11-Nov by Black Business News Group

AEG Invites Current and Interested Supplier Partners to our

Supplier Portal, 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:

https://supplier.aegworldwide.com

Publisher’s Message Earl “Skip” Cooper, II

In Spite of Challenges We Still Rise

ven in this weak economy, the U.S. government is still a solid customer for minority vendors. And some so-called “bundled” multiple-award contracts can last for five to 10 years. However, the questionable practices of companies attempting to exploit programs designed for small and minority vendors are unethical and

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n Southern California, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has appointed the first African American to be the new permanent district director - Victor Parker. Please turn to page 25 for a complete summary on Mr. Parker.

Procurement Exchange Summitt Awardees

Capri Capital Partners William Hawkins, Hawkins Group Ken Davis, Maximum Communications Group Ron Taylor, Infinity Protection Services Brainard Simpson, Simpson & Simpson, CPA Debbie Lumpkin, Southern California Edison Herb Wesson, Jr., Los Angeles City Councilmember

undermine the intent of programs designed for the under-served and underprivileged. This was not what the civil rights movements of the 50’s and 60’s were about.

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n this month’s issue, we shout out to the Black Business Association (BBA) on their 8th Annual Procurement Exchange Summit and Awards

Luncheon chaired by AT&T, to be held on the 8th of November at the Sheraton Gateway LAX Hotel. At this special event, billions of dollars in contract opportunities for minority firms will be presented. Some of the honorees include: “Business of the Year” Capri Capital Partners; “Outstanding Entrepreneurs” William Hawkins, chief officer of the staffing company Hawkins Group, Ken Davis of Maximum Communications Group, Ron Taylor of Infinity Protection Services and Brainard Simpson, owner and managing director of Simpson & Simpson, CPA; Debbie Lumpkin of Southern California Edison as “Supplier Capacity Builder Awardee”. A Special Recognition Award will be presented to Herb Wesson, Jr., Los Angeles City Councilmember. As the publisher of the Black Business News I want to urge our readership to support African American firms during the Thanksgiving and holiday season and throughout the year. Your support during these tough economic times is very important to the growth and survival of Black business enterprises. 

About the 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.

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

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

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providing an affirmative influence for preneurs sharing innovative design and d creative cultural content that exposes them m to the history of black enterprises and ex-cite them to participate in the USA’s future.. advocating and promoting on behalf off black-owned businesses by promoting the need for expanding an economic foundation that supports an unfettered and self-sustained urban society with USA job creation and economic opportunity, where blacks work, live and operate viable business enterprises.

emerging entre-

Black Business News P.O. Box 43159, Los Angeles, CA 90043 323-291-9334 Fax: 323-298-5064

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

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Steven D. Turner

PRODUCTION MANAGER Narishima Osei

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS LaSandra Stratton • Dean Jones • Steven Turner

GRAPHIC DESIGN Sarah Harris

ENTREPRENEUR EDITOR Kim Anthony

STORY EDITORS Wanda Flagg ▪ Jennifer Marie Hamilton

PHOTOGRAPHY Ian Foxx ▪ Sabir • Narishima Osei

CONTENT ADMINISTRATOR LaSandra Stratton

LAYOUT/TYPESETTING Lion Communications Copyright © 2011 by Black Business News All Rights Reserved. T The posting of stories, commentaries, reports, documents aand links (embedded or otherwise) on this site does not in aany way, shape or form, implied or otherwise, necessarily ex express or suggest endorsement or support of any of such posted material or parts therein.

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  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

FEATURES… November 2011

Publisher’s Message

GOVERNMENT… 8 19 21 22 25 26 27 29

American Jobs Act States Funded to Help Small Businesses National Entrepreneurship Month Proclamation Obama Ending the War in Iraq Los Angeles SBA District Gets New Director SBA Micro Loan Program SBA Success Story - L.E. Pernell & Associates MBDA Congratulates Award Winners

BUSINESS… 30 Resources for Going Global 37-39 Emerging Technologies for Business 43-53 Useful Technologies for Business Now 44 Macy’s to Conduct Supplier Development Training 52 Capri Capital Partners BBA “Business of the Year” 58 Whoop Ash Beauty Product Line 59 B Michaels - Up and Coming Fashion Designer 63 IBM Set to Finance SME Tech Purchases

