businesses Fight Harmful

37

Oil Taxes

37

Columns 44 - Take A Look!

77 - Books to Consider...

84- Calendar Action Alerts 02 - AEG Supplier Portal 54 - Help for Haiti and Japan Sponsors 07 - Black Business Association

Editorial: Diaster Recovery May Mean Business Growth

38 Editorial: Toyota Disrespects Black Consumers 41 AFFRM Starts Distributing Black Independent Film 42 StartUp America Partnership 49 Energy from Waste, World Water Shortage

48 Public Interest/Community…

58 Let’s Move!: One Year in the Right Direction for Kids

60 International…

63 President Obama sends Message to the People of Cote d’Ivoire

66

Resources for Going Global

Cover image - Sarah Harris

5  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

Over 40 years of service Founded 1970

About the BBA…

Since 1970, the Black Business Association (BBA), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, headquartered in Los Angeles, has been instrumental in the incubation and development of more than 15,000 African-American businesses. Nationally, we have access and influence with more than 85,000 African-American-owned and women/ minority-owned firms via strategic alliances with more than 100 women/minority trade associations in more than 42 states nationwide.

___ Our Mission ___

The Black Business Association’s mission is to advocate and promote the development of African-American owned businesses with the goal of creating a firm economic base that support the self-determination and survival of the African-American and urban community by: •

Identifying and creating financial opportunities for the growth and stability of African-American owned businesses;

•

Being a community voice that advocates for the success of small businesses;

•

Being a conduit for the merging of resources, values, profits, technology and people;

•

Promoting development and support of minority business enterprises within the domestic and international economies by encouraging and generating greater access to market opportunities and capital;

•

Providing training for entrepreneurial professional development;

•

Supporting and contributing to the economic base and progress of the African-American community; and

•

Developing coalitions that support our political endeavors to effectively achieve public recognition and political influence for African-American business owners.

___ Advocacy ___

The Black Business Association maintains very effective working relationships with elected and appointed officials for the support of African-American business development. Locally, statewide and in Washington, DC, we are constantly aware of pending legislation that might affect our member’s businesses, their growth and even their ability to conduct business. When legislation is being considered that affects our mission, the BBA quickly mobilizes to work with key policy makers to support, defeat or modify the bill and pursue the BBA position.

As an organization, we are constantly at the helm, securing innovative means and policies that protect our constituency and their business interests. 

2011 Events March 26th

“Salute to Black Women”

honor outstanding African American women while commemorating NationalWomen’s History Month

June 2nd

37th Annual Black Business Associaion Awards Dinner Thursday, 26th 6:00pm - 10:00 pm

Well-deserved recognition to corporations, government 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

November

Utilities Procurement Exchange Summit & Awards Luncheon

Black Business Association

P.O. Box 43159, Los Angeles, CA 90043 USA Tel: 323-291-9334 Fax: 323-291-9234

mail@bbala.org www.bbala.org www.facebook.com

honoring African American entrepreneurs and offering one-on-one opportunity exploration

• Call 323-291-9334 for information on sponsorship and participation •

7  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

THE WHITE HOUSE PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH, 2011 -------

Special Feature

During Women’s History Month, we reflect on the extraordinary accomplishments of women and honor their role in shaping the course of our Nation’s history. Today, women have reached heights their mothers and grandmothers might only have imagined. Women now comprise nearly half of our workforce and the majority of students in our colleges and universities. They scale the skies as astronauts, expand our economy as entrepreneurs and business leaders, and serve our country at the highest levels of government and our Armed Forces.

In honor of the pioneering women who came before us, and in recognition of those who will come after us, this month, we recommit to erasing the remaining inequities facing women in our day.

This year, we commemorate the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day, a global celebration of the economic, political, and social achievements of women past, Aissa Wade present, and future. International Women’s Day is a chance to pay tribute to ordinary women throughout the world and is rooted in women’s centuries-old struggle to participate in society on an equal footing with men. This day reminds us that, while enormous progress has been made, there is still work to be done before women achieve true parity.

My Administration has elevated the rights of women and girls abroad as a critical aspect of our foreign and national security policy. Empowering women across the globe is not simply the right thing to do, it is also smart foreign policy. This knowledge is reflected in the National Security Strategy of the United States, which recognizes that countries are more peaceful and prosperous when their female citizens enjoy equal rights, equal voices, and equal opportunities. Today, we are integrating a focus on women and girls in all our diplomatic efforts, and incorporating gender considerations in every aspect of our development assistance. We are working to build the Fannie Lou Hammer participation of women into all aspects of conflict prevention and resolution, and we are continuing to lead in combating the scourge of conflict related sexual violence, both bilaterally and at the United Nations.

In America, we must lead by example in protecting women’s rights and supporting their empowerment. Despite our progress, too many women continue to be paid less than male workers, and women are significantly underrepresented in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. By tapping into the potential

and talents of all our citizens, we can utilize an enormous source of economic growth and prosperity. The White House Council on Women and Girls has continued to remove obstacles to achievement by addressing the rate of violence against women, supporting female entrepreneurs, and prioritizing the economic security of women. American families depend largely on the financial stability of women, and my Administration continues to prioritize policies that promote workplace flexibility, access to affordable, quality health care and child care, support for family caregivers, and the enforcement of equal pay laws. I have also called on every agency in the Federal Government to be part of the solution to ending violence against women, and they have responded with unprecedented cooperation to protect victims of domestic and sexual violence and enable survivors to Queen Nzinga of Angola break the cycle of abuse.

As we reflect on the triumphs of the past, we must also look to the limitless potential that lies ahead.

To win the future, we must equip the young women of today with the knowledge, skills, and equal access to reach for the promise of tomorrow. My Administration is making unprecedented investments in education and is working to expand opportunities for women and girls in the STEM fields critical for growth in the 21st century economy.

As we prepare to write the next chapter of women’s history, let us resolve to build on the progress won by the trailblazers of the past. We must carry forward the work of the women who came before us and ensure our daughters have no limits on their dreams, no obstacles to their achievements, and no remaining ceilings to shatter.

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 March 2011 as Women’s History Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month and to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8, 2011 with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that honor the history, accomplishments, and contributions of American women. I also invite all Americans to visit www.WomensHistoryMonth.gov to learn more about the generations of women who have shaped our history.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

BARACK OBAMA

Rev. Willie Taplin Barrow

Special Feature

Marian Anderson

Oprah Winfrey,

on her OWN

by Jennifer Marie Hamilton

A

by that time, Oprah started working as a news anchor at Nashville’s WLACTV, making her both their youngest and their first black female news anchor.

Thus, began Oprah’s niche for accomplishing a series of history making triumphs. Her nationally syndicated program, the Oprah Winfrey Show, alone is the highest rated talk show in media history. After gaining ownership of the program from ABC, she became the first woman in history to own and produce her own television talk show.

Also, Oprah has been the only African American mentioned among America’s top richest 400 people almost every year since 1995. In addition, her billionaire status made world history as the world’s first black woman billionaire, and from the years 2004 through 2006, she was the world’s only black billionaire. Consequently, Oprah’s wealth is well balanced by just as much an historical account as are her philanthropic deeds. She is constantly noted as the most philanthropic celebrity to date. In 2005, Business Week listed Oprah in its top 50 most generous philanthropists’ list; she became the first black person to be listed, and they named her the greatest Black philanthropist in American history. At the Emmy Awards in 2002, she was the recipient of the first ever Bob Hope Humanitarian Award for her work and service in television and film. As a publisher, Oprah’s magazine, O: The Oprah Magazine is said to have been the most successful start-up in the history of the indus-

try. Further, Oprah’s persona is also an historical achievement. She may very well be the only person in the world to have been mentioned on more occasions than one by Time as “one of the most influential people” between the years 2004 -2010.

As she has been an inspiration to all people, of every age, gender, and ethnic persuasion, it only suffices that her achievement of being the first African American woman to own her own television network goes well beyond inspirational and encouraging. Instead, this and all of the historical achievements Oprah has made through all that she has personally overcome and through her life’s work, reach down into the very depths of the human spirit, where her life exemplifies her determination to succeed despite many obstacles, transcending the lives of others to live a life with similar authority, creativity, self-awareness, and empowerment to achieve their own dreams, as well.

We at the BBN support and help develop minority owned businesses, where we are extremely proud to contribute to the stability and growth of these businesses through training, seminars, workshops, trade missions, and advocacy. Oprah Winfrey’s global presence and the positive influence her accomplishments, as an African American woman in the business world has had on multiple industries nationally and worldwide provide an exemplary basis upon which we strive to encourage others to achieve. 

11  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

Special Feature

s the Black Business News (BBN) celebrates Women’s History Month, we acknowledge Oprah Winfrey and her many accomplishments that have contributed to our nation’s history, in particular, to the history of women. First, however, it is our pleasure to congratulate Oprah on her most recent accomplishment of launching her new television network, the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). We offer a standing ovation at the fortitude, perseverance, and foresight Oprah has demonstrated by achieving a goal of such great proportions that it is bound to have a profound and positive impact on millions of lives both nationally and globally. In addition, by having her own television network, Oprah’s legacy of “Live Your Best Life” will now be even more empowering and far-reaching into the lives of others, picking up where her soon to be concluding, nationally syndicated, television talk show, the Oprah Winfrey Show, leaves off. Whereas her talk show could only feature one inspiring topic per program, her new network can duplicate her purpose to help others “Live [Their] Best Life” in multiple, uplifting programs simultaneously.

Oprah began her public speaking career at a very young age, while living in Kosciusko, Mississippi with her grandmother, Hattie Mae Lee, who taught Oprah how to read by the age of 3. As a result, Oprah memorized and would recite poems and Bible Scriptures, as taught to her by her grandmother, at her grandmother’s local church. Speaking before audiences so early in life was a foreshadowing for what Oprah would later choose to pursue as a career in radio and television as she got older.

However, age had no bearing on what Oprah’s talents for communication could accomplish. By the age of just 19, Oprah had already worked for a local radio station in Nashville, Tennessee, delivering the news part-time before graduating high school. In college

Remarks by the First Lady at International Women’s Day Reception 2011

Special Feature

W

e are just honored and delighted to have you here to celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month here at the White House.

I have to start by thanking Aissatou for that beautiful, beautiful introduction and for all her hard work. C’est très bien. Merci. We have to give her another round of applause.

And also Shannon for her inspiring way of being, and for introducing our choir and for her extraordinary achievements. So let’s give her a round of applause as well.

And I got to hear a little bit of that fabulous choir, the Washington Performing Arts Society. (Applause.)

We have to thank them for that inspirational performance as well.

And I know that we have so many wonderful people here. We have some members of Congress who are here -- I see some faces scattered around. And I want to thank all of you for all the work that you do, the leadership that you provide, the time that you have taken out in your lives to fight for the issues that mean so much, not just for women

and girls here in this country but around the world. We are proud of you. I am proud of you. Thank you so much.

And finally, I want to recognize all of the extraordinary women who are gathered here tonight, because there are so many sprinkled about, including our wonderful Women of Courage Award recipients, all of whom I got to spend time with earlier today.

(Applause.) These are women who work tirelessly, all of you, every day, to make not just countries more fair, more equal and more free, but often many of these women risk themselves and their families to get this work done.

We have young women here like Shannon and Aissatou who are serving as peacemakers and ambassadors and community leaders here in America and around the world. And I see so many activists and advocates, pioneers who have devoted their careers to improving the lives of women. We are celebrating you all today.

And tonight, I just want to say to all of you that your journeys, that your achievements and your very presence in this room are a perfect illustration

of the progress that we’ve made since this day was first celebrated 100 years ago. We’ve come a long way, ladies!

And we are celebrating those accomplishments here in America.

Women are now the majority of graduates of colleges and universities.

We make up nearly half of America’s workforce. We got to get paid more for it. (Applause.) But we do. Women are thriving in every sector of our society. We are leading businesses. We’re serving at the highest levels of government and the armed forces. We’re breaking barriers and succeeding in careers that our mothers and grandmothers never could have imagined.

And as more opportunities have become open to women, that hasn’t just enriched our own lives. As we all know, it’s enriched the life of this nation. And that’s one of the reasons why we have to do this, because we need to remind ourselves and our country that we’re here because of us. Because we as a nation benefit from every girl whose potential is fulfilled; from every woman whose talent is tapped. We benefit as a nation. We as a nation benefit

12  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

We do it for you. We do it for you.

So I want to close tonight by simply saying thank you. This is a small -very small way for me, for my husband, for this administration to let you know just how proud we are of all that you do for women and girls. Our work is so far from done. But 100 years ago, we would have never imagined that we’d be standing here in the East Room of the White House -- (laughter) -- celebrating this day with this administration. So we

have reason to celebrate. (Applause.)

So thank you all for your commitment.

Thank you for your passion. I am so honored to have you here tonight.

Enjoy. Eat. Drink. Dance. I am only standing on your shoulders. So please enjoy, and God bless. We have more work to do. Thanks so much.  www.whitehouse.gov www.whitehouse.gov/photos-andvideo/video/2011/03/08/first-ladyinternational-womens-day

Council on Women and Girls Leaders at the U.N. Commission on the Status of Women

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice speaks to the 54th Session of the U.N.’s Commission on the Status of Women. Tina Tchen, Executive Director of the White House Council on Women and Girls, is seated next to M. Rice.

R

ecently Tina Tchen and Valerie Jarrett traveled to New York City to participate in the 54th session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the U.N. Headquarters. The Commission was created in 1946 to advise the United Nations Security Council on the promotion of women’s rights. Every year representatives from UN Member States, joined by their civil society counterparts, meet to evaluate our global efforts on gender equality, identify challenges, and set policies for continuing to further women’s advancement. This year’s conference is being attended by more than 2,000 women from around the world who have come together to review progress on women’s rights in the 15 years since the signing of the Beijing Declaration and subsequent Platform for Action. As part of the events, Valerie Jarrett met with the U.S. public delegation to the Commission and Tina Tchen met with civil society groups and UN agency leaders to discuss challenges and opportunities and explore areas for collaboration. 

13  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

Special Feature

from their intelligence, from their hard work, from their creativity, from their leadership.

And that’s not just true here in America. Time and again, we have seen that countries across the globe are more prosperous, they’re more peaceful when women are more equal and have the rights and opportunities they deserve. (Applause.)

And that is why women and girls are a core focus of America’s engagement with the world, including our diplomatic and development work, and our work to prevent and respond to conflict. And that’s why here at home we continue our work to close the pay gap once and for all, to get that done. That’s why we continue our work here at home to bring women into fields like math and science. Keep studying your math. (Laughter.) We’re still underrepresented. So we still have work to do.

We continue our work to promote entrepreneurship and workplace flexibility so that women can contribute as fully as possible to our economy.

And while we’ve made some important strides, all of you in this room know better than anyone else that this work is far from finished. We have so, so much more to do. You all know better than just about anyone that change is hard, and change is slow. Many of you might not win the battles you’re fighting or see the progress you’re fighting for in your lifetimes. You know that. But I’m thinking tonight of a quote from the author Alice Walker, who once wrote, “So our mothers and grandmothers have more often than not anonymously handed on the creative spark, the seed of the flower they themselves never hoped to see.”

And that is why all of you keep on fighting. That’s why all of you keep on leading and working toward a better day for all of us. You do it so that our daughters and granddaughters and, just as importantly, our sons and grandsons can have the opportunities that many of us only dreamed of. You do it because you know that your work could be the spark or that seed for the dreams and aspirations of girls like Aissatou and Shannon generations from now. This is why we do this work.

Government

President Barack Obama greets members of the National Policy Alliance before a meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Hosts Second Meeting with the National Policy Alliance

T

he President met with members of the National Policy Alliance (NPA) to discuss a variety of issues including his vision for America to win the future by out-innovating, outeducating, and out-building global competitors while balancing our nation’s budget and reforming our government.

The President and the participants at the meeting agreed that the federal government should adopt policies that will make our budget leaner and smarter while accelerating economic growth and by the recession while protecting the core services that support communities and African American families hardest hit by the current recession.

The President reaffirmed that we cannot go back to the kind of economy that led us into this recession, acknowledging that many of the choices we will

have to make in our national budget will be tough, but will lead to a better more robust economy that works for all American families.

While noting the positive news that 1.1 million jobs were created in 2010 and that private sector job growth has continued for twelve consecutive months, the President expressed his concern about the unemployment rate, which is particularly high among African Americans. He also spoke about clean energy investments, economic prosperity through access to education, public-private partnerships created by the Minority Business Development Agency, protecting affordable health care for all Americans, and SBA loan programs developed during this Administration to support small businesses and entrepreneurs in order to

spur job creation in communities nationwide.

The President also laid out the need to build a 21st century infrastructure to help businesses and incentivize them to invest in America, which includes everything from repairing and modernizing roads and bridges to strategic investments in broadband.

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies is the convener of the NPA (http://npalinks.org). The National Policy Alliance, co-chaired by Johnny Ford and Webster Guillory, is an 11-member coalition of African American local elected officials and policy-related organizations. Member organizations include: Blacks in Government (BIG) http://bignet.org/ Congressional Black Caucus (CBC)

14  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

NPA Statement of Purpose

From disaster preparedness and responsiveness to equitable access for quality health care, the African American community and other communities of color, both in the United States and elsewhere, are facing unique and difficult challenges in today’s policy environment. In such an environment it is crucial that those who represent these communities

collaborate whenever possible in addressing these challenges.

As organizations with a common commitment to the enactment and implementation of public policies that support the needs and aspirations of the African American community, we are grappling with these challenges on a continual basis. When the opportunity arises, we seek to work cooperatively on these challenges in a manner consistent with our individual organizational missions.

Given the many critical and complex issues we confront in today’s environment, we have concluded that a more formal mechanism for collaboration is essential. Such a mechanism will enable us to speak with a more forceful and effective voice in the shaping of public policies that impact the African American community, as well as other communities of color, wherever they may be. Furthermore, given the significance of the Congressional, state and local elections of 2006 and the Presidential, Congressional, state and local elections of 2008, we believe it is important to act quickly and to focus our attention on those issues that are likely to have prominence on the policy agenda in the immediate future.