PUBLIC INTEREST/COMMUNITY… 64 66 68 COLUMNS 55 - Take A Look! 84 - Books to Consider... 89 - Calendar ACTION ALERTS 02 - AEG Supplier Portal SPONSORS 07 - Black Business Association

Green Industry Job Market Thriving Let’s Move - Challenging Cities Food Desserts Let’s Move - Darden Restaurants to Offer Healthier Menus for Families

INTERNATIONAL… 74

Cuba Now Open to U.S. Tour Groups

ExIm Bank Report

Cover image - Sarah Harris

5  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

SERVING THE INDUSTRY and the TRADE PIPE - VALVES - FITTINGS - METALS - TOOLS PROCESS CONTROLS - INSTRUMENTATION - WATER WORKS

Brandon Supply Corporation is a world class distributor of industrial supplies. Brandon has been proven to be a dependable source of supply to the petrochemical, power generation and waterworks industries providing fast and reliable service. Brandon, in maintaining the policy of selling only superior products, represents only the nation's top manufacturers.

SBA CERTIFIED We offer a full range of valves for all piping applications, pressure tubing in all sizes and schedules, a complete line of fittings, flanges and couplings in all metallurgies. We also offer a full range in PVC, HDPE and other materials.

Clarence D. Scott, CEO CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 14120 Gannet Street Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670

MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 5354 Buena Park, CA 90623

Phone: 562-921-0407 | FAX: 562-921-5945 800.238.5906 (Outside California) www.brandonsupply.com | cdavis@brandonsupplycorp.com

ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

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;

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

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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;

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Providing training for entrepreneurial professional development;

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

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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. 

Upcoming Events

November 8th Procurement Exchange Summit & Awards Luncheon honoring African American entrepreneurs and offering one-on-one opportunity exploration

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

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

mail@bbala.org www.bbala.org www.facebook.com 7  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

The American Jobs Act: The Impact For African-American Families and the Economy

Government

he American Jobs Act reflects a commitment to strengthen the recovery and help increase access to jobs for all Americans. With unemployment among AfricanAmericans at an unacceptably high rate of 16.7 percent – and 1.4 million African-Americans out of work for more than six months – the President believes that inaction is not an option. That’s why the President is putting out a plan to increase the pace of job creation, and why he is committed to fighting for Congress to act on this plan. These measures – which will expand opportunities for the long-term unemployed to reenter the workforce, provide incentives for businesses to hire, and make investments in revitalizing schools, infrastructure and neighborhoods – will help create new job opportunities in African-American communities and across the country. For example: • The extension of unemployment insurance will benefit 1.4 million African-Americans and their families. At the same time, the President is proposing bipartisan reforms that will enable that – as these families

continue to receive UI benefits – the program is better tailored to support reemployment for the long-term unemployed. • Targeted support for the long-term unemployed could help the 1.4 million African-Americans who have been looking for work for more than six months: To help them in their search for work, the President is calling for a new tax credit for hiring the long-term unemployed. • A commitment to rebuilding and revitalizing communities across the country will target investments to the communities hardest-hit by the recession. The President’s investments in infrastructure include a school construction initiative with a significant commitment to the largest urban school districts, an investment in revitalizing communities that have been devastated by foreclosures, and a new initiative to expand infrastructure employment opportunities for minorities, women, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

summer/year-round jobs for African-American youth – for whom unemployment is above 30%. In an environment with an unemployment rate of 32.4% for African-American youths, the President is proposing to build on successful programs like the TANF Emergency Contingency Fund to create jobs and provide training for those hardest-hit by the recession. • An extension and expansion of the payroll tax cut for nearly 20 million African-American workers. By extending the payroll tax cut for employees next year and expanding it to cut payroll taxes in half, the President’s plan will help increase the paychecks of nearly 20 million African-American workers – providing them with more money to spend in their communities.

WHAT THE PLAN WILL DO Tax Cuts to Help African-American Owned Small Businesses Hire and Grow • Providing Tax Cuts That Will Help Over 100,000 African-American Owned Small Businesses: The

• Support for subsidized jobs and see Jobs Act on page 9

8  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

American Jobs Act from page 8

• Helping African-American-Owned Small Businesses Access Capital and Grow: The President’s plan includes administrative, regulatory

Putting African-American Workers Back on the Job While Rebuilding and Modernizing America • Project Rebuild: Putting People Back to Work Rehabilitating Homes, Businesses and Communities. The President is proposing to invest $15 billion in a national effort to

put construction workers on the job rehabilitating and refurbishing hundreds of thousands of vacant and foreclosed homes and businesses. Building on proven approaches to stabilizing neighborhoods with high concentrations of foreclosures, Project Rebuild will bring in expertise and capital from the private sector, focus on commercial and residential property improvements, and expand innovative property solutions like land banks. This approach will not only create construction jobs but will help reduce blight and crime and stabilize housing prices in areas hardest hit by the housing crisis. • Targeted Investments to Modernize Schools Serving Low-Income Students – From Science Labs and Internet-Ready Classrooms to Renovated Facilities: The President is proposing a $25 billion investment in school infrastructure that will modernize at least 35,000 public schools – investments that will create jobs, while improving classrooms and upgrading our schools to meet 21st century needs. Funds could be used

9  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

see Jobs Act on page 11

Government

President is proposing tax cuts that will go to every small business nationwide – including over 100,000 African-American-owned small businesses. These tax cuts will cut employer payroll taxes in half for these businesses, provide them with an added bonus for increasing their payroll, and extend 100% expensing provisions that provide an incentive for investment. Example: A small business has 40 employees, with an average salary of $40,000 a year – meaning a total payroll of $1.6 million. The business adds another 20 employees with the same average salary. Under the President’s plan, the business would receive a $49,600 tax cut on the payroll taxes of its existing employees, and another $49,600 tax cut due to the new employees.

and legislative measures – including those developed and recommended by the President’s Jobs Council – to help small firms start and expand. This includes changing the way the government does business with small firms and working with the SEC to conduct a comprehensive review of securities regulations from the perspective of these small companies to reduce the regulatory burdens on small business capital formation in ways that are consistent with investor protection. In addition, the President is calling for comprehensive patent reform, increased guarantees for bonds to help small businesses compete for infrastructure projects and the removal of burdensome withholding requirements that keep capital out of the hands of job creators.

American Jobs Act from page 9

finance transportation infrastructure and what we finance. To ensure that the employment benefits of these projects can be broadly shared, the President’s plan would invest an additional $50 million in 2012 to

benefits for communities projects are located.

where

11  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Government

• Preventing Layoffs of Teachers, for a range of emergency repair and Cops and Firefighters: The President renovation projects, greening and is proposing to invest $35 billion energy efficiency upgrades, asbestos to prevent layoffs of up to 280,000 abatement and removal, and modernization efforts to build new science and computer labs and to upgrade technology in our schools. And they would be targeted at the lowest-income districts – with 40 percent, or $10 billion, directed towards the 100 largest high-need public school districts. The President is also proposing a $5 billion investment in m o d e r n i z i n g President Barack Obama greets neighbors near the Bonilla residence in Las Vegas, Nev., where he c o m m u n i t y spoke about the mortgage refinancing proposal and “Project Rebuild,’’ a piece of the American Jobs Act. c o l l e g e s , (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) bolstering their infrastructure in this time of need teachers, while supporting the hiring of enhance employment and job training while ensuring their ability to serve tens of thousands more and keeping opportunities for minorities, women, future generations of students and cops and firefighters on the job. and socially and economically communities. These funds would help states and disadvantaged individuals in localities avoid and reverse layoffs • Putting Construction Workers Back on transportation related activities, now, requiring that funds be drawn the Job By Modernizing Infrastructure including construction, contract down quickly. Under the President’s – With a Focus on Expanding Access administration, inspection, and proposal, $30 billion be directed to These Jobs: In order to jump start security. His plan will also invest an towards educators and $5 billion critical infrastructure projects and additional $10 million in 2012 to help would go to the cops and firefighters create hundreds of thousands of minority-owned and disadvantaged who keep our communities safe. jobs, the President’s plan includes business enterprises gain better $50 billion in immediate investments access to transportation contracts. • Tax Credits and Career Readiness for highway, highway safety, transit, Efforts to Support Veterans’ Hiring: And it will ensure that infrastructure passenger rail, and aviation activities The President is proposing a investments allow for the hiring of – with one fifth of the funding local workers, to maximize economic advancing a transformation of how we see America Invents on page 13