The participating organizations in this alliance seek to give voice to the 9,500 African American elected officials and more than 3 million African American

www.lasentinel.net/The-PresidentsMeeting-with-the-National-PolicyAlliance.html

15  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

www.jointcenter.org

Government

www.cbcfinc.org Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies www.jointcenter.org Judicial Council of the National Bar Association www.nationalbar.org National Association of Black County Officials (NABCO) www.nobcoinc.org National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBCLEO) www.nbc-leo.org National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) www.nbcsl.com National Caucus of Black School Board Members (NCBSBM) www.nsba.org National Conference of Black Mayors(NCBM) http://ncbm.org World Conference of Mayors (WCM) www.worldconferenceofmayors.org

government employees who serve the nation. Together, these public servants represent not only the interests of the 35 million African Americans, but the interests of all Americans. For example, the 43 members of the Congressional Black Caucus represent approximately 40 million people of every racial and ethnic group. And our pursuit of public policies that serve the interests and needs of the African American community is bolstered by the certain knowledge that these policies, when successful, benefit the nation as a whole.

In forming this alliance, we do not intend to compromise the independence of our individual organizations. Rather, we recognize that the imperative of strengthening the voice of the African American community and raising public awareness regarding the importance of particular policies to the entire nation and to the global community requires that we transcend our normal organizational boundaries and seek to speak with one voice whenever possible. 

President’s Plan Cuts Red Tape, Gives States Flexibility, Saves Money

P

• Instructs the Director of OMB to lead a collaborative process of Federal agencies, State, Tribal, and local governments to coordinate and streamline procedures that cut across agency, program and geographic bounds.

• Requires agencies to work closely with States, Tribes, and local governments to identify administrative, regulatory, and legislative barriers in Federally-funded programs that currently prevent them from efficiently using tax dollars to achieve the best results for their constituents.

This work will be done in collaboration

with territories as well, and with input from other key program partners.

Further, he is directing OMB to: • Review guidance concerning cost principles and audits for State, local, and Tribal governments to eliminate unnecessary, unduly burdensome, or low-priority recordkeeping requirements and to tie requirements to achievement of outcomes.

• Standardize and streamline reporting and planning requirements in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act to develop efficient, low-cost mechanisms for collecting and reporting data and preparing expenditure plans that can support multiple programs and agencies, and • Facilitate cost-efficient modernization of State and Tribal information systems, in collaboration with the Chief Technology Officer in the Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Agencies are required to report back within 180 days of the date of this memorandum on their actions to identify regulatory and administrative requirements that can be streamlined, reduced, or eliminated, and where increased State flexibility could be provided to achieve the same or better outcomes at lower cost.

Progress in achieving better results at lower cost is already being made.

The President’s new memo will help expand on the success already underway in collaborating with States, Tribes, territories, and local governments, and new initiatives proposed in the President’s 2012 Budget. For example, the Administration: • Has created a collaborative forum with States, local governments, and other stakeholders through OMB’s Partnership Fund for Program Integrity Innovation.

The forum develops promising crossprogram solutions to improve program integrity, reduce costs, and improve service and results in Federal programs that are administered by States.

• Is taking steps to reduce reporting

and documentation requirements that sap school resources from classroom learning. Specifically, the Department of Education and OMB are developing new guidelines to focus reporting and audits on performance outcomes and enhanced transparency instead of activity-based recordkeeping.

• Proposed Pay for Success pilots in the 2012 Budget. These innovative projects offer Federal, State and local governments a market-based mechanism to finance and deliver services that achieve better results at lower cost.

Under this new initiative, the private sector provides intervention services to a target population and the government pays only when clearly defined outcomes are achieved.

• Proposed a new Workforce Innovation Fund in the 2012 Budget, which provides almost $380 million for grants to support systemic reforms of workforce development programs to deliver more cost-effective services and improve outcomes for participants.

To maximize flexibility to test bold approaches to achieving better results through cross-program collaboration, the Budget requests waiver authority for the Departments of Labor and Education, contingent on strong State plans to measure outcomes and evaluate program impacts.

• ·Proposed a “First in the World” competition among colleges and universities to help America restore its international leadership in the number of students graduating college. In 2012, this competition would invest $120 million in innovative institutional and State strategies to increase college access and comple­tion and improve educational productivity.

Together, these and other initiatives could substantially reduce State and federal taxpayer costs and redirect resources to achieve improved outcomes for State, Tribal and local constituents.

And these improved outcomes will play an important role in supporting the long term economic strength and competitiveness of our Nation. 

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resident Obama has issued a memorandum to Executive Departments and Agencies to work with State, Tribal, and local governments to reduce unnecessary regulatory and administrative burdens in order to focus resources on achieving better outcomes at lower cost.

Over the last two years, the Administration has worked with States as well as Tribal and local governments through the Recovery Act and other means to create jobs, build infrastructure, and protect critical programs and services in the face of declining revenues. Still, through smarter government, we can do even more to help States, improve program outcomes, and lower costs for the American taxpayer. This is especially urgent at a time when many governments face large budget shortfalls.

This memorandum builds on the Executive Order issued on January 18 outlining the President’s regulatory strategy. Having heard from States, Tribes, and territories that the array of rules and regulations issued by various Federal programs and agencies may sometimes impede their efforts to modernize and integrate program delivery, the President is committed to continuing to cut this red tape while continuing to protect human health and safety.

In this memorandum, the President:

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2010 Medal of Freedom

Remarks by the President Honoring the Recipients of the 2010 Medal of Freedom THE PRESIDENT: Thank you so much. Everyone please be seated.

And welcome to the White House.

Some of you have been here before.

This is one of the things that I most look forward to every year. It’s a chance to meet with -- and, more importantly, honor -- some of the most extraordinary people in America -- and around the world.

President Kennedy once said, during a tribute to the poet Robert Frost, that a nation reveals itself not only by the men

of service and of sacrifice.

This year’s Medal of Freedom recipients reveal the best of who we are and who we aspire to be. In 1970, John Adams and a handful of unpaid attorneys and law students salvaged some old desks and set up an environmental law firm in New York City. For 36 years, John sat at the same desk. But the group he cofounded, the Natural Resources Defense Council, grew well beyond it.

“Our first obligation is to the environment,” John once said. “If people want to protect the environment, we’ll support their efforts. If not, we’ll play hardball.”

With more than 1 million members, NRDC has won landmark cases and helped pass landmark laws to clean up our air and water, protect our forests and wildlife, and keep our climate safe. So Rolling Stone put it best: “If the planet has a lawyer, it’s John Adams.”

As a girl, Marguerite Ann Johnson endured trauma and abuse that actually led her to stop speaking. But as a performer, and ultimately a writer, a poet, Maya Angelou found her voice. It’s a voice that’s spoken to millions, including my mother, which President Barack Obama and First Lady is why my sister is named Maya.

Michelle Obama wait in the Green Room By holding on, even amid cruelty of the White House with Bill Russell as and loss, and then expanding to a recipients of the 2010 Presidential Medal sense of compassion, an ability to of Freedom are introduced in the East love -- by holding on to her humanity Room. (Official White House Photo by -- she has inspired countless others Pete Souza) who have known injustice and misfortune in their own lives. I won’t try to say it better than Maya Angelou herand women it produces, but by the men self, who wrote that: and women that it honors; the people History, despite its wrenching pain, that it remembers. I heartily agree.

Cannot be unlived, and if faced with When you look at the men and women courage, who are here today, it says something Need not be lived again. about who we are as a people.

Lift up your eyes upon When we award this medal to a ConThe day breaking for you. gressman John Lewis, it says that we Give birth again aspire to be a more just, more equal, To the dream. more perfect union. When we award it to a Jasper Johns, it says we value In 1942, an 11-year-old boy from the original and the imaginative. When Omaha, Nebraska, invested his entire we award it to a Warren Buffett, it says fortune in six shares of City Services we’d all like to be so humble and wise Preferred at $38 per share. The stock -- and maybe make a little money along soon dropped sharply, devastating his the way. And when we award it to for- holdings. But true to form, the boy did mer President George H.W. Bush, it not panic. He held those shares until says we celebrate an extraordinary life the stock rebounded, earning himself a

18  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

P H i

President Barack Obama and guests listens as Yo-Yo Ma plays with the Marine Band String Quartet in the Grand Foyer of the White House following the 2010 Presidential Medal of Freedom award ceremony. Ma, who received a Medal of Freedom, performed an impromptu song with the group. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) one, too.

It has been noted that Jasper Johns’ work, playing off familiar images, have transfixed people around the world.

Historians will tell you that he helped usher in the artistic movements that would define the latter half of the 20th century. Many would say he is one of the greatest artists of our time. And yet, of his own efforts he has simply said, “I’m just trying to find a way to make pictures.” Just trying to find a way to make pictures.

Like great artists before him, Jasper Johns pushed the boundaries of what art could be and challenged others to test their own assumptions. He didn’t do it for fame, he didn’t do it for success -- although he earned both. As he said, “I assumed that everything would lead to complete failure, but I decided that it didn’t matter -- that would be my life.”

We are richer as a society because it was. And Jasper, you’ve turned out fine.

When you are among the youngest

of nine children, you develop a strong sense of empathy. When those children are the Kennedys, you also develop a strong set of diplomatic skills just to be heard. Both traits helped Jean Kennedy Smith follow her siblings into public service. When her brother, President Kennedy, visited Ireland in 1963, he promised he’d be back in the springtime. Thirty years later, it was left to Jean to return for him. As President Clinton’s ambassador to Ireland, Jean was as vital as she was unconventional, helping brave men and women find the courage to see past the scars of violence and mistrust and come together to forge a lasting peace.

Touched by experiences in her own life, Jean also founded the VSA program, helping people with disabilities discover the joys of learning through the arts, changing the lives of those it has served. And today, her mission has spread to more than 50 countries

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see 2010 Medal of Honor on page 20

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small profit. Things got a little bit better after that.

Today, we know Warren Buffett not only as one of the world’s richest men, but also one of the most admired and respected. Unmoved by financial fads, he has doggedly sought out value, put his weight behind companies with promise and demonstrated that integrity isn’t just a good trait -- it is good for business. And yet, for all the money he’s earned, you don’t see Warren Buffett wearing fancy suits or driving fancy cars. Instead, you see him devoting the vast majority of his wealth to those around the world who are suffering, or sick, or in need of help. And he uses his stature as a leader to press others of great means to do the same. A philanthropist is a lover of humanity, and there’s no word that fits Warren better.

I should point out he’s so thrifty I had to give him a White House tie -- (laughter) -- the last time he came here to visit.

His was looking a little shredded. So then when Bill Gates came, he wanted

2010 Medal of Honor

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from page 19

and touched millions of lives -- ensuring that the family business remains alive and well.

By the time she was 21, Gerda Klein had spent six years living under Nazi rule -- three of them in concentration camps. Her parents and brother had been taken away. Her best friend had died in her arms during a 350-mile death march. And she weighed only 68 pounds when she was found by American forces in an abandoned bicycle factory. But Gerda survived. She married the soldier who rescued her. And ever since -- as an author, a historian and a crusader for tolerance -- she has taught the world that it is often in our most hopeless moments that we discover the extent of our strength and the depth of our love.

“I pray you never stand at any crossroads in your own lives,” she says, “but if you do, if the darkness seems so total, if you think there is no way out, remember, never ever give up.”

That’s a quote that would be familiar to our next honoree. There’s a quote inscribed over a doorway in Nashville, where students first refused to leave lunch counters 51 years ago this February. And the quote said, “If not us, then who? If not now, then when?” It’s a question John Lewis has been asking his entire life. It’s what led him back to the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma after he had already been beaten within an inch of his life days before. It’s why, time and again, he faced down death so that all of us could share equally in the joys of life. It’s why all these years later, he is known as the Conscience of the United States Congress, still speaking his mind on issues of justice and equality. And generations from now, when parents teach their children what is meant by courage, the story of John Lewis will come to mind -- an American who knew that change could not wait for some other person or some other time; whose life is a lesson in the fierce urgency of now.

An optometrist from New York, Tom Little could have pursued a lucrative

career. Instead, he guided -- he was guided by his faith and he set out to heal the poorest of the poor in Afghanistan. For 30 years, amid invasion and civil war, the terror of the Taliban, the spread of insurgency, he and his wife Libby helped bring Afghans, literally, the miracle of sight. Last summer, Tom and his team of doctors and nurses were ambushed and senselessly murdered. Today, we remember and honor Dr. Tom Little -- a humanitarian in the truest sense of the word; a man who not only dedicated his life to others, but who lived that lesson of Scripture: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

Yo-Yo Ma has been a concert cellist since the age of five. Despite being a late bloomer he went on to record over 75 albums and win 16 Grammys -- which means I’m only 14 behind him.

While Yo-Yo could have just settled for being the world’s greatest cellist, he’s said that even greater than his passion for music is his passion for people. And I can testify to this. There are few people you’ll meet with just the exuberance and joy that Yo-Yo possesses. And so he’s spent much of his life traveling the world, training and mentoring thousands of students, from Lebanon and Korea to the Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra. A member of my Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, he has been named a Messenger of Peace by the United Nations, and we understand why. In his words, “When we enlarge our view of the world, we deepen our understanding of our own lives.”

For Sylvia Mendez, a lifelong quest for equality began when she was just eight years old. Outraged that their daughter had to attend a segregated school, Sylvia’s parents linked arms with other Latino families to fight injustice in a California federal court, a case that would pave the way for Brown v.

Board of Education. The next year, when a classmate taunted Sylvia saying that Mexicans didn’t belong there, she went home in tears, begging to leave the school. Her mother wouldn’t have it. She told Sylvia, “Don’t you realize that’s why we went to court? You are just as good as he is.” And Sylvia took those words to heart. And ever

since, she has made it her mission to spread a message of tolerance and opportunity to children of all backgrounds and all walks of life.

Growing up in communist East Germany, Angela Merkel dreamed of freedom. And when the Wall finally crumbled and Germany was reunited, she broke barriers of her own, becoming the first East German -- and the first woman -- to become chancellor of Germany.

To America, Chancellor Merkel and the country she leads are among our closest allies. To me, she is a trusted global partner and a friend. To people around the world, the story of Angela Merkel is an inspiration. “Everything is possible,” she’s said -- something the world has seen again in recent weeks.

“Freedom does not come about of itself. It must be struggled for, and then defended anew, every day of our lives.”

Chancellor Merkel isn’t here today.

She’ll be visiting me for a visit -- an official visit soon, and so I look forward to presenting her the award when she comes.

Stan Musial -- his brilliance could come in blinding bursts; hitting five home runs in a single day’s doubleheader; leading the league in singles, doubles, triples and RBIs over a single season; three World Series; first-ballot Hall of Famer; worthy of one of the greatest nicknames in sports -- “Stan the Man.” My grandfather was Stan, by the way, so I used to call him “The Man” too, Stan.

Stan Musial made that brilliance burn for two decades. Stan matched his hustle with humility. He retired with 17 records -- even as he missed a season in his prime to serve his country in the Navy. He was the first player to make -- get this -- $100,000. Even more shocking, he asked for a pay cut when he didn’t perform up to his own expectations. You can imagine that happening today. Stan remains, to this day, an icon, untarnished; a beloved pillar of the community; a gentleman you’d want your kids to emulate. “I hope I’ve given [baseball] nearly as much as I’ve gotten from it,” Stan wrote in his memoirs, knocking it out of the park one more time.

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see page 21

President Barack Obama meets with former President George H. W. Bush in the Oval Office.

(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) teammates who he loved better players, and made possible the success of so many who would follow. And I hope that one day, in the streets of Boston, children will look up at a statue built not only to Bill Russell the player, but Bill Russell the man.

The Bronx-born son of Irish immigrants, John Sweeney was shaped by three things. His family -- his mother was a maid, his father was a bus driver -- instilled in him that fundamentally American idea that through hard work, we can make of our lives what we will.

The church taught him our obligations to ourselves and one another. And as a child, he saw that by banding together in a union, we can accomplish great things that we can’t accomplish alone. John devoted his career to the labor movement, adding working folks to its ranks and fighting for fair working conditions and fair wages. As the head of the AFL-CIO, he was responsible for dozens of unions with millions of working families. Family. Faith. Fidelity to the common good. These are the values that make John Sweeney who he is; values at the heart of a labor movement that has helped build the world’s greatest middle class.

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www.whitehouse.gov

Government

When Bill Russell was in junior high, he was cut from his basketball team.

He got better after that. He led the University of San Francisco to two championships. In 13 seasons with the Boston Celtics, he won 11 championships -- a record unmatched in any sport. Won two while also serving as the team’s coach. And so happens, he also was the first African American ever to hold such a position as a coach in a Major League sports team of any sort. More than any athlete of his era, Bill Russell came to define the word “winner.”

And yet, whenever someone looks up at all 6’9” of Bill Russell -- I just did -- (laughter) -- to him -- and asks, “Are you a basketball player?” -- surprisingly, he gets this more than you think, this question he says, “No.” He says, “That’s what I do, that’s not what I am.

I’m not a basketball player. I am a man who plays basketball.”

Bill Russell, the man, is someone who stood up for the rights and dignity of all men. He marched with King; he stood by Ali. When a restaurant refused to serve the black Celtics, he refused to play in the scheduled game.

He endured insults and vandalism, but he kept on focusing on making the

And finally, we recognize our last recipient, not simply for the years he spent as our 41st President.

We honor George Herbert Walker Bush for service to America that spanned nearly 70 years. From a decorated Navy pilot who nearly gave his life in World War II to U.S. ambassador to the United Nations; from CIA director to U.S. envoy to China to the vice presidency -- his life is a testament that public service is a noble calling.

As President, he expanded America’s promise to new immigrants and people with disabilities. He reduced nuclear weapons. He built a broad international coalition to expel a dictator from Kuwait. When democratic revolutions swept across Eastern Europe, it was the steady diplomatic hand of President Bush that made possible an achievement once thought impossible -- ending the Cold War without firing a shot.

I would add that, like the remarkable Barbara Bush, his humility and his decency reflects the very best of the American spirit. Those of you who know him, this is a gentleman. Inspiring citizens to become “points of light” in service to others. Teaming up with a one-time political opponent to champion relief for the victims of the Asian tsunami, the Hurricane Katrina. And then, just to cap it off, well into the 80’s, he decides to jump out of airplanes -(laughter) -- because, as he explains, “it feels good.”

These are the recipients of the 2010 Medal of Freedom. So now, it is my great pleasure and my great honor to present them with their medals. 

Minority Business Development Agency MBDA Contributes to the President’s Vision of “Winning the Future”

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s I travel around the country, I am in awe of the tenacity and the indomitable spirit of minority business owners and their unwillingness to quit in the face of overwhelming odds. That’s the spirit that makes America great.

David Hinson, National Director, MBDA As the National Director of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), I am proud to be a part of this Administration and a part of an Agency where our work helps to expand the U.S. economy and create new jobs through the historically underutilized minority business community.

I have the privilege of serving on the senior staff of the Secretary of Commerce and serving as Bureau Chief of MBDA, as well as engaging with various stakeholders, members of Congress, minority-owned and operated businesses, and nonprofit organizations that support minority business development across the nation.

MBDA is a national organization

with more than 46 business centers in I’ve had the opportunity to make five regions, which generates nearly many of my dreams come true traveling $4 billion in contracts and capital around the world and throughout the for minority-owned businesses. We country representing President Barack also create thousands of jobs for all Obama, U.S. Department of Commerce Americans and help save thousands of Secretary Gary Locke, and the U.S. existing jobs. minority business community.

Minority-owned firms are an engine “I am proud to say that at MBDA, of job creation for the U.S. economy, our agenda works in concert with outpacing growth within the general the President’s vision for “Winning business community for most of the the Future” by challenging minority last decade. Collectively, minority- businesses to be willing to out-innovate, owned businesses generate $1 trillion out-educate, and out-build our global in economic output and create nearly 6 competitors. The President’s call was million jobs. They also possess almost to the heart and soul of America, asking $2.5 trillion in buying power. us to look into ourselves and inquire, My first introduction to business “What are we contributing to making was as a child growing up in St. Louis, America greater?” “Are we willing to MO. I learned lessons about Gross Receipts by Ethnicity 2010 entrepreneurship African American (AA) from my next Hispanic American (HA) door neighbor Native American (NA) who ran a small cookie distribution company from his home.

He taught me about the importance of inventory and business efficiencies. While I was a dreamer, who often thought about what people were doing in other countries, my parents’ neighbors and teachers taught me that simply dreaming wasn’t enough. Making dreams do the hard work that is required to come to fruition requires true grit and bring that great idea to fruition and to determination. see MBDA on page 23

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MBDA - Winning the Future from page 22

Breakdown of Minority Industries by Revenue

About the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) MBDA, www.mbda.gov, an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, promotes the growth and global competitiveness of the minority business community, making them better equipped to create jobs, impact local economies and compete successfully in domestic and global

marketplaces. With a nationwide network of more than 45 business centers and strategic partners, MBDA assists minority entrepreneurs and business owners with consulting services, contract and financing opportunities, bonding and certification services, building business-to-business alliances and executive training.  www.mbda.gov

Watch this new video on the one year anniversary of the Affordable Care Act featuring Vice President Joe Biden.

One Year of the Affordable Care Act: We’ve Come a Long Way When President Obama signed the health reform law, the Affordable Care Act, on March 23, 2010, it was a moment that was decades in the making. Presidents from both parties had attempted to reform our health care system and as President Obama said, he wasn’t the first President to try and pass health reform, but he was determined to be the last.

Vice President Biden has recorded a new video looking at the work to pass reform and how the law is already helping the American people.

Watch the video at this address: www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/03/23/one-year-affordable-careact-we-ve-come-long-way

23  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

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educate ourselves in preparation for global competition and to continue to build our nation?”

Innovation is a vital ingredient in helping America maintain its role as a global leader.

When I think about many of the unsung heroes who helped to make America great – they were often every day people who simply wanted a better life and used ingenuity to create it.

African Americans, because of the unique historical barriers have been masters of making a way out of no way.

It’s that kind of fiber that I still see exhibited in minority businesses today that are recognizing that the old business model is not enough. Today’s competitive environment requires doing away with growing businesses organically – one contract at a time or staying in the safe lane with businesses that require little overhead and slow returns.

Business growth in the new global economy requires thinking outside the box, expanding into new hightech markets such as clean energy, green technology, and healthcare IT. It requires new business models of mergers, acquisitions and strategic partnerships.

Even beyond the business community, rebuilding our economy requires that each of us do our part especially in supporting the next generation of leaders and business owners.

I co-founded the Council of Urban Professionals (CUP) in New York for that very reason, to give back by helping to develop young talent. CUP is a nonprofit that advances the social, political and economic interests of urban professionals. I have also served on a number of non-profit boards including the DuSable Museum of African American History in Chicago.

We have to help those who need direction in shaping their careers. I serve as an informal mentor to young people that I meet who are looking for direction. There are so many

students and young professionals in need of someone to take an interest in them. That small effort can change lives.

At MBDA, we try to help minority business owners reach their full potential through the resources, services, business tools, and assistance we provide at our business centers located across the country. 

Statement of Commissioner Mignon L. Clyburn on Lifeline and Link-Up Reform and Modernization

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or many years, fulfilling the basic communications needs of lowincome consumers has been a priority for our nation. Since 1985, the Lifeline and Link Up programs have ensured millions of low-income Americans access to affordable telephone service.

This not only permits these consumers the means to stay connected to friends and family, it also offers them the ability to make doctor’s appointments, and call 911 in an emergency. By ensuring that low-income consumers have access to a phone in their homes, our nation has provided every American—no matter their financial circumstance— the lifeline they need to communicate with the rest of the world. For those consumers who are struggling to meet basic needs, such as food and shelter, these programs truly are making a difference. Many would go without phone service, but for these programs. And given the economic downturn over the last several years, it is not surprising that the fund has grown.

We have seen numerous changes in the marketplace since the implementation of the Lifeline and Link Up programs. Notably, mobile wireless service has grown significantly, and competitive Lifeline products are now available, allowing low-income consumers the ability to choose from various phone options. Today, access to high-speed Internet service has become essential for Americans to communicate with one another.

As a result, it is appropriate for the Commission to revisit the current structure of the Lifeline and Link Up programs. We must ensure that they are efficient, effective, and address the modern communications needs of our nation’s low-income citizens.

While these programs have helped many consumers afford telephone service, not all needs have been addressed. As my friends from the Tribal Nations are fully aware, basic phone service still lags significantly on

Tribal Lands as compared to the rest of the country. Today’s NPRM builds upon the recommendations made by the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service last November, as well as the National Broadband Plan last March.

The Commission’s consideration of these recommendations is essential for modernizing and improving the programs. By ensuring that only eligible consumers participate in the programs, that the annual verification requirements are effective, and that we minimize duplicative services to households, we likely can extract some efficiencies in the programs that could be used to further address the voice and broadband needs of low-income consumers.

I am encouraged by our full exploration in this Notice of the use of an electronic database that would permit real-time checks on consumer eligibility and participation in the Lifeline and Link Up programs. Such a database has the potential to offer us savings in the long run—savings that could be used to further address the needs of low-income consumers. It is very appropriate that this Commission work towards a broadband-based solution that all Lifeline and Link Up providers could rely upon to make these programs more efficient and effective.

I am also pleased that we are asking some very basic questions in this Notice, such as how much support truly is required for both the initiation of voice service through Link Up, and the monthly benefit that Lifeline provides.

Where we can identify savings, those funds could be used to begin addressing and supporting the broadband needs of low-income consumers which we know are significant. Less than half of lowincome Americans have subscribed to broadband, and one-third of Americans who have not purchased broadband, say they have not done so due to the expense of obtaining such service.

We also know that for those

Honorable Mignon L. Clyburn, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission consumers who are struggling to pay for their basic needs, there is very little discretionary income left to afford broadband service. One analyst recently noted that 40% of U.S. households have just $100 of disposable income, after paying for their food, shelter, and transportation.

Yet broadband service is just as much a necessity today, as phone service was when the Commission established the Lifeline and Link Up programs 26 years ago. Without broadband at home, it is more difficult for citizens to look for a new job and interact with government services. Indeed, some government agencies only offer their services to consumers via the Internet.

For these reasons, over the last year, I have repeatedly stated that we must fully focus on our nation’s broadband adoption gap. I believe that we will not successfully bridge this gap for low-income consumers if we don’t address the affordability issue. Given the expansive modern communications needs of low-income Americans, we would be on a fool’s errand if we think that we can address both voice and broadband requirements, while simultaneously capping the fund. To be clear, I don’t subscribe to the belief that the Fund will meet all of these needs, even if it is not capped. I believe it will take both the public and private sectors to address these issues. I am hopeful that with the discounts

24  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

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providers already offer to low-income consumers, along with the broadband pilot projects proposed herein, and with the flexibility of consumers to use their Lifeline discount for bundled voice and broadband services, we can find effective solutions to bridge the digital divide for most low-income Americans.

This is not an easy task, but I challenge every Lifeline and Link Up

provider, every broadband provider, and all other interested stakeholders, including Congress, the states, consumer advocates, and public interest groups, to help us find the most effective solutions for improving the current Lifeline and Link Up programs for voice service, and to stretch the programs’ dollars even further, so that we can cover broadband services. I

also wish to praise those broadband providers that have recognized the significant need of low-income consumers and have started their own adoption programs, and I hope that they continue to share their work with us. By learning what has and has not been successful, we can better address the modern communications needs of all Americans. ď ƒ

Big Win For Small Businesses

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dition, deposits cannot be charged when service is being reestablished after failure to pay back charges.

Small business customers are customers that either: • Use less than 40,000 kilowatt-hours a year or use less than 20 kilowatts at a time (known as the energy demand) or use fewer than 10,000 therms of gas a year; or • Qualify as a microbusiness under Gov C §14837. 2. “Microbusiness” is defined as a small business which, together with affiliates, has average annual gross receipts of three million five hundred thousand dollars ($3,500,000) or less over the previous three years, or is a manufacturer with 25 or fewer employees.

If you think your utility company has back billed you, call your utility and try to resolve the problem with them directly (PG&E, SoCal Edison, SDG&E or SoCal Gas). If your utility will not work with you contact the California Public Utilities Commission CPUC at 1.800.649.7570 to file a complaint or go to the TURN website at www.turn. org and file a complaint. Once you have filed a complaint with the CPUC, your utility has 10 days to respond.

If you would like more information call The Utility Reform Network at: 1-800355-TURN (8876). You can also visit the TURN website at www.turn.org. 

The Utility Reform Network (TURN) is a statewide organization that has protected California consumers from hundreds of millions of dollars of unnecessary rate hikes proposed by energy and telecom utilities during the past 30 years through vigorous and effective representation of consumer interests in proceedings at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and by winning consumer protection measures at the state legislature.

TURN stands up for consumer rights, affordable rates and a more livable California.

TURN challenges California’s powerful energy and telephone companies, saving consumers and small businesses millions, and demanding reliable service and environmentally sound policies. Our activities focus on three areas: • We advocate for fair prices. Our skilled legal team saves utility customers millions and advances groundbreaking policies and programs at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the State Legislature.

• We assist consumers with individual needs. Our consumer advisors help consumers understand their bills, challenge unjust utility company practices and access information about important money-saving programs.

• We mobilize people statewide to take action for change. Our action team provides accurate and understandable information about critical energy and phone issues, and mobilizes people statewide for change through our campaigns.

With a track record of lowering rates, making services more accessible, and increasing the statewide use of renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies, TURN has long been a leader in making communities better places to live. At the beginning of 2008, TURN embarked upon a profound transformation that emphasizes a grassroots strategy to educate and mobilize marginalized constituencies from communities with limited English proficiency, urban–based communities of color, and low–income communities in rural and inland regions of the state. In order to build the capacity of underrepresented communities to influence policy outcomes, TURN has committed itself to broadening its community partnerships and diversifying its leadership, while continuing to advocate for consumer interests at the CPUC.

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Government

hanks to the hard work of groups like The Utility Reform Network (TURN), small business are no longer subject to unreasonable back billing rules and now enjoy similar protections to the ones residential customers have.

Huge back-bills can literally bankrupt small business without a lot of extra cash. TURN advocated for the same limits that apply to residential customers; 3 months in cases of utility errors, to apply to small businesses. The previous rules allowed utility companies to hold small businesses responsible for up to 3 years of back charges due to utility billing or meter error. For some small businesses the charges literally meant the difference between staying open or laying of workers. The new rules revises utility back-billing tariffs so that utilities may only back-bill small businesses for up to three months rather than the current rule of three years.

In these difficult economic times, it is good to know that small business can no longer be subject to the huge utility bills the previous rules allowed.

“Billing error” can include incorrect meter reads, clerical errors, incorrect billing calculations and wrong daily billing factor, among other things. “Meter error” relates to non-registering or incorrectly registering meters, which result in a slow meter and, thus, undercharges to the residential customer.

Deposits on top of those bills were also creating an additional burden for business customers who were hit with huge back bills and fell behind on payments. Now, no additional deposit will be required for a small business to restore service in back billing cases, and all deposits for small businesses will have new limits.

Although the Commission did not go as far as TURN had hoped in forbidding deposits to re-establish service and late payment deposits, there are better restrictions on the size of the deposit, which will now be limited to 2 times the average monthly bill. In ad-

2011 OSDBU

Procurement Conference April 21, 2011 Dulles Expo Center, South Hall

T

he OSDBU Procurement Conference (www.fbcinc.com/osdbu) is a national conference fostering business partnerships between the Federal Government, its Prime Contractors, and small, minority, service-disabled veteran-owned, veteranowned, HUBZone, and women-owned businesses.

Procurement Opportunities

Procurement Matchmaking

Procurement Matchmaking will be offered as a value-added opportunity to meet with buyers in special, prescheduled one-on-one meetings with

How Does Matchmaking Work? How Do I Participate?

• Register for the Conference -- In order to participate in Procurement Matchmaking, you must first register for the conference by completing the Attendee or Exhibitor Registration Form (click here to register). Registration for the Procurement Matchmaking program will be offered on a first come, first serve basis to the first 300 companies that register for the overall conference and select participation in Procurement Matchmaking.

2010’s conference had well over 900 waitlisted for this event so don’t delay in registering early.

• Receipt of Confirmed Matchmaking Registration (starting January 2011 until February 2011) -- Upon completion and verification of your registration in the OSDBU Conference, you will receive an email confirming your position in the Procurement Matchmaking event within 48

hours. If the event is “sold out” you will be placed on a wait list.

• Complete Separate Registration for Procurement Matchmaking (February 2011) -– During the first week of February 2011 all businesses registered for the Matchmaking event will receive an email inviting them to go to the Matchmaking registration page and complete their company profile in anticipation of being matched with buyers for a custom schedule.

This registration process will entail providing a company description, contact information and special keywords/codes that will be used to match your company with participating procurement representatives for a special, customized Matchmaking meeting schedule.

• Set your Custom Face-to-Face Schedule of Matchmaking Meetings -- During the first week of April 2011 the Matchmaking Team will send you an email inviting you to return to the system to begin the matchmaking scheduling process.

During this process you will be presented with a schedule for the day and the selection of procurement representatives that match with your organization based on the keywords you provided at the time of registration. With this information, you will be able to build a schedule of appointments with your matches to best organize your day. 

29  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

www.fbcinc.com/osdbu

Government

Exhibitors from Federal, state and local governments and Federal Government large business prime contractors are looking for small, minority, 8(a), SDB, HUBZone Empowerment Contracting Program participants, service-disabled veteran-owned, veteranowned, and women-owned businesses who provide the goods and services listed below.

Federal agencies post information on contract opportunities over $25,000 on the Internet through FedBizOpps at http://www.fedbizopps.gov. Visit the FedBizOpps website to register for electronic notification of contract opportunities.

Subcontracting opportunities with large business prime contractors can be found at http://web.sba.gov/subnet.

Additionally, exhibitors may bring procurement opportunities with them for distribution at the conference.

participating buyers during the conference. This portion of the event is limited in availability and is offered to small businesses registered for the overall conference on a first come, first serve basis. Procurement Matchmaking “matches” small company “sellers” with participating “buyers” represented by government agencies and large business Prime Contractors. These buyers and sellers will convene for a series of one-on-one meetings that will occur throughout the OSDBU event in a special matchmaking meeting room.

African Vibes 5th Anniversary Celebration INCLUDES: “I WEAR AFRICAN” RUNWAY SHOW AND THE AFRICAN DIAMOND AWARDS

DATE: May 1st 2011 DRESS CODE: An All White Affair LOCATION: Avalon Hollywood, 1725 Vine St, Hollywood, CA 90028 MORE: Advance Tickets available soon Find out more at http://anniversary.africanvibes.com

Join Our Mailing List!

African Vibes Communications, Inc PO Box 10203 Canoga Park, California 91309 877-692-8624

T

Jobs Act Tour Schedule

he U.S. Small Business Administration Jobs Act Tour provides an excellent opportunity to meet with leaders from SBA, give input on new regulations, and learn how you can take advantage of new tools coming out of the Small Business Jobs Act (www.sba.gov/content/small-business-jobs-act-2010).