American Jobs Act from page 11

Returning Heroes Tax Credit of up to $5,600 for hiring unemployed veterans who have been looking for a job for more than six months, and a Wounded Warriors Tax Credit of

for Jobs • Extending Unemployment Insurance So That 1.4 Million AfricanAmericans Looking For Work Do Not Lose Their Benefits: In December, the President successfully fought for unemployment insurance to be extended. The President has called

Americans out of work for more than six months. The President’s plan is targeted directly at helping these Americans get back to work by, for example: o Tax Credits for Hiring the LongTerm Unemployed: The President is proposing a tax credit to provide

Government President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama talk with staff while ordering pizza at Anna’s Pizza and Italian Kitchen in Hampton, VA. The President and Mrs. Obama had lunch with four veterans during the stop, a part of the President’s three-day American Jobs Act bus tour. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) up to $9,600 for hiring unemployed workers with service-connected disabilities who have been looking for a job for more than six months, while creating a new task force to maximize career readiness of servicemembers.

Pathways Back to Work for African-Americans Looking

for a further extension into 2012 to prevent 1.4 million African-Americans from losing their benefits next year. • Targeted Support to Help the LongTerm Unemployed Get Back to Work: The recession pushed long-term unemployment rates to its highest levels since the Great Depression – with an estimated 1.4 million African-

up to $4,000 for hiring workers who have been looking for a job for over six months. o “Bridge to Work” Programs: States will be able to put in place reforms that build off what works in programs like Georgia Works or Opportunity North Carolina, see America Invents on page 15

13  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

STIMULATING OUR ECONOMY... WELCOMING TOURISTS & CONVENTIONS... CREATING JOBS FOR OUR WORKERS...

FARMERSFIELD.COM

American Jobs Act from page 13

• Prohibiting Employers from Discriminating Against Unemployed Workers: The President’s plan calls for legislation that would make it unlawful to refuse to hire applicants solely because they are unemployed or to include in a job posting a provision that unemployed persons will not be considered. Members of the Congressional Black Caucus have also proposed making discrimination against the unemployed illegal, in response to “widespread reports of job listings that explicitly exclude unemployed applicants.” • Investing in Low-Income Youth and Adults: The President is proposing

o Support for Summer and YearRound Jobs for Youth: The Recovery Act provided over 367,000 summer job opportunities through the public workforce investment system to young people in the summers of 2009 and 2010. Such programs not only provided young people with their first paycheck, but taught them life-long employment skills. Building on this success, the new Pathways Back to Work Fund will provide states with support for summer job programs for low-income youth in 2012, and year-round employment for economically disadvantaged young adults. o Subsidized Employment Opportunities for Low-Income Individuals Who Are Unemployed: This effort builds off the successful TANF Emergency Contingency Fund wage subsidy program that supported 260,000 jobs through the recovery. According to an analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), this flexible program allowed States to reduce the cost and risk associated with new hiring, encouraging private-sector businesses to hire new workers. o Support for Local Efforts to Implement Promising Work-Based Strategies and to Provide Training Opportunities: This initiative would support efforts that have good records of placing low-income adults and youths in jobs quickly. Local officials, in partnership with local workforce boards, business,

community colleges, and other partners, will be able to apply for funding to support promising strategies designed to lead to employment in the short-term.

More Money in the Pockets of Every African-American Worker, Supporting Local Communities • Cutting the Payroll Tax Next Year — Benefitting Nearly 20 Million AfricanAmerican Workers: The President is proposing to extend and expand the payroll tax cut passed last December, increasing it to 3.1% for 2012. In total, this will help nearly 20 million AfricanAmerican workers who pay payroll taxes. Example: A household with $33,000 in income – near the median for African-American households nationwide – would typically pay about $2,050 in Social Security taxes. In 2011, that household would receive a payroll tax cut of $660. By expanding the payroll tax cut, that household will receive over $1,000.

Fully Paid for as Part of the President’s Long-Term Deficit Reduction Plan • To ensure that the American Jobs Act is fully paid for, the President will call on the Joint Committee to come up with additional deficit reduction necessary to pay for the Act and still meet its deficit target. The President will, in the coming days, release a detailed plan that will show how we can do that while achieving the additional deficit reduction necessary to meet the President’s broader goal of stabilizing our debt as a share of the economy.   www.whitehouse.gov/economy/jobsact

15  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Government

while instituting important fixes and reforms that ensure minimum wage and fair labor protections are being enforced