During the Tour presentation you will learn more about: • getting an SBA loan • competing for federal contracts • finding training and counseling resources

Columbus March 28 www.sba.gov/jobsacttour/columbus Miami March 28 www.sba.gov/jobsacttour/miami Atlanta March 30 www.sba.gov/jobsacttour/atlanta New York March 30 www.sba.gov/jobsacttour/newyorkcity Boston April 1 www.sba.gov/jobsacttour/boston San Antonio April 1

www.sba.gov/jobsacttour/sanantonio Albuquerque April 11 www.sba.gov/jobsacttour/albuquerque San Diego April 11 www.sba.gov/jobsacttour/sandiego Denver April 13 www.sba.gov/jobsacttour/denver Seattle April 13 www.sba.gov/jobsacttour/seattle Chicago April 15 www.sba.gov/jobsacttour/chicago Huntsville April 15 www.sba.gov/jobsacttour/huntsville Washington, DC TBD www.sba.gov/jobsacttour/washingtondc 

31  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

Government

• starting or increasing exports Review the event schedule and registration guidelines by visiting the event link for the city of your choice. 

Trade Opportunities, Challenges/Contests, Contracts, & Grants Trade Opps

sai@trade.gov

T

he U.S. Commercial Service www.trade.gov/cs is the trade promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. U.S. Commercial Service trade professionals in over 100 U.S. cities and in nearly 80 countries help U.S. companies get started in exporting or increase sales to new global markets.

The International Buyer Program (IBP) of the U.S. Commercial Service

•Waste Expo 2011, Dallas, TX, May 9-12, 2011, Amanda.Ayvaz@trade.gov •2011 National Hardware Show with Lawn and Garden World, Las Vegas, NV, May 10-12, 2011 Graylin.Presbury@trade.gov •Electric Power 2011, Rosemont, IL, May 10-12, 2011, Mark.Wells@trade. gov •National Restaurant & Hotel-Motel Show, Chicago, IL, May 21-24, 2011, Carol.Rudman@trade.gov

Business

•International Pow Wow 2011 - Travel/ Tourism Industries, San Francisco, CA, May 21-25, 2011, Shelby.Peterson@ trade.gov

has announced the list of U.S. trade events selected to participate in the 2011 program. To exhibit your business to buyers around the world select the shows you are interested in and contact the IBP at a Commercial Service office near you by calling 1-800-USATRADE (872-8723).

For market research, more trade events, trade leads, and information on how to export, please visit www.Export.gov.

•International Franchise Expo 2011 , Washington, DC, April 1-3, 2011, Mark.

Wells@trade.gov •High Point Market-Spring, High Point, NC, April 2-7, 2011, James.Yi@trade. gov •International Franchise Expo 2011 April 9-11, 2011 •The 2011 NAB Show (National Association of Broadcasters), Las Vegas, NV, April 11-14, 2011, Shelby.Peterson@ trade.gov •Offshore Technology Conference, Houston, TX, May 2-5, 2011, Vidya.De-

•AWEA WINDPOWER Conference and Exhibition 2011 (American Wind Energy Association), Anaheim, CA, May 22-25, 2011, Mark.Wells@trade.gov •2011 American Water Works Association Annual Conference and Exhibition (ACE11), Washington, DC, June 12-16, 2011, Vidya.Desai@trade.gov •National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Conference & Expo, Boston, MA June 12-14, 2011, James.Yi@ trade.gov •InfoComm International, Orlando, FL, June 15-17, 2011, Graylin.Presbury@ trade.gov •HBA (Health and Beauty Association) Global Expo, New York, NY, June 2830, 2011, Amanda.Ayvaz@trade.gov •American Association for Clinical Chemistry, Atlanta, GA, July 24-28, 2011, Shelby.Peterson@trade.gov •AUVSI’s Unmanned Vehicle Systems International 2011, August 16-19, 2011, Carol.Rudman@trade.gov

Washington, DC, 3rd Exhibition & Conference for the All-Renewable Energy Industry, Sept 20-22, 2011, Mark.

Wells@trade.gov •Natural Products Expo East/Organic Products Expo – BioFach America September 21-24, 2011, Baltimore, MD, Shelby.Peterson@trade.gov •PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2011, September 26-28, 2011, Vidya.Desai@ trade.gov •High Point Market – Fall 2011, High Point, NC, October 22-27, 2011, Philippa.Olsen@trade.gov •National Funeral Directors Association International Convention and Expo, Chicago, IL, October 23-26, 2011, James.Yi@trade.gov •IFAI Expo Americas 2011 (Industrial Fabrics Association International), Baltimore, MD, October 25-27, 2011, Amanda.Ayvaz@trade.gov •Louisiana Gulf Coast Oil Expo (LAGCOE) 2011, Lafayette, LA, October 2527, 2011, Mark.Wells@trade.gov •The SEMA Show & AAPEX: Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week 2011 (AAIW 2011), Las Vegas, NV, November 1-4, 2011, Shelby.Peterson@trade. gov •American Film Market 2011, Washington, DC, November 2-9, 2011, Sean.

Timmins@trade.gov •Greater New York Dental Meeting November, New York, NY, November 2530, 2011, Carol.Rudman@trade.gov •POWER-GEN International 2011, Las Vegas, NV, December 6-8, 2011, Blanche.Ziv@trade.gov

•Graph Expo 2011, September 11-14, 2011, Chicago, IL, James.Yi@trade. gov •RETECH (Renewable Energy Technology Conference & Exhibition) 2011,

32  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

WWW.TRADE.GOV/CS

Challenges/ Contests

see page 33

C

hallenge.gov works when you tell people you care about an issue, or participate in a challenge. The government posts challenges in many areas of public concern - health, employment, environment and more. Citizens share the challenge information with friends and neighbors.

Then, talented and caring people find and offer suggestions for resolving problems and support the resolutions they think best meet the challenge.

When you read about a challenge at www.challenge.gov that you or someone you know has the concern, knowledge and experience to formulate and submit a suggested resolution, Sign Up and participate. New challenges are posted periodically and many challenges are in progress right now, so visit the challenge.gov website regularly to stay abreast and to participate.

WWW.CHALLENGE.GOV

T

Contracts

he Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) of 2006 requires that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) establish a single searchable website, accessible to the public at no cost, which includes for each Federal award:

• • • •

the name of the entity receiving the award; the amount of the award; information on the award including transaction type, funding agency, etc; the location of the entity receiving the award; and a unique identifier of the entity receiving the award.

USAspending.gov was first launched in December 2007 to fulfill these requirements. Prime award information shown on the website is provided by Federal Agencies through four main source systems (see Sources of Data).

USAspending.gov receives and displays data pertaining to obligations (amounts awarded for federally sponsored projects during a given budget period), not outlays or expenditures (actual cash disbursements made against each project). Read the latest OMB-issued memoranda M-09-19, “Guidance on Data Submission under

pertaining to sub-award reporting can be found under News.

WWW.STARTUPAMERICAPARTNERSHIP.ORG

Track and learn about entrepreneureal opportunities through the Startup America Partnership. Information is also available at: www.kauffman. org, twitter.com/startupamerica and www.facebook.com/startupamerica.

WWW.USASPENDING.GOV

Grants

DOI: Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Environmental Training for Youth Modification 2 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=53518 DOI: Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Migratory Birds Diagnostic, field, and training assistance for avian health and disease

Modification 3 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=69173 monitoring

USAID: Agency for International Development Ethiopia USAID-Addis Ababa Pastoralist Areas Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Program Modification 3 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=76893 USAID: Agency for International Development Haiti USAID-Port Au Prince HAITI REHABILITATION AND REINTEGRATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES PROGRAM Modification 1 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=78693

USAID: Agency for International Development Ethiopia USAID-Addis Ababa Graduation with Resilience to Achieve Sustainable Development (GRAD) Modification 2 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=78773 USAID: Agency for International Development Afghanistan USAID-Kabul Afghanistan Civilian Assistance Program II (ACAP II) Modification 1 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=81493 DHS: Department of Homeland Security Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Grants.gov Test Solicitation Modification 1 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=82693 HHS: Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health Translation of Pluripotent Stem Cell Therapies for Blood Diseases (R01) Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=82733 USDOJ: Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Statistics Annual Surveys of Jails in Indian Country, 2012-2015 Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=82753 DOI: Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management BLM Idaho 2012 Challenge Cost Share Program (vice L10AS00199) Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=82853 HHS: Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention A National Coalition to Enhance STD/HIV Prevention through Promotion of a Holistic Approach to Health and Wellness Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=82873 DOI: Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation - Mid-Pacific Region Constant Fractional Marking Support at Trinity River Hatchery Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=82893 

33  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

WWW.GRANTS.GOV

Business

•

the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act” as it provides guidance to agencies on how to report information to USAspending.gov.

USAspending.gov has been recently updated with 2011 data to display of first-tier sub-award data (subcontracts and subgrants). Sub-award information shown on the website is provided by FSRS (see Sources of Data). The latest guidance documents

YOUR LINK TO AFRICAN AMERICAN BUSINESS OWNERS CELEBRATING OVER 40 YEARS OF SERVICE

37TH ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER IN RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK

THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2011 OMNI LOS ANGELES HOTEL AT CALIFORNIA PLAZA 251 SOUTH OLIVE STREET LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90012

Special Keynote Speaker

Tim A. Simon

Commissioner, California Public Utilities Commission

DINNER CHAIR Patten Energy Brandon Supply Corporation Freeman Alternative Resources, Inc. DINNER CO-CHAIRS

SUPPORTERS

Donald Sterling Corporation

For more information, contact the Black Business Association at: (323) 291-9334 | mail@bbala.org | www.bbala.org

Editorial

Black-Owned Businesses Take the Lead in Fighting Harmful Oil Taxes

By Earl “Skip” Cooper, II, President/CEO, Black Business Association

O

An economic study on a theoretical 12.5% oil extraction tax found the reduction it would force in oil production would cost thousands of jobs, require importing more foreign oil, and put upward pressure on gasoline prices.

Because the value of oil underground is taxed through property taxes, anything that lessens that value – as a new severance tax would do – means millions of dollars lost to schools and local governments at a time when many are facing great budget difficulties.

California taxes oil production already in many ways. Along with property taxes and corporate income taxes that are among the highest in the nation, California levies other taxes on oil production that other states do not.

We also pay the highest gasoline and diesel taxes which contribute to some of the highest fuel prices in the country.

A new oil severance tax – bringing more lost jobs, higher gas prices and lost tax revenue – isn’t the answer to anything.

By Election Day, March 8th, the coalition against Proposition O had grown considerably from those early days. Parents of Watts, California Small Business Alliance, United Steelworkers, Small Business Action Committee, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and many others understood the potential harm and joined in the effort to defeat Proposition O. With Proposition O, or a new statewide proposal that threatens more job losses and more hurdles for economic recovery, organizations representing African-American businesses and entrepreneurs understand the importance of being in the forefront of the effort to defeat a tax that would hurt the hard working men and women we represent. No surprise there.  “Skip” Cooper is President/CEO of the Black Business Association, headquartered in Los Angeles, California USA

35  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

Business

rganizations representing African-American businesses in the Greater Los Angeles area were in the forefront of the recent successful campaign against Proposition O on the March ballot.

The prominence of the Black Business Association, headquartered in Los Angeles, the International African and African American Chamber of Commerce, and the Regional Black Chamber of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley was noted with a hint of surprise by some as the campaign began.

It shouldn’t have come as a surprise.

Proposition O would have instituted a new $1.44 per barrel tax on oil production in the City of Los Angeles that would have brought more job losses, damaged to our local economy and reduced revenues for schools and county services.

Black-owned businesses – many already struggling to survive in this recession – are especially vulnerable to a new tax that would take $4 million out of the economy each year. That doesn’t just hit those working in the oil fields.

Businesses from the dry cleaners to your favorite local restaurant all feel the pinch as spending is reduced because of a new tax.

With unemployment in Los Angeles at a record 14%, more job losses are the last thing any neighborhood economy needs now.

Voters understand this. On March 8, they defeated not only Prop. O in Los Angeles, but also a 500% increase in a Beverly Hills oil tax that was on that city’s ballot.

In 2006, more than $60 million was spent supporting a statewide oil severance tax in Proposition 87. Voters rejected that one by a 10-point margin.

But some don’t get the message.

There are proposals again making the rounds for another ballot measure to create an oil severance tax.

Editorial

Recovery From Diaster Can Mean New Growth and Opportunity for MBEs

By Steven Turner

N

ews recently has been dominated by the Japan’s natural disasters and Libya’s geopolitical unrest, as well as escalating violence in Bahrain. Japan’s severe earthquake and resulting tsunami crippled Japan’s economy, but it has been the damage to Japan’s nuclear facilities that have made a tragic situation even worse.

While we are sadden by the tragedy of loss of life in Japan, and concern with international unrest in oil-centered markets, we must not lose sight of our focus – the prosperity, if not the survival of small and minority businesses throughout our own country.

While large natural disasters often have short-term negative impacts on the market, the economic conditions of minority business enterprises (MBEs) is a consistent and constant enigma in

the American landscape. The plight and conditions of MBEs don’t make it to the front pages of our newspapers, and rarely is discussed in great detail on national news. This is partially explained by the uncertainty that emerges in the aftermath of a disaster.

all, including small and minority businesses. It is not the disaster that will define Haiti or Japan. Rather, it is the recovery that will inspire new growth and new opportunities as well as serve as a transition from crisis to prosperity. The same is true for MBEs who currently are positioning themselves to take advantage of new opportunities in rebuilding what has been destroyed. While in the near term Middle East tensions and the crisis in Japan will stay at the forefront of the media’s focus, MBEs must accept that their fate may not deemed newsworthy.

What is more important than having one’s name in print is having money in bank accounts.  Steven Turner is a member of the Black Business Association, headquartered in Los Angeles, California USA

37  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

Business

How many lives are lost, what was the e c o n o m i c impact, and how does it rank in historical c o n t e x t ?

Te m p o r a r y uncertainty and grief are part of natural disasters. Long struggles, sorrows and achievements are part of MBEs’ history.

W i t h o u t doubt, through a combination of

tax relief and government assistance, Japan will rebuild. As the third largest economy in the world (behind the United States and China), it has the industrial foundation and logistics to recovery from the worlds’ most expensive natural disaster. While the circumstances are in totally different in Haiti, there still exist an economic and monetary paper trail that MBEs would be wise to follow.

Amongst all this, there is the uplifting news that a united world has demonstrated a “togetherness” in coming to the aid of natural disaster victims. And often, this creates an improved economic landscape for

Editorial

Toyota Motor Company Disrespects and Devalues the Patronage of their Black Consumers

By Danny J. Bakewell Sr., Chairman, NNPA (Black Press of America)

Business

I

have recently been shocked and appalled by ads that I and other Black publishers saw in several major newspapers (The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, etc.) confirming that Toyota spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to advertise in white mainstream daily newspapers “THANKING” their general market consumers for their loyalty and patronage to Toyota during their time of major controversy and concerns over the safety of Toyota’s vehicles.

Thanking their customers is a smart move on Toyota’s behalf and one that I applaud. However, we can’t overlook the fact that Black people represent almost 10% of Toyota’s American market share, and with a $1.2 billion annual advertising budget it is not unreasonable for the Black Press to always expect to have a stake in Toyota’s advertising (including Black advertising agencies).

Nevertheless, Black newspapers were left off Toyota’s latest marketing campaign, sending a clear and direct message that the Black consumer is still being taken for granted and Black people are still being disrespected and undervalued. This is disappointing behavior from a company who was all too eager to send us their press releases and ask us to write stories and editorials to influence Black America to stay with them in their time of trouble.

But now that Toyota’s pain has been essentially eased (for now) by a report issued by the Federal Transportation Department and NASA that found no faults with Toyota’s electronic accelerator controls, the Black press has once again been forgotten along with the Black consumer.

Toyota should note that it is going to take more than a passing grade on a Federal Transportation report

card to bring back the consumer safety confidence enjoyed (for years) by Toyota from American consumers prior to one of the largest vehicle recalls in U.S. history.

So when the decision was made to advertise in mainstream newspapers from coast to coast “THANKING” their customers for their loyalty, where was Toyota’s loyalty to the 10% of African- American consumers?

DON’T WE ALSO DESERVE A GREAT BIG THANK YOU? Historically, there has always been an imbalance between what goes out of the Black community and what comes into the Black community relative to retail goods, services and representation. Despite the fact that the buying power of America’s Blacks is reported to be roughly $1 trillion this year! And it is highly doubtful that Blackowned businesses will report revenue numbers that are the same and/or reap any of the benefits proportionate to our buying power.

However, the question still remains, why is Toyota undervaluing the Black consumer and showing our community such blatant disrespect? Tried, True, and Tested — the NNPA (Black Press of America) remains the gatekeeper for reaching the Black community.

Corporations and advertising agencies wanting and needing to reach the African-American consumer must understand the relationship of the Black Press with Black people. They must

remember to place their advertising messages on the pages of Black newspapers throughout America, and Black consumers will respond in kind (Black advertising agencies could help them with this). The days of being silent and complaining among ourselves regarding these unethical and immoral business practices are over.

When Toyota wanted our help, it had no problem seeking all 200 Black newspapers in America to do just that.

Their message to Black people was — PLEASE HELP US, WE VALUE YOUR BUSINESS. We do not want Toyota to use us for editorial coverage and then overlook us with their advertising dollars.

Black newspapers are not afraid to demand fair representation and a seat to dine at Toyota’s table, especially when their food is purchased with approximately 10% of Black consumer dollars. We are not interested in fighting with Toyota however, Toyota has enjoyed healthy African-American consumer support, and despite last year’s set back we have remained loyal. If you want to thank Black consumers for our loyalty and keep our business, do it on the pages of the Black newspapers that Black people READ, RESPECT, TRUST AND OWN!! As Chairman of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, I represent 200 Black publishers throughout America. I am challenging Toyota’s Chairman and CEO to do the right thing and meet with me to discuss the future of their relationship with Black consumers and whether or not we as Black newspaper publishers should continue supporting Toyota or should organize a campaign to take the African American’s brand loyalty to Toyota elsewhere. WE WILL NOT BUY WHERE WE ARE DISRESPECTED….

THAT IS A PROMISE! 

We will not buy where we are disrespected…

That is a promise!

Danny Bakewell Sr. is the Chairman of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, parent organization to more than 200 independently owned Black newspapers.

38  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

Business Development

Building Your Business for Success: The Importance of Ownership

O

ne of the keys to economic independence for African American business owners is the acquisition and ownership of commercial real estate. By controlling the buildings and land that house the means of generating revenue, an entrepreneur can better attain the goal that underpins what being in business is all about: maximum self-determination.

With interest rates now at historically low levels and the economy growing at a slow pace, now is a prime time for many business owners to consider the purchase of commercial real estate. The benefits and drawbacks to commercial real estate ownership vary from business owner to business owner, but potential buyers should educate themselves about the obvious and sometimes hidden benefits to the ownership of a commercial property. Below are some of the major benefits to real estate ownership, versus leasing a commercial space.

Tax Deductions

For many Black business owners, a primary benefit of commercial real estate ownership is the tax deductibility of property that can be taken on the interest portion of the monthly commercial loan payment. These deductions can be substantial and each business owner should consult a qualified tax specialist about his or her unique situation.

Equity Appreciation

On average, commercial real estate properties will appreciate about two to three percent above inflation over the long term. Paying rent provides no appreciation or equity. Quite candidly, the BBA has members who have been paying rent for a decade or more, with no equity accrued and never having positioned themselves to benefit from any hope of equity appreciation. Using some of the most conservative estimates, potential equity appreciation can result in significant financial gains over a period of decades.

A Retirement Fund

Through various circumstances, many minority and small business owners will not receive a pension when they decide to retire. In such cases, the equity appreciation on commercial property can be significant. An owner can decide either to sell the property upon retirement to cash in on equity appreciation, or lease the property to another business for a continuous retirement income stream. In fact, in some situations, a business owner may be able to lease out an unused portion of the property, such as a spare office, before retirement for additional income.

Added Value To Business

Unlike some residential loans, many commercial loans are assumable. This makes the business and its real estate much easier for a buyer to acquire, and enhances the value of the business tremendously.

No Taxes To Pay On Your Rent

When a business leases its real estate, sales tax is paid on the rent paid to the landlord. When you own the real estate there is no tax to pay on the rent. The savings can be significant.

Easy Access To Financing

Historically-low, thirty-year fixed interest mortgage rates are now available for owner-occupied commercial properties.

Furthermore, there are flexible interest-only options from which entrepreneurs can benefit. In fact, in some instances, with strong financials a business owner may qualify for loan financing up to 100% of the purchase price for commercial real estate. A business owner should consult an experienced commercial mortgage adviser before making an offer on a commercial property, so that in addition to the tangible benefits outlined above, the business owner will have the satisfaction that only comes with property ownership. Truer words have never been spoken: “God bless the child that’s got his own�.

The Black Business Association will soon launch a program to assist African American business owners in acquiring commercial and industrial real estate.

Jerome E. Horton

1100 Corporate Center Drive, Suite 203 Monterey Park, CA 91754

Chairman, California State Board of Equalization

Michelle Steel

550 Deep Valley Drive, Suite 355 Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274

Vice Chair, California State Board of Equalization

California Educational Solutions National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO-LA)

invite you

to

attend

the

Connecting Women to Power Business Conference Wednesday, March 30, 2011

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS Janice Bryant Howroyd Chief Executive Officer, Act 1 Group Maria Marin International Motivational Speaker, Negotiation Expert Rosario Marin Former Treasurer of the United States

LOCATION California State University, Dominguez Hills 1000 E. Victoria Street Carson, CA 90747 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (check in at 8:00 a.m.)

No cost to attend.

Complimentary continental breakfast and box lunch provided.

Parking $4.00, cash only.

REGISTER NOW! www.boe.ca.gov/sutax/wsched.htm 888-847-9652

Africa-American Film Festival Releasing Movement (AFFRM) New Theatrical Distribution Collective Dedicated to Black Independent Cinema

V

share their stories, their way.”

The First Issue: I WILL FOLLOW

The first AFFRM release is slated for March 11, 2011 with the festival award-winning feature, I WILL FOLLOW. Starring Salli Richardson-Whitfield and Omari Hardwick, with Blair Underwood and Beverly Todd, the film is an official selection of AFI Fest, Chicago International Film Festival, RiverRun Film Festival and winner of Urbanworld Film Festival for Narrative Audience Award.

I WILL FOLLOW explores the surprising thirst for life we experience after the death of someone we love.

Written and directed by Ava DuVernay, the festival award-winning drama chronicles a day in the life of a grieving woman (Salli Richardson-Whitfield), and the twelve visitors who help her move forward in a brave, new world.

Starring Salli Richardson-Whitfield (“I Am Legend” “Antwone Fisher”), along with Blair Underwood (“The Event”), Omari Hardwick (“For Colored Girls”), Beverly Todd (“Crash”), Dijon Talton

(“Glee”), Tracie Thoms (“Rent”), and Michole White (“She Hate Me”). Miguel Bunster (“La Linea”) is the director of photography, with production design by Jennifer Spence (Paranormal Activity II). The casting director is Aisha Coley (“The Secret Life of Bees”) and the editor is Spencer Averick (“My Mic Sounds Nice”). The film is produced by Ava DuVernay and Denise Sexton, with Howard Barish as executive producer, Molly Mayeux as producer and Tilane Jones as associate producer.

How To Participate

In addition to inviting everyone to support the films as each is issued, AFFRM invites volunteers to assist with the success and growth of this new venture. Visit the organization website (www.affrm.com) to volunteer in your region and learn more about the organization. 

41  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

Business

eteran industry executive Ava DuVernay has announced the formation of the AfricanAmerican Film Festival Releasing Movement (AFFRM), a new theatrical distribution entity powered by the nation’s finest black film festival organizations. The collective will theatrically release quality independent African-American films through simultaneous limited engagements in select cities.

The inaugural presenting black film organizations are Urbanworld Film Festival with Imagenation in New York, Pan-African Film Festival in Los Angeles, ReelBlack in Philadelphia, BronzeLens Film Festival in Atlanta and Langston Hughes AfricanAmerican Film Festival in Seattle.

“In essence, what we’re doing is empowering ourselves by distributing our own images. There are robust black film organizations all over the country.

Our goal was to organize ourselves into a releasing entity, and our mission is to support black cinema in a very specific way – by offering a handful of black indies a theatrical release,” explained DuVernay. “We simply want to offer African-Americans quality black films, while at the same time create a safe haven for filmmakers of color to

Business

A

s part of President Obama’s national strategy to stimulate economic growth and the creation of quality jobs, the White House has announced the launch of the Startup America Partnership. Chaired by Steve Case, co-founder of AOL, CEO of Revolution LLC and chairman of the Case Foundation, the Partnership will receive launch funding from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and the Case Foundation, and act as an independent private-sector alliance intended to dramatically increase the development, prevalence and success of innovative, high-growth U.S. firms. Carl Schramm, CEO of the Kauffman Foundation, will serve as a founding board member of the effort.

The Startup America Partnership will work closely with the White House to advance the goals of its Startup America initiative. The Partnership will bring together top entrepreneurs, start-up firm funders, CEOs, university presidents, foundations, and other leaders to help entrepreneurial companies start or grow. Partners (including corporations, foundations, startup funders, CEOs and others) will contribute funds to existing proven models or develop new programs and efforts to help entrepreneurs.

“America’s story has been forged in large part by entrepreneurs who have against great odds created innovative products and services that have changed the world – and created millions of jobs,” said Steve Case. “Our nation once again looks to these creative risk-takers to unleash the next wave of American innovation, and I am pleased that President Obama has made supporting and celebrating entrepreneurs a major priority of his economic strategy. I am honored to chair the Startup

Startup America Partnership to Foster Innovative, High-Growth Firms in United States America Partnership, and look forward to working with the White House to champion the creation of new startups, and help accelerate the growth of speed-ups.”

“We are pleased to help lead this partnership,” said Carl Schramm. “At Kauffman, it is our mission to develop and fund programs to support entrepreneurs, and to help educate policymakers about the role entrepreneurship and innovation play in our society. This partnership will bring together partners from across the private, public and non-profit sectors, working together toward a common goal: supporting the entrepreneurs who are the lifeblood of our economy.”

To date, more than a dozen firms and organizations have joined the Startup America Partnership. They include the following commitments: • Increased corporate investment and support for startups from companies such as Intel, HP, IBM, Facebook, and others, including: Intel Capital will commit $200M of new investment in U.S. companies. Senior Intel leadership will also serve the Startup America Partnership and share best practices from years of successful programs designed to support Intel portfolio companies.

IBM will invest $150 million in 2011 to fund programs that promote entrepreneurs and new business opportunities in the United States.

HP is investing more than $4 million in 2011 in the HP Learning Initiative for Entrepreneurs (HP LIFE), a global program launched in 2007 that uses educational and technology outreach aimed at helping entrepreneurs and small business owners create and grow commercial opportunities.

As part of Facebook’s ongoing commitment to encourage entrepreneurs, the company will launch Startup Days, a new series of 12 to 15 events around the country designed to provide entrepreneurs with access to expertise, resources and engineers to help accelerate their businesses.

• To foster entrepreneurship through higher education, as part of its overall $50 million commitment to entrepreneurship, The Blackstone Charitable Foundation has announced a $5 million expansion of the Blackstone LaunchPad program piloted at two Detroit colleges. Based on a model created by the University of Miami, LaunchPad will be replicated over the next five years in five other distressed regions around the country.

The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), a nonprofit that provides entrepreneurship education for at-risk high school students from low-income communities, is launching new programs supporting young entrepreneurs and their teachers.

42  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

ties committed to commercialization outcomes, through efforts that include clearing the path to market for primary research, supporting the extension of successful accelerator programs, and spurring regional ecosystem development, faculty engagement, and streamlined technology licensing.

The Startup America Partnership will continue to marshal private-sector resources to spur entrepreneurship in the U.S. with a focus on three key areas: Acceleration and Scale: Replicate successful community-based entrepreneurship accelerator programs; encourage increase in experienced mentors to support startups and encourage partnerships with large companies to serve as customers or funders of current firms.

Education: Identify resources to help expand high-impact entrepreneurship education throughout the country Commercialization: Increase the number of colleges and universi-

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Business

Ernst & Young LLP will honor NFTE youth entrepreneurs at regional Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Award® galas across the country, bringing important attention to the next generation of young entrepreneurs. The Pearson Foundation is working with NFTE to build its Digital Teacher Network, a free online community for teacher collaboration and training that will be used not only

by NFTE’s 5,000 certified teachers but also by any educator interested in entrepreneurship. Google is sponsoring two new efforts in NFTE’s Bay Area programs: The Flat Classroom Exchange will allow local educators to team-teach the NFTE program in real time and leverage each teacher’s individual expertise, while the Makers Class project will integrate NFTE’s curriculum with invention and engineering lessons. New Markets Education Partners is providing NFTE with seed capital to launch in 2011 an interactive, online business planning course and social network connecting mentors, teachers and students.

For more information about the Startup America Partnership and to see a full list of partner commitments, visit www.startupamericapartnership. org and www.kauffman.org. Follow the Partnership on twitter.com/startupamerica and www.facebook.com/ startupamerica. 

and

Comedy Night Join the Fun! Share the Laughs!

43  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

rants, videos (games and movies),

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.

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I’m very excited to share with you a new book, “MLMtheMYTH.” It digs into the documented truth behind why the vast majority of us cannot make a

and other entertainments, and more.

Also check to coupon specials. This site is a shoppers delight but also with home and business budgets under strain checking whats out on Slick Deals before you buy could be financially beneficial.

At Slickdeals they pride themselves on picking the best deals for their front page listing and they created the Slickdeals Commitment to guarantee that the deals are genuinely “slick”. When a deal is frontpaged, it is a stamp of approval both from their community and their staff that have done their due diligence in picking out the very best. This commitment only ap-

ate comes from limestone collected as waste material from existing quarries for the building and construction industry. It is ground up down to a fine powder like chalk and the HDPE acts as a binder for the Calcium Carbonate. Together these materials create a tough, durable bright white paper that is both water and tear resistant made without petroleum!

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Magzter, The Global Mobile Magazine Store. An innovative product of the digital era, Magzter takes mobile publishing to the next level. It offers an interactive new age touch to magazines without losing the lustrous reading experience that most magazine lovers cherish. On Magzter,

plies to the frontpage deal listings.

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Business

FiberStone® natural stone paper is quite simply a tree-free, durable paper made of stone. No other prod-

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Kor Message Stone of FiberStone® Paper uct on the planet compares to our FiberStone® paperas an eco-friendly, sustainable, recyclable paper. FiberStone® natural stone paper is a smart choice for any application requiring a tough, durable and eco-friendly paper or film.

FiberStone® Natural Stone Paper is made from 80% Calcium Carbonate (CaCO) with a small quantity (20%) of non-toxic resin (HDPE- High Density Polyethylene). The Calcium Carbon-

readers can browse through magazines, choose articles and read them like they would do in real life!

To a publisher, Magzter becomes the ultimate solution to his transition into the mobile age! Magzter with an undemanding self-serve interface allows publishers to distribute their magazines across a host of mobile devices and platforms like iPhone, iPad, Android, PC, Mac, etc.  Submitted by LaSandra Stratton, Chief Content Administrator of the Black Business News.

44  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

Quote of Note...

Global Business Event to be Held in United States for First Time

“I want every child in this country to head back to school in the fall knowing that their education is America’s priority. Let’s seize this education moment. Let’s fix No Child Left Behind.”

After editions in Belgium, Poland, Canada, Qatar, and most recently France, the sixteenth edition of FUTURALLIA 2011 will take place in Kansas City, Missouri, May 2011. Whether you call it business matchmaking, business speed dating, or B2B meetings, FUTURALLIA is a fast-paced and intense business event where, all in all, more than 9,000 meetings will take place.

The concept is simple: to gather more than 800 entrepreneurs from countries across the globe for two days of pre-selected and pre-arranged one-on-one networking meetings. Futurallia’s proprietary match-making software system has been perfected with twenty years of experience. The Kauffman Foundation is proud to be a sponsor of Futurallia KC 2011. For more information, and to register for this event, visit www.FuturalliaKC2011.com

President Barack H.Obama

45  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

Business

FUTURALLIA 2011 Comes to Kansas City

Dear Business Leader, There are nearly 7 million private, employer firms in America.

Only the very best are awarded the distinction of being named to the Inc.500|5000, the gold standard of entrepreneurial success.

It’s time you got the recognition you deserve. Having your company listed at the top recognizes your prowess as an entrepreneurial leader.

Potential customers will seek you out. Your current customers will refer you. Your vendors will work harder for you, and your employees will take pride in seeing their work recognized.

You’ll be listed with other leading companies at Inc.com, and your company may be featured in the September 2011 issue.

Business

If you are proud of your company’s growth over the past three years, you owe it to yourself — and to your employees — to apply for the Inc.500|5000. It’s easy. The benefits are many. Find out more at

www.inc5000apply.com.

IRS Extends Tax Filing Deadline to April 18th

T

he Internal Revenue Service kicked off the U.S. tax filing season, announcing that taxpayers will have until April 18, 2011 to file their 2010 returns and pay their tax bills because of a holiday on April 15th.

The agency also said that it would not be ready to process returns carrying itemized deductions until mid- to late February, because it has to reprogram its processing systems following the passage of a big tax bill at the end of 2010.

April 15th is Emancipation Day, a holiday observed in the District of Co-

lumbia. Taxpayers who file extensions will have until October 17, 2011 to file their 2010 tax returns.

Taxpayers who won’t be able to file until mid-February include those claiming itemized deductions on Schedule A, higher education deductions on Form

8917, and teachers claiming their $250 deduction for classroom expenses.

The tax agency has started posting filing information for the new season on its website, www.irs.gov. 

46  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

by Linda Stern, Reuters

Business | Technology | Green | Health Expo

SAVe tHe DAte August 12, 13 & 14, 2011 Los Angeles Convention Center This is an OurWeekly/Urban Media Foundation event

Join us for Business Workshops, Job Fair, Jr. Business Camp, Celebrity Fashion Show, Gospel Show, Healthier You Competition, Celebrity Chefs, Food Demonstrations, LA-Live VIP Mixer, and much more!

Search for West Coast expo on Facebook

$5 in advance, $7 at the door exhibit space available. reserve you booth before March 31 and mention this ad to receive 10% off. Call today (323) 905-1306

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47  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

City of Los Angeles Business Inclusion Program

Business

In January 2011 Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa signed an Executive Directive which enacted the Business Inclusion Program.

Under this new Directive, the City of Los Angeles is striving to increase the participation of small, emerging, veteran, women and minority-owned businesses in City contracts.

The Directive requires all City department to utilize the City’s electronic marketplace, Los Angeles Business Assistance Virtual Network (www.labavn. org), to post all opportunities subject to advertising. We hope you encourage your constituents to register on www.labavn. org to receive notifications of contracting opportunities as well as updates on implementing this new Directive.

Additionally, please visit www. losangelesworks.org, for additional information regarding doing business in and with the City of Los Angeles.

Mayor’s Office of Economic & Business Policy

48  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

Harvest Power Turns Food Waste into Energy

By David Worthington for Smart Planet

A

cadre of inv e s tors is betting that there are big bucks in our garbage.

Harvest Power, a Massachusetts based renewable energy startup, has just raised US$51.7 million in Series B financing.

Harvest Power converts bio waste — including food scraps and yard waste – into energy at its facility in Vancouver. The facility utilizes an anaerobic digestion technology to extract methane from the waste – essentially mimicking nature.

“Investors recognize our platform as the smart, cost-effective choice for managing organic waste,” Paul Sellew, CEO of Harvest said in a prepared statement.

“Communities trust us to carry their organic management plans forward and provide local renewable energy

T

his is the first time in human history that most of the world’s population live in cities: 3.3 billion people ...and the urban landscape continues to grow. 38% of the growth is represented by expanding slums, while the city populations are increasing faster than city infrastructure can adapt.

The objective of World Water Day 2011 (www.unwater.org) is to focus international attention on the impact of rapid urban population growth, industrialization and uncertainties caused by climate change, conflicts and natural disasters on urban water systems.

This year’s theme, Water for Cities: Responding to the Urban Challenge, aims to spotlight and encourage gov-

ernments, organizations, communities, and individuals to actively engage in addressing the challenges of urban water management.

According to the UN Secretary General, as the world charts a more sustainable future, the crucial interplay among water, food and energy is one of the most formidable challenges we face. Without water there is no dignity and no escape from poverty. Yet the Millennium Development Goal target for water and sanitation is among those on which many countries lag the most.

The United Nation’s High-level Panel on Global Sustainability and UN-Water are examining ways in which we can connect the dots among water, en-

www.smartplanet.com/business/blog/ intelligent-energy/start-up-raises517m-to-turn-your-food-waste-intoenergy/5229/ ergy and food security, with the aim of reducing poverty and inequality, generating jobs, and minimizing the risks of climate change and environmental stress.

Business opportunities abound for creative entrepreneurs willing to take the challege to meet the need of everyone having a safe, clean, dignified place to defecate. However, in developing countries, only one in four urban dwellers has access to adequate sanitation facilities. Millions of others have no toilet at all and are forced to defecate in the open. In these densely populated areas there are neither plumbing systems nor sewage infrastructure. In some cases, slum dwellers use shared latrines, usually not connected to the sewers. Emptying them is both difficult and dangerous.

World Water Day hopefully points entrepreneurs in the right direction. 

49  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

Business

World Water Day 2011

and nutrient rich soil amendments with disposal costs lower than landfills,” Sellew added.

Generation Investment Management led the round, a company founded by Al Gore. DAG Ventures and Keating Capital also participated along with pre-existing investors Kleiner Perkins, Munich Venture Partners, TriplePoint Capital, and Waste Management.

Harvest Power has raised a gross total of $70M from investors. It intends to use it latest financing to develop new technologies and expand its platform throughout North America, according to the company.

It is astounding how much food is wasted in Manhattan; there’s a near endless fuel supply for companies like Harvest Power. An entire subculture has risen around reclaiming food from dumpsters.

It’s better that waste be repurposed than be sent out of state on barges to rot in landfills. The challenge would be getting citydwellers to separate food waste from their trash. 

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Los Angeles Urban League 38th Annual Whitney M. Young, Jr. Awards Dinner Celebrating 90 Years of Service to the Community Thursday,April 28, 2011

Honoring Innovators of Educational Reform Michelle Rhee, Founder, StudentsFirst and Honorable Kevin Johnson, Mayor, Sacramento, California

Dinner Chairs:

Phil Griffin, President, MSNBC & Howard Schultz, CEO, Starbucks For information on early sponsorships and reservations, please call 323-299-9660.

51  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

Introducing the...

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Sponsored by the National Black Business Council (NBBC) Black Business Association (BBA) & California Black Chambers (CBC)

Hosts of the new business resource websites:

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For more information call:

310.568.5000 52  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

WHY ARE MORE BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES USING SLATON INSURANCE GROUP? BECAUSE THEY DELIVER! Insurance Management Services As a client of Slaton Insurance Group you’ve already made the decision to work with proven resources to help your business manage its risk exposure and to stay within compliance. The independent insurance agents of the Slaton Group will help you manage risk and reduce loss while maintaining adherence to your insurance budget.

We are an integrated, single source provider for your insurance needs.

STEVEN D. TURNER Slaton Group License #0G12789 Financial Advisory / Insurance Services 16161 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 382 Encino, California 91436 Telephone: 818-585-1374 E-mail: sturner@slatongroup.com Website: www.slatongroup.com

Insurance Coverage for Clients •

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) - Property & General Liability Coverage in one Policy form, generally for small and midsized practices. The package includes coverage for business interruption, valuable papers, accounts receivables, employee dishonesty and numerous other pertinent coverages.

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Commercial Package Policy (CPP) - Generally for larger practices/facilities; incorporates several policy forms including but not limited to general liability, property, automobile and crime policies.

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Private Client Services: You’ve worked hard to provide a comfortable living for yourself and your family - we work hard to protect it. We work with you to help find personal insurance solutions that provide you the protection you need. Some of the coverage, we offer through our Private Client Services are Home insurance, Auto coverage, Board insurance, Umbrella policies, and many more converges to meet your needs.

Slaton Group is an independent insurance agency dedicated to providing quality commercial and personal insurance programs.

Since we are not limited to any one company, we can shop the marketplace to give you the best protection at the most competitive price.

53  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

Haiti: Sean Penn, Royal Caribbean Making a Difference

Community/Public Inerest

H

elp for Haiti in the way of relief efforts has been a big, ongoing task. Traditional relief organizations have been spread thin and much-appreciated donations are helping them continue their work. Unlike some other natural disasters that happened in lands with fertile economies, Haiti was not in good shape before the devastating earthquake hit over a year ago. It was virtually a knockout punch for the already down-and-out nation.

But some unconventional sourcing of direction for the lost land is making an impact.

Highly-visible to anyone following the situation in Haiti is actor Sean Penn. At the one-year anniversary of the disaster, he told www.popeater.com “The [current] projects are shelter-focused with connective tissues to basic services, but even the most well-funded among them are poised to take very small cautious steps in terms of permanent housing,” Penn said of the current situation on the ground in Port-auPrince. “There are 1.2 million people displaced, and only small pilot projects in the foreseeable future. The current challenge is the definition or the selection of beneficiaries [for funds both raised and promised], meaning among these extremely vulnerable populations, we can expect nothing more than demonstration models in 2011.”

To help keep the world’s focus on this situation that is far from resolved, Penn will address the Clinton Global Initiatives Meeting in April. One by one, relief organizations, celebrities and businesses help keep the world’s focus on Haiti and the long road ahead. One forward-thinking company had ties to Haiti long before the devastating earthquake.

Royal Caribbean International has a private destination in Haiti called Labadee. It’s an island oasis for cruise ship passengers. Full-time Royal Caribbean Hatian employees work on the island year-round and depend on ships visiting to support their families and friends. Just after the earthquake, many were critical of the line for continuing to visit the island, dropping off cruise passengers for pleasure while so much devastation was so close-by.

But the line remained focused on it’s long-term commitment to Haiti, delivering much-needed first-responder supplies and helping in other ways with the survival and reconstruction.

Royal Caribbean International took a look back this week to the building of L’Ecole Nouvelle Royal Caribbean, one of the first schools to be built in Haiti after the earthquake.

The school is on land Royal Caribbean leases from the Haitian government.

The cruise line worked with gobal builder InnoVida and used the company’s Fiber Composite Panels to build the entire school complex in just four weeks, using 50 local Haitian workers. All construction materials were transported onboard their cruise ships. InnoVida’s structures can sustain hurricane winds, resist earthquakes due to their high deflection capacity, are waterproof and are a highly energy efficient system.

Beginning just days after the earthquake, Royal Caribbean transported more than 3,000 pallets of much needed supplies on Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises ships that called on Labadee.

I was on Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas as one of the first ships to call after the earthquake and remember vividly the comments from local vendors and artisans who told me almost universally “We need people to come off the ships. People are afraid to come off the

54  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

see Help For Haiti on page 55

Making a Difference from page 54

ships...that it is not right to be here when so much damage is done. We need the people to come see us, buy what we have to sell, give us a chance...”

To date, Royal Caribbean’s monetary contribution to the Haiti relief effort is at least $2.5 million, which includes money raised from the donated Labadee

calls, the onboard guest donations, and matching funds. The company’s operations at Labadee impact over 500 local Haitians who are either employees or vendors at Labadee commuting from nearby villages. Royal Caribbean also

employs over 200 Haitian crew members onboard ships. 

The Salvation Army http://salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_ usn_2.nsf

Operation USA www.OpUSA.org

www.royalcaribbeannationofwhynot. com/news-and-blogs/lecole-nouvelleroyal-caribbean

Community/Public Inerest

Japan: Donate to Help the Earthquke & Tsunami Victims U.S. Fund for UNICEF (USF)

Aid children Affected by the Earthquake

www.unicefusa.org The Red Cross www.redcross.org

Baptist World Alliance

BWAid Emergency Response Fund for Japan Earthquake Relief

www.bwanet.org

International Medical Corps www.Internationalmedicalcorps.org The Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund www.GlobalGiving.org

Doctors Without Borders www.Doctorswithoutborders.org

Peace Winds Japan www.peace-winds.org/en 

55  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

Source: www.huffingtonpost.com/

Caltrans Construction

Money for You Can

Thursday Blues at

Uncle Darrow’s High Noon-2pm Every Thursday

MEAN

El Camino College offers the training and advising you need to enhance your ability to bid for and WIN state highway construction contracts.

Now is the time to get bid ready with assistance in the areas of procurement, personnel, cash flow, marketing and more!

Come by for lunch and relax to blues and jazz from our house band!

Appointments with a business advisor are available at the SBDC at no charge to you. For more information, call the SBDC at 310.973.3177.

Be sure to attend the free Economic Stimulus event on Thursday, November 19, 2009, in the City of Compton to learn more about stimulus opportunities available from Caltrans and other state and federal agencies. Visit californiasbdc.org for details.

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56  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

Let’s Move!

Community/Public Inerest

The People’s Garden Project

Washington Capitols Defenseman, Number: 52 Mike Green (left) and Comcast SportsNet Analyst Alan May of the The People’s Garden team for W. B. Powell Elementary School, USDA photo by Lance Cheung

R

ecently USDA facilitated a school garden design session and since that session, landscape architects Matt Arnn and Bob Snieckus have been working hard to incorporate parent, teacher and student ideas into an ideal plan that would transform the large expanse of asphalt at Powell Elementary School in Washington, DC into a People’s Garden.

Older students envisioned racecars, tree houses, spaceships and swimming pools at their school while

younger students imagined rainbows and butterflies. Parents and teachers drew images of colorful flowers, fruits and vegetables, and quiet spaces for reflection and relaxation. Many of the garden designs incorporated an area for basketball and street hockey as well as covered areas to gather for meals and cultural celebrations.

Plant selections ranged from tropical fruits like papaya, banana and pineapple to more regionally appropriate crops like greens, corn, strawberries,

tomatoes, and carrots. Second graders surveyed their classmates and created a tally chart showing plants Powell students wanted to see in the garden. Watermelon was the clear winner.

In March, USDA and our partners – the Washington Capitals – revealed the concept plan, which is based on images and ideas from the design session, to 289 students and their teachers at a school assembly. Alan May, Comcast SportsNet analyst and a former

58  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

see Let’s Move on page 59

U.S. Department of Agriculture Outreach and Education Coordinator Annie Ceccarini gets the audience energized at W. B. Powell Elementary School,

Let’s Move from page 58

Then Green told students that they were welcome to call him anytime for a game of street hockey (once the new court was built) jumping up and down followed. It’s clear his involvement is inspiring students to be active. Less than 24 hours after the school garden reveal he visited the White House with third www.letsmove.gov and fourth graders from Powell to team up with Let’s Move! and the First Lady for a street hockey clinic. This exciting new collaboration between Let’s Move!, the National Hockey League and USA Hockey will encourage American children to lead active and healthy lives.

USDA and the Caps are committed to making Powell a healthier place for students to learn and play. Green said it best when he School Garden Design Concept created by expressed how Forest Service landscape architect Matt Arnn.

59  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

Community/Public Inerest

player for the Capitals, led the students in a high energy countdown 10-9-87-6-5-4-3-2-1 and then Mike Green, Defensemen Number 52, pulled back the red velvet curtain on the auditorium stage to reveal the plan.

The landscape architects then took the stage to present the design. Arnn asked students to pretend they were birds and to image that they were looking down on their school from the sky when looking at the plan. This was a successful way to explain “bird’s eye view” to young children. He later asked students if they wanted a stage outside just like the one he stood on and the crowd erupted in cheers. Snieckus went through the plan, area by area, explaining how their drawings had inspired each element – the activity zone area would be multicolored like a rainbow; the habitat garden would include bird houses; the multipurpose courts would include basketball and street hockey; and in the food garden watermelon would grow. The design includes crevice, habitat and food gardens, activity zones for physical activity and nature discovery, and a playhouse and stage for imaginative play. The concept plan also incorporates a tool shed, water pump, compost area and rain barrels.

grateful he was to be a part of this garden project, congratulated the students for their hard work and expressed his desire for schools across the country to make similar commitments.

The next step is for teachers and administrators to provide feedback about the design. PG team members, the Caps and the school community will continue to work together over the next few weeks. We plan to start building a People’s Garden at Powell ES in late spring.

You can view photos from the school garden design reveal on Flickr (www.flickr.com/photos/usdagov/sets/72157626115803991/ with/5517202723) or read more about the event at Caps Care (http://capitals. nhl.com/club). Receive regular updates about this projects progress by following us on Twitter.

Are you growing a People’s Garden in your community?

Register your garden with us so your efforts can be recognized along with others across the Nation (www.pubinfo.usda.gov/garden/ Garden_Partners_Application.cfm). 

Details and Registration ar: http://events.lachamber.com/sbaweb/events/ events.asp?&id=76086&wpid=-101&cale_id=2527&details=true&newsessio n=TRUE&sid=923867107

Rainbow PUSH LA Trade Bureau The Rainbow PUSH LA Trade Bureau (RPC/Bureau) is focused on the implementation of economic, social, and education initiatives, as well as growing the office to become a strong voice for our constituents and Trade Bureau Members.

Rainbow Push LA is connecting our Trade Bureau members with our Trading Partners for the purpose of doing business.

Rainbow Push LA is committed to connecting our members to new opportunities that will not only bring us through the recession, but beyond it. Our innovative ideas are expressed through powerful programmatic pieces that are designed with everyone in mind.

Please use the information below to contact the Los Angeles office to request a contact information form that may be completed then faxed or e-mailed to us. The information will reconnect us with you and will aid Mr. Israel in his upcoming meetings with corporate trading partners.

Regina Black, Office Manager Rainbow PUSH/CEF Los Angeles, 1313 W. 8th Street, Suite 232, Los Angeles, CA 90017 Office Number: 213.483.3500 Fax Number: 213.483.3577 Email: rblack@rainbowpush.org Website: www.rainbowpushla.org 60  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

2011

hER EXCELLENCy MRS. JOSEPhINE ELEChI

WIfE gOV. Of EBOyI STATE, NIgERA

BIShOP NOEL JONES CITy Of REfugE

OMOTOLA J. EkEINdE AfRICAN MOVIE & MuSIC dIVA

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2011 VETERANS MEMORIAL COMPLEX

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Betty L. Arnold

Award & Inductee Recipient

Moza Mjasiri– Cooper

Orlando Love (& Inductee)

Rita Cary

Nnamdi Asomugha NfL Cornerback

Win a round trip ticket to Africa at the 2011 African goodwill Awards and other giveaways*

For rSVP, adVertiSementS, table & grouP ticketS, PleaSe call carol at 310.676.7300 62  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

President Obama’s Message to the People of Cote D’Ivoire

I

n video-taped remarks, President Obama sent an important and very clear message today to President Alassane Ouattara, Laurent Gbagbo, and the people of Cote d’Ivoire: the United States recognizes President Ouattara as the rightful leader of Cote d’Ivoire and calls on Laurent Gbagbo to step aside in the best interests of the country and its people. Cote d’Ivoire should—and can—be one of Africa’s

President Ouattara

AS), and the UN Security Council have all repeatedly called for Laurent Gbagbo to step aside immediately. As President Obama makes clear in his remarks, the United States will continue to seek a peaceful transition of power in Cote d’Ivoire and will be a partner of those who chose democracy.

63  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

www.whitehouse.gov

International

success stories, with a thriving economy, a rich history, and a vibrant democracy.

President Obama has been focused on the situation in Cote d’Ivoire for some time. During his town hall with young African leaders at the White House last August, he spoke with a young Ivoirian participant and said that “Africa’s future also belongs to societies that protect the rights of all its people, especially its women.” He declared that “the United States of America will stand with you as you seek justice and progress and human rights and dignity of all people.” That statement is even more important today as the violence against unarmed civilians has in-

creased, raising fears that the country could descend into civil war. President Obama has strongly condemned the continuing acts of violence against unarmed civilians, particularly women, and calls on all leaders to reject violence.

The United States is not alone in standing by the people of Cote d’Ivoire.

The international community is united in recognizing President Ouattara as the duly elected leader of Cote d’Ivoire.

The African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOW-

Meet with

U.S. Commercial Service Senior Officials!

Senior Commercial Officers, located in U.S. Embassies around the world, are responsible for directing and managing Dept of Commerce Trade Development Programs and Business Facilitation Services on behalf of U.S. Business.

SCO’s from AFRICA/MIDDLE EAST AND ASIA PACIFIC will be in Los Angeles and Houston for the following conferences:

AFRICA/MIDDLE EAST SCOs

International

April 26 - 27 - Houston, Texas 20 SCOs www.buyusa.gov/houston/access2011.html

Join the annual meeting of the U.S. Department of Commerce Senior Commercial Officers from the Africa, Middle East, and South Asia regions including: Afghanistan, Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, India, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates.

ASIA PACIFIC SCOs

March 28 - 29th, 2011, Los Angeles 14 SCOs www.apboconference.com

The Asia/Pacific Business Outlook, hosted by the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, with the full support of the U.S. Commercial Service, is the longest running, most successful regional conference of its kind focusing specifically on Asian markets. This conference has made a difference for U.S. exporters, and has become the premier U.S. commercial trade event focusing on the Asia/Pacific region. Use special Commerce Code USCS2011 and register by March 1 for a discounted rate – Asia Pacific Only.

For More Information Contact:

Bobby Hines

bobby.hines@trade.gov

Best of Africa Trade Show

1st February 2011 - 30th April 2011

B

est of Africa is a country specific online trade show bringing competitive products and resources from Africa’s rapidly growing economies to an international marketplace. As the demands of the global marketplace evolve and the world economy recovers from the fiscal crisis of 2008 - 2009, the Best of Africa international trade fair provides a unique and timely opportunity for African exhibitors to increase brand awareness, establish new markets, develop franchising partnerships, reach new customers and recruit new suppliers globally. Visitors can find African suppliers, manufacturers and distributors in one place.

Rich in natural resources, Africa offers vast reserves of oil, metals and precious stones. With thousands of pristine travel destinations, the tourism industry, including health & wellness tourism, continues to grow steadily. Best of Africa is a golden opportunity for African enterprises to connect with thousands of motivated buyers, and for international businesses seeking investment and B2B trade opportunities in Africa.

BusinessGlobal.com has partnered with the Pan-African Development Corporation (PADC) to create this virtual trade fair. The PADC is devoted to the development of commerce and enterprise in Africa – the organisation’s mission is to bring Africa to the world, and the world to Africa. BusinessGlobal.com, in partnership with the PADC, is particularly proud to showcase many of Africa’s finest businesses to the rest of the world.

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Africa has made remarkable gains in promoting growth and achieving economic stability, averaging more than 6% over the past five years. The IMF has increased financial support to African countries affected by the economic crisis, revised its lending instruments to make them more flexible, and is working to double concessional lending. The Fund continues to provide advice and technical assistance for strengthening economic policymaking in Africa, and to design more sophisticated frameworks for improved integration into the world economy. With global efforts such as these to encourage growth in this region, it is an opportune time for African businesses to access international markets.

In recent years, Africa has built increasingly stronger ties with China – in 2007 Chinese companies invested a total of US$1 billion in Africa, overtaking Britain as Africa’s thirdlargest business partner and catching up with France. Trade between China and Africa reached USD $100 billion in 2008 and is expected to top USD $100 billion in 2010.

Africa now supplies a third of the oil fuelling China’s economic boom, with Angola surpassing Saudi Arabia as the largest exporter of oil to China. With more oil reserves than North America, and an estimated 40% of the world’s potential hydroelectric power, Africa is on the verge of becoming a major global energy provider. With major world players now paying attention, African businesses have the opportunity to expand into new markets worldwide. 

64  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

Hosted by the University of Southern California in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Commercial Service

Access 14 Asia/ Pacific Markets in 2 days!

March 28-29, 2011 University of Southern California (USC) Los Angeles, CA

made by experts from within the Commercial Service, the private sector, and academia.

• Senior Commercial Officers will prepare customized one-onone briefings in response to the information U.S. companies submit in advance of the APBO Conference and counsel these firms on the opportunities for them in their markets.

Space is limited so sign up today.

Please note that early registrants have the best chances of reserving one-onone meetings with the SCOs from the

markets of greatest interest to them.

Use special Commerce Code USCS2011 and register (www. apboconference.com) by March 1 for a discounted U.S. Commercial Service rate of $675.

Register Now - Last Year’s Conference Sold Out!

• Get the latest information.

Presentations will include country commercial overviews and country workshops on topics such as financing, green business, responses to the financial crisis, and negotiating with the Chinese.

These presentations will be 65  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

International

If you are a business leader or executive looking for export and investment opportunities in the Asia/Pacific region, this is the one conference you can’t afford to miss. The Asia/ Pacific Business Outlook, hosted by the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, with the full support of the U.S. Commercial Service, is the longest running, most successful regional conference of its kind focusing specifically on Asian markets.

Asia/Pacific Business Outlook is the premier business networking conference focused on the following countries/regions: Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Taipei, Thailand and Vietnam. Find answers to your questions on these 14 economies by choosing from 60 focused sessions and private one-on-one consultations (www. apboconference.com/oneonone. html) with Commercial Service Senior Commercial Officers (SCO) currently serving in the U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Institutes in the Asia/ Pacific region:

Resources For Going Global

The U.S. Commercial Service - Your Global Business Partner. With offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration uses its global Network and international resources to connect U.S companies with international buyers worldwide. If you have any questions about these initiatives, please contact your local U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist. To find the trade specialist nearest you please visit http://www.buyusa.gov/home/us.html.

Webinar: Doing Business with South Africa and Namibia Date/Time: March 23, 2011; 12:00 Noon EST Cost: $45 Learn more/register: https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ ePublic/newWebinarRegistration.jsp?SmartCode=1Q6B

Access one of the world’s most dynamic markets - the economic powerhouse of Southern Africa - and learn about developing countries like Namibia with a LIVE webinar presentation by U.S. Commercial Officers from Johannesburg, South Africa and Windoek, Namibia. Participate in the event virtually by internet and phone. This webinar will focus on the opportunities for U.S. exporters in Namibia and South Africa. For more information, please contact Larry.Tabash@trade.gov or Tamarind.Murrieta@ trade.gov

International

Event: IRAQ – Opportunities for U.S. Businesses Venue: Offices of JP Morgan - 270 Park Ave., 11th Floor Date: March 23, 2011

Learn more/register: http://www.buyusa.gov/nyc/iraq.html The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Iraq and Afghanistan Investment and Reconstruction Task and the New York U.S. Export Assistance Center, in conjunction with JP Morgan, will host this half-day seminar discussing the business opportunities for U.S. companies in Iraq. The seminar will give attendees a greater insight into the types of opportunities for U.S. companies in the reconstruction efforts in Iraq. There are many business development projects available for U.S. companies, and during the seminar, companies will learn about how to navigate the Iraqi market, the political and economic climate in Iraq as well as the financing opportunities available via the U.S. Government. For more information, please contact Ryan.Hollowell@trade.gov.

Webinar: Accessing Venture Capital Funding Resources for Small and Medium-sized Firms with High Export Growth Venue: Your Computer Date/Time: March 30, 2011; 1:00-2:00 EDT Learn more/register: http://www.buyusa.gov/connecticut/ accessingventurecapitalfunding.html

The U.S. Commercial Service in Middletown, CT presents this webinar to help small and medium firms with high export potential understand the funding resource options to support their export sales growth. Early stage companies typically know a great deal about their products and services but don’t have much experience getting the funds to grow the export potential of their companies.

This webinar provides information about the resources available from public and private sources and ways to decide which sources should be used when.

Event: ACCESS 2011 International Trade Forum Venue: Westin Galleria Houston, Texas Date: April 26-27, 2011 Learn more/register: http://www.buyusa.gov/houston/ access2011.html

Discover export opportunities and expand your company’s global reach at this event. U.S. Department of Commerce Senior Commercial Officers from Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia regions including Afghanistan, Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, India, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates will provide information, help you identify new export markets and develop market entry strategies. For more information, please contact Larry.Tabash@trade.gov

Event: Complying with U.S. Export Controls and Complying with the ITAR Venue: Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six, Ft. Lauderdale, FL Date: April 27-29, 2011 Learn more/register: http://www.floridaexporter.com/ compliance

Join the Bureau of Industry and Security, Florida District Export Council, and U.S. Commercial Service for two official courses on U.S. export regulations – “Complying with U.S. Export Controls” and “Complying with the ITAR”. The 2-day “Complying with U.S. Export Controls” (April 27-28, 2011) is taught by official BIS staff and covers information exporters need to know to comply with U.S. export control requirements on commercial goods. The oneday “Complying with the ITAR” (April 29, 2011) is designed for any person or company who exports defense articles, defense services, or technical data.

Event: Discover Opportunities in South Africa Venue: Johannesburg and Cape Town Date: September 19-23, 2011 Learn more/register: http://www.export.gov/trademissions/ southafrica2011 Registration Deadline: July 18, 2011

The U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service (CS) is organizing this trade mission. Led by a senior Department of Commerce official, this trade mission will introduce U.S. suppliers of energy efficient technologies, agricultural equipment, and educational institutions or skills development service providers to potential buyers and allow them to explore new business opportunities. South Africa represents the largest economy and most sophisticated and diversified industrial and services sectors in Sub-Saharan Africa. The country also stands to benefit from rapid growth anticipated in many of its Sub-Saharan African trading

66  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

Resources For Going Global partners. The mission will visit both Johannesburg and Cape Town, allowing participants to access two of the largest markets and business centers in the country. The itinerary consists of customized one-on-one business appointments with potential agents, distributors and partners, market briefings, and meetings with key government officials. For more information, please contact Teresa.Yung@trade.gov or telephone: 202-482-5496

Event: Boost Your Sales by Connecting with Spanish Investors - ServiceSolutionsUSA Venue: Online Directory for U.S. Service Firms and Economic Development Agencies Date: Your firm featured online and at Invest in America events in Spain and the U.S. Learn more/subscribe: http://www.buyusa.gov/spain/en/ usserviceinitiative.html

of Commerce, offers exporters an affordable way to promote their products and services in 178 countries worldwide. Now, you can advertise in the USA Product Showcase section of the magazine for just $499. Commercial News USA reaches more than a quarter million buyers worldwide. For more information, call 1-800-5818533, x 822, or visit http://www.thinkglobal.us/499, or email advertise@thinkglobal.us.

http://mea.economistconferences. com/event/southafrica

Special Offer: Commercial News USA Offers Free Arabic Translation and 2-for-1 Special

Commercial News USA, the official export promotion magazine of the U.S. Department of Commerce, offers exporters an inexpensive way to promote their products and services in 178 countries worldwide. Now, you can take advantage of a special offer: Buy two ads and get the third ad for free (Based on onetime rates. This does not include Showcase section). Moreover, advertisers in the MayJune issue will receive a free listing ad online in Arabic. Commercial News USA reaches more than a quarter-million buyers worldwide.

For more information, call 1-800-581-8533, x 822, or visit http://www.thinkglobal.us, or email advertise@thinkglobal.us.

Marketing: Promote Your Products in 178 Countries Worldwide for $499

Commercial News USA, the official export promotion magazine of the U.S. Department 67  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

International

Expand your business opportunities originating from Spain.

Spanish investment in the US soared from $14 billion to $43 billion in just three years through 2009, making it the 10th largest investor country in the US. This continuing trend is important to the US economy and provides untapped opportunities for US companies, especially in the areas of clean energy, clean tech and infrastructure. The online ServiceSolutionsUSA directory promotes the services of US-based firms and economic development agencies to investors in Spain. This directory gives US companies access and exposure to Spanish clients who seek US expertise in accounting, branding, banking, consulting, global logistics, trade finance, insurance, legal, regulatory, site selection, and other needs. Key Spanish partners supporting this initiative include the Spanish government’s Institute of Foreign Trade, the Spanish Bio-tech Association, the Confederation of Employers and Industries of Spain - the largest business association in the country, and the American Chamber of Commerce in Spain.

International

President Barack Obama poses for a photograph with Ambassador Jacinth Lorna Henry-Martin of St. Kitts and Nevis during an ambassador credentialing ceremony in the Oval Office. Chief of Protocol Capricia Marshall and members of Henry-Martin’s family watch from the edge of the room. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

“A FEW NOTES ON AFRICA” Africa Well Positioned to Transition to a Green Economy

Africa is well poised to take advantage of a host of opportunities on the continent for building a ‘green economy,’ one that generates decent jobs in an environmentally sustainable way, a senior United Nations official recently said.

This continent is in many ways the envy of the 21st century world. Africa is rich in the kinds of natural resources that in many parts of the world have been over-exploited and diminished by centuries of unsustainable development.

This includes not just precious and semiprecious metals, but also nature-based resources such as forests and biodiversity, which support tourism and could also underpin inventions and pharmaceutical breakthroughs.

At the same time, many parts of the continent are rich in so-called natural fuels such as wind, solar and geothermal.

“The fundamental question is how will all this potential be harvested for the benefit of Africa’s citizens and in a way that promotes stability in Africa and beyond. .

well over $14 million in export sales for East African businesses (2009).

The Commerce Department’s annual report indicates that the top five African destinations for U.S. products were South Africa, Nigeria, Angola, Benin and Ghana.

The leading nations for U.S. imports were Nigeria, Angola, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Chad and Gabon.

U.S. trade with sub-Saharan Africa more than doubled between 2000 and 20010 as Africans improve their lives and livelihoods while exporting an ever-expanding list of goods to the United States. The United States has helped foster Africa’s expansive trading capacity through the 2000 African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

In addition to improved trade and investment since the inception of AGOA, the United States has established four regional trade hubs in sub-Saharan Africa with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Trade support provided by the Nairobi hub is estimated to have produced

COMESA Trade Hits $15 Billion

U.S.- African Trade More Than Doubled

Trade among Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) members states last year reached more than US$15 billion.

Acting COMESA Secretary General Nagla El-Hussainy said in a statement that the rise in the intra-COMESA trade, which stood at just $3 billion a decade ago, was proof that the goals of the economic grouping were being achieved. .

SEE YOU ON THE CONTINENT. C

68  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

Export:

Learn about Opportunities in Africa, Middle East and South Asia Markets The Westin Galleria Houston Houston, Texas April 26 & 27, 2011

E

xport markets are not only vital to economic development but also to your company’s growth.

Find out how the U.S. Commercial Service can help your company to: • Identify new export markets and opportunities • Obtain the resources necessary to succeed in foreign markets • Develop market entry strategies Join 19 Senior Commercial Officers in Houston, Texas on April 26 and 27,

2011 for the annual meeting of the U.S. Department of Commerce Senior Commercial Officers from the Africa, Middle East, and South Asia regions including: Afghanistan, Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, India, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates.

The U.S. Commercial Service will sponsor the two-day business confer-

ence that will consist of: • •

•

• •

Sessions on market entry strategies, financing, and mitigating risk Concurrent sessions covering country and industry specific information and opportunities Pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings with Foreign Commercial Service Officers High-profile keynote speakers Numerous networking opportunities

Contact Bobby Hines bobby.hines@ trade.gov for participation information or visit www.buyusa.gov/austin/access2011conference.html information and registraton. 

69  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

International

ACCESS 2011 International Trade Conference

JWFA

Jamaal Wilkes Financial Advisors, LLC M a n a g i n g We a l t h I n t e l l i g e n t l y

WHY OWN GOLD IN YOUR IRA/401k Changing jobs creates a great opportunity for you to switch, or rollover, your former employer’s retirement plan into an IRA. Plus, it usually provides you with more investment options than if you left the money in your former employer’s plan or rolled the money into your new employer's retirement plan.

The early 1980s presented a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to buy stocks. Today, economic and political conditions appear to offer a similar opportunity in tangible assets such as physical gold. With the global economic environment growing more uncertain, physical gold has become the #1 alternative for IRA, 401k, 403b, and Pension Plans, as well as for non-retirement funds.

Gold is produced primarily for accumulation while other commodities are produced primarily for consumption. Gold’s value does not arise from its usefulness in industrial or consumable applications. It arises from its use and historical worldwide acceptance as a store of value. Gold is money. A healthy measure of gold clearly belongs in every portfolio for the “Four Ps” – Personal Purchasing Power Protection.

There are six primary reasons why investors own gold: As a hedge against inflation.

As a hedge against a declining dollar.

As a safe haven in times of geopolitical and financial market instability.

As a commodity based on gold’s supply and demand fundamentals.

As a store of value.

As a portfolio diversifier.

According to Bloomberg.com, on October 15, 2009, Paul Tudor Jones of Tudor Investment Corp, who manages about $11.6 billion out of Greenwich, Connecticut, told its investors, “I have never been a gold bug… but Gold is just an asset that, like everything else in life, has its time and place. And now is that time…Gold appears to be cheap. In our view, gold’s value should increase as its scarcity relative to printed currencies increases.”

JAMAAL WILKES FINANCIAL ADVISORS makes 401(k) rollovers easy with just a few simple steps. Please call us at (310)209-8298 or email gold@jamaalwilkes.com for a web seminar presentation.

Jamaal Wilkes Financial Advisors is an independent Registered Investment Advisor www.jamaalwilkes.com Phone: (310)209-8330 6601 Center Drive West, Suite 500 Los Angeles, CA 90045

Advertorial-Jamaal Wilkes Financial Advisors, LLC:

Richard Russell: Gold is the Safest Currency

S

peaking at the Casey Research Gold and Resource Summit, Richard Russell told the audience, “I’d feel much better holding everything I own in gold. Holding dollars means holding a depreciating asset and I feel much more confident holding gold.” He went on to say, “The good part about gold is it can’t go bankrupt and it’s very hard to manipulate gold because it’s international. I know the Fed would love to manipulate gold but it can’t control it because it’s traded all over the world, every hour of the day and night.” 

The Gold Monitor

Analysis, tips and recommendations for serious investors

Global Uncertainty Driving up Gold Price

Civil unrest, weak economy, expensive oil, inflation all play a role

F

ollowing a record week for metals prices, the market for gold, silver and platinum remains strong, with many analysts painting a picture of continued climbs expected over the coming weeks and months.

CNBC analyst and financial guru Jim Cramer, known for his stellar track record of recommending investments, remains very bullish on gold. As he points out, when the price of gold is adjusted for inflation and compared to several key

G

old, an uncorrelated asset class, provides “wealth insurance” in your investments and qualified retirement plan. When you buy gold for the right reasons, or for “wealth insurance”, there is no such thing as the wrong price or the wrong time. Gold is a liquid store of real purchasing power.

Please go to: www.bullionvalues.org for information on physical gold bullion and precious metals.

For privacy and asset protection request our free report on pre-1933 US gold coins.

financial benchmarks, it is actually selling for a bargain price.

Investment experts have predicted that gold could top $2000 per ounce in the short-term, indicating that it’s not too late to get into the market and make a substantial profit.

Recent news events, including the turmoil in the Middle East, continued doubts about the economic recovery, the rise in the price of oil and very real concerns about inflation and the increasing cost of everyday goods, are all helping to spur the rally higher and higher.

As analysts point out, though, there is still a large potential for more upside. The primary factors that have driven the price to where it is today are still present and are not showing signs of going away, so the fundamentals are in place to keep driving the price of gold higher. 

Jamaal Wilkes, President/CEO

JAMAAL WILKES FINANCIAL ADVISORS, LLC 6601 Center Drive West, Suite 500 Los Angeles, CA 90045

www.jamaalwilkes.com

Tel: 310-209-8298 Fax: 310-209-8299

71  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

Explore your universe with an Android OS and access to over 100,000 of the latest apps and widgets.

Update your status, fill a shopping cart, upload videos and download files in a flash with your favorite Google services and Wi-Fi. Plus get unlimited nationwide talk, text, and MetroWEB access for only $60 a month including taxes and regulatory fees. And no annual contract. It’s the best deal in the galaxy. Only from MetroPCS.

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4GLTE coverage and services not available everywhere. Handset not available on all rate plans. Handset not shown actual size. Screen images simulated. Visit metropcs.com or a MetroPCS store for information on specific Terms and Conditions of Service, coverage areas, handset capabilities and any applicable restrictions. Rates, services and features subject to change. Nationwide long distance available only to continental U.S. and Puerto Rico. Nationwide coverage and services not available everywhere. MetroPCS-related trademarks, service marks, and other intellectual property are the exclusive properties 17347_Ad of MetroPCS Wireless, Inc. All other marks are the properties of their respective owners. Š2011, MetroPCS Wireless, Inc.

2011 BLACK WRITERS ON TOUR

SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 2011 � 9:00AM - 4:00PM � CARSON COMMUNITY CENTER

A Special Opportunity for Exhibitors!

Space is Limited - Register Today!

When: .

Saturday, April 16, 2011 9:00am to 4:00pm

Where: Carson Community Center 801 E. Carson Street Carson, California 90746 .

Who: Expected number of Authors - 300+ Expected number of Exhibitors - 100 Projected attendance - 5,000 - 6,000 • • • • • • • • •

Authors Writers Aspiring Writers Readers Book Clubs Librarians Major Publishers Literary Agents and, Others.

Purpose:

To give exposure to AfricanAmerican authors, writers, and exhibitors increase their sales, motivate, and develop aspiring new writers and authors.

Activities: •

Workshops and Seminars

•

Exhibit Booths

•

Poetry Jam Competition

•

Let the Elders Speak Forum

•

Children’s Writing Contest

•

Children Writers' Competition Showcase Plus...Shop with our vendors for wonderful “Mother’s Day” gifts!

For more information contact:

Ernestine Dixon � (818) 256-7588 � dixon.ernestine@yahoo.com

Books to Consider...

Barack Obama and the Jim Crow Media

by Ishmael Reed Through a series of essays, Ishmael Reed exposes the segregated American media with its alliance with the right wing and racist forces like the tea party movement—which was created, organized, and amplified by the segregated Jim Crow media—the most powerful opponents to black and Hispanic progress. It’s not surprising that they have, using the late Carl Rowan’s expression, “outpropagandized” blacks and white democrats and progressives as well. That’s because they have billions at their disposal.

The insurance companies put $350 million out to defeat health care reform and bank-rolled this faux grassroots movement, which is white men, among the most privileged groups in world history. The media have overblown the strength of this movement because racism is big business for them. The recent coverage of a gun rally that was held near Washington, DC was typical.

CNN didn’t do aerial shots because that would have revealed the small turnout. The media are the mob leaders. And they cater to a niche of people who are addicted to the need to believe in black pathology.

restaurant in Hollywood, is something of a sensation, having started his cooking career at the tender age of thirteen under the tutelage of Spago’s Wolfgang Puck. In “Small Bites Big Nights,” his first book, Armstrong reflects on the journey that led him to his small plates specialty and reveals the recipes for some of his most sought after creations, including the now-famous grilled cheese with pulled short ribs, Krispy Kreme “Coffee & Doughnuts” bread pudding and signature Table 8 creamsicle cocktail. This is a personal and passionate book, evidenced by Armstrong’s intimate introduction and his explanations, tips and anecdotes that accompany each recipe.

As far as organization, eight is the magic number: the eight chapters have roughly eight recipes each (plus cocktails), designed for the most part to feed eight people (Armstrong’s ideal party size). Such internal consistency

speaks to Armstrong’s deep attention to detail. Recipes appear as building blocks of fresh ingredients wedged between forward slashes: arugula/dates/ parmesan, roasted sunchoke soup/ blue cheese croutons/pear, beef tenderloin/oxtail ravioli/swiss chard/cipollini onions. Such seeming simplicity belies the sophistication of technique.

Luckily, each recipe is marked with difficulty level from easy to challenging to tip you off to the amount of time and labor involved. A centerpiece of the book, the chapter on dinner for eight supplies an elegant menu of Santa Barbara spot prawns in pernod and whole-roasted Colorado lamb rack with wine pairing suggestions. Cooking for only two? The chapter on “sexy savories” includes sensual possibilities like truffled gruyere fondue and oysters with Champagne granita. Since the plates are small, you won’t feel as guilty indulging in petite desserts like mascarpone peanut brownies or carrot cake with cream cheese mousse.

This former child prodigy has certainly preserved his sense of wonder when it comes to “playing” with food. 

Small Bites, Big Nights

by Govind Armstrong Govind Armstrong, owner of Table 8

77  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

www.amazon.com

Give the Gifts of Knowledge, Inspiration, Entertainment.

Shop the

Black Book Stores!

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!

Future events

April 13 Lavaille Lavette - 86400 Manage Your Purpose to

Make Every Second of Each Day Count April 16 Storytelling Hour at EsoWon April 20 Manning Marable signs Malcolm X at EsoWon April 21 Tyrese Gibson at EsoWon April 22 Tavis Smiley April 30/May 1

EsoWon at USC for the Los Angeles Times Book Fair.

May 2 Sister Souljah

323-294-0324 • www.esowonbooks.com //esowon.booksense.com for Calendar of Events

Malik’s Books Online

M

alik’s Books has closed operations in the Baldwin Hills Mall. Malik’s is now operating as an online bookstore. Malik’s is now available to serve our customer’s needs 24/7 via the world wide web with bigger deals and a larger selection. We will remain as active in the South Los Angeles community as we have always been.

Please visit us at www.Malikbooks.com and/or www.autographbooks.com.

For other information give us a call at 818-5645694.

If you want to coorespond with us, send letters to Malik’s Books, 3939 Crenshaw Boulevard, #324, Los Angeles, CA 90008.

Thank You again for all your support and patronage over the years and visit us on the Web. 

Malik’s Books www.Malikbooks.com www.autogrpahbooks.com malikbooks@att.net 818-564-5694

A Positive Economic Turn Around in the USA is in Our Hands 

•Buy Products Made or Assembled in the USA •Hire One New Employee •Eat an Extra Meal Out Each Week •Start/Grow a Business to Generate Wealth & Jobs 

Buy Black  Save Black  Invest Black 78  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

Legal Notice

If You Have or Had Medi-Cal or Medicare and Filled a Prescription in 2008 at a Pharmacy Other Than Target Your rights could be affected by a class action settlement

NBA All-Star Weekend Rates High on Supplier Diversity

A settlement has been proposed in a class action lawsuit called Rodriguez v. NDCHealth Corporation (Case No. 2:10-CV-3522), which is pending in the United States District Court for the Central District of California.

Who Is Included?

You are included in the Settlement as a “Class Member” if you live in California and (1) you obtained prescription drugs or related services from pharmacies other than Target Pharmacy between February 1 and December 31, 2008 (a “Non-Target Prescription”), (2) you were a Medi-Cal or Medicare cardholder at the time, and (3) you were included in a group of people whose Non-Target Prescription claim information was transferred to Target Pharmacy by a company called RelayHealth in October and November 2009. You can find out if you were included in this group by contacting the Settlement Administrator.

What Is The Case About?

The lawsuit claims that NDCHealth Corporation, more commonly known as RelayHealth, and McKesson Corporation (both called the “Defendants”) violated California law by transferring the Non-Target Prescription claim information to Target Pharmacy. Defendants deny that they broke the law and strongly deny they did anything wrong.

Summary Of The Settlement Under the Settlement, which must be approved by the court, RelayHealth will put additional protections in place to help prevent future transfers of confidential medical information to unauthorized persons or companies. A list of the protections RelayHealth will put in place can be found at www.RXprivacyClass.com or by calling 1-888-270-9628.

(l-r) Donald Sterling, owner, Los Angeles Clippeers, NBA Commissioner David Stern, Earl “Skip” Cooper, II, President/CEO, Black Business Association (BBA)

The Defendants have also agreed to pay $4,000,000 into a fund for patient and medical privacy purposes. After paying certain administrative fees and expenses, including court-approved payments to the class representatives and court-approved attorneys’ fees and expenses (which will not be more than 25% of the total of the $4,000,000 plus the administrative expenses), the money will be distributed to one or more organizations that focus on patient or medical privacy issues. THE SETTLEMENT DOES NOT PROVIDE FOR ANY MONEY TO BE PAID TO INDIVIDUAL CLASS MEMBERS (EXCEPT FOR THE CLASS REPRESENTATIVES WHO BROUGHT THE LAWSUIT).

Do I Have A Lawyer?

Yes. The court has appointed lawyers to represent Class Members (“Class Counsel”).

You will not be charged for these lawyers. The lawyers appointed as Class Counsel are: Marcarian Law Firm, 15260 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 2250, Sherman Oaks, California 91403, (818) 995-8787.

What Should I Do? You should get more information from the Settlement Administrator and make a decision about your legal rights. As a Class Member, you have three options.

(1)You can do nothing. You will remain a Class Member. You will be bound by the court’s decisions in the lawsuit. You will not have the right to sue separately about the issues in the lawsuit.

(2)You can remain a Class Member but object to the Settlement. You will be bound by the court’s decisions in the lawsuit. To object you must send, via first-class mail or overnight delivery, a written letter identifying yourself as a Class Member and explaining why you object. Your objection must be sent to the Settlement Administrator (not the court) and be postmarked no later than April 23, 2011. You may also choose to pay for and be represented by a lawyer who may send the objection for you.

(3)You can exclude yourself from the Settlement completely and preserve your right to file a separate lawsuit by mailing a request form to the Settlement Administrator (not the Court). The form is available from the Settlement Administrator and must be postmarked no later than April 23, 2011.

Can I Get Money From The Settlement?

No, there is no money available to individual Class Members.

Fairness Hearing The court will have a hearing on June 13, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. to decide whether to approve the Settlement. Class Counsel will represent the Class Members at the hearing or, if you object to the Settlement, you can have your own lawyer represent you at the Fairness Hearing at your expense.

For more information, contact the Settlement Administrator:

Visit: www.RXprivacyClass.com Call: 1-888-270-9628 Write: Prescription Privacy Settlement, Rust Consulting, Inc. P.O. Box 2438, Faribault, MN 55021-9138

(l-r) Earl “Skip” Cooper, II, LA Clipper Blake Griffin and Donald Sterling

T

he 2011 NBA All-Star Weekend was held Staples Center in Los Angeles,California, February 2011.

An effective information campaign was launched months ahead of the annual celebration of athletic skill to recruit minority business participation in the conduct of the myriad of events held over the three-day event. Supplier services were needed for apparel, gifts, photos, parties, luncheons, dinners, games, human resources, marketing and more.

The NBA administrative team worked diligently to ensure that the All-Star event financially benefited the community in which it was held. The Black Business Association salutes the NBA on this exceptional and successful effort. 

79  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.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 ……

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.

Shop, Eat, Relax in

Little Ethiopia

Experience Africa in America

Culture, Retail, Entertainment Fairfax Boulevard between Pico & Olympic Los Angeles

Leimert Park Village An African American Cultural, Retail, Foods & Entertainment Center.

Degnan Boulevard

between Crenshaw & Leimert Blvds.

43rd Street-43rd Place, Los Angeles

80  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

Artwear Artwear may be found at: Sika’s / 4330 Degnan Ave., Leimert Park Baldwin Hills Plaza Farmer’s Market each Saturday 10am-3pm

www.gbabyartwear.com

A Royal Blend of all natural West African herbs and fiery spices www.kingspepper.com 323.291.4267

Rooibos Tea House African Red Tea Imports

323-658-7832

Before you grill, Before you bake,

Buy King’s Pepper

& Shake, Shake, Shake!

Bernahu Asfaw or Getahun Asfaw

1041 S. Fairfax Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90019

533 N. Fairfax Avenue Los Angeles

323-938-8827 or 323-938-8806 Fax: 323-932-6047 messob@gmail.com • www.messob.com

Nira Levy Maslin, CEO

Open 7 days a week 11am - 11pm

www.africanredtea.com

81  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

Choose to care.

Choose to celebrate.

Choose to dream.

At Comerica Bank, we choose to care about the dreams and visions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We choose to celebrate equality and diversity among all people, and we’re dedicated to ringing the bells of freedom. Choose to celebrate the dream with us.

Crenshaw 3825 Crenshaw Boulevard Los Angeles

El Segundo 2321 Rosecrans Avenue El Segundo

Wilshire-Crescent Heights 6301 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles

800-888-3595

Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.

www.comerica.com

82  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

May 10-12, 2011 Visit the 2011 DOE Small Business Conference website (http:// smallbusinessconference. energy.gov/) or call 877-837-8623 for more information.

Black Meetings & Tourism Launches Digital Magazine Tuesday, Apr 12th

“For everyone interested in doing business with Metro”

Watch & Support the Africa Channel!

Time Warner • Comcast

Don’t have the Africa Channel in your area? Call Time Warner at: 1-888-892-2253 and ask that the Africa Channel be broadcast to ALL regions of your state.

For information on the Africa Channel visit www.theafricachannel. com or send an e-mail inquiry to info@theafricachannel.com.

T

he digital version of Black Meetings & Tourism magazine is now available on-line.

The current issues, as well as archived issues, can be viewed by visiting www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com and click on the image link located on the home page.

The digital version is just a small part of BM&T’s expanded on-line presence, which includes a host of new departments, the twice-monthly e-newsletter, an increased focus on leisure travel, and many new marketing opportunities. Our newly designed website offers a guest blog page, a video page and a variety of interactive and custom advertising products that will allow vendors direct access to the more than 45 billion dollar African-American travel market. 

83  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

Calendar March 2011…

of Commerce Senior Commercial Officers from the Africa, Middle East, and South Asia regions Contact Bobby Hines bobby.hines@trade. gov for participation information or visit www. buyusa.gov/austin/access2011conference.html information and registraton.

30th

26th

BBA Salute to Black Women Annual Salute to Black women and their achievements in business and the civic/social worlds. For detailed information contact the Black Business Association at mail@bbala.org or by phone at 323-291-9334 and visit the event website at www.salutetoblackwomen.com.

5k Walk All Over Cancer Walk-athon The One Child Our Village Foundation invites the community to join them in their efforts to raise funds to fight all cancer types. For detailed information, please call 323-239-4844 between the hours of 10am until 2pm, or email onechildourvillage1997@yahoo.com.

31st-April 2nd

Moving the Urban Agenda California Black Chamber of Commerce Foundation holds another annual African American Leadership Conference. For detailed information log on to www.calbcc.org.

April…

May…

4th-9th

4th Annual Lagos Black Heritage Festival Held in Lagos Nigeria, West Africa to celebrate the culture, art and history of Africa. For detailed information visit www.facebook. com/pages/LagosBlack-Heritage-Festival/301943951426.

6th-7th

21st

Black Business Association 37th Annual Awards Dinner Annual Salute to Black business owners and executives and the private and public sector entities that support the advancement of black business. For detailed information contact the Black Business Association at mail@bbala.org or by phone at 323-291-9334.

2011 OSDBU Procurement Conference The OSDBU Procurement Conference is a national conference fostering business partnerships between the Federal Government, its Prime Contractors, and small, minority, servicedisabled veteran-owned, veteran-owned, HUBZone, and women-owned businesses. Visit www.fbcinc.com/osdbu for details and registration.

26th-27th

Access 2011 International Trade Conference Find out how the U.S. Commercial Service can help your company to export or import. Join 19 Senior Commercial Officers in Houston, Texas for the annual meeting of the U.S. Department

Black Folk’s in America.

Black Business Expo 2011 Marlton Square (Old Santa Barbara Plaza, Crenshaw area).

Emphasis will be on the Tom Bradley Business Institute and the future of

businesses. Learn more about the forum and how to participate by visiting www.agoa.info.

July…

18th-22nd

Chamber Management Training The US Black Chamber School of Chamber Managemnt will conduct a training program at the University of Phoenix Washington, DC Campus entitled “Promoting Chamber Growth, Efficiency and Influence”. Learn more by emailing kathleen@usbci.org or visiting www.usbci. org.

August…

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Deducation Ceremony For details on the event and to make contributions contact the Washington, DC Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc., 401 F Street, NW, Suite 334, Washington, DC 20001, 1.888.484.3373.

12th-14nd

West Coast Expo West Coast Expo (WCE) is an exposition and trade show for small, medium, and large businesses with goods, products and services to

26th

June…

7th-8th

AGOA Forum The 10th AGOA Forum will be held in Lusaka, Zambia. The forum is an excellent opportunity for interested business people to learn first hand how to start or increase trade with Africa-based

market on the West Coast. Our featured pavilions: Business, Technology, Green Life, and Health & Beauty will offer attendees unique, informative and exciting opportunities to interact with experts, specialists and vendors enabling them to learn about, evaluate, test and purchase products and services. Visit www.westcoastexpo.biz for detailed information. C

Black Business News

84  March 2011  Black Business News  www.bbnews.org

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Contents

g: EOY charitable Corporate Givin houshealth, education, opportunities in ing, and more.

in Africa’s tour-

t Tourism: Investment vital and is eviden ism industr y is active, nt. all across the contine

Feature Articles: Constructisve “Strategies For the Engagement with African Diaspora” gement: “Diaspora Enga Beyond” Remittances &

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twins recently orpaned , III in Ghana with Rev. Leon R. Perrysee Corporate Giving page 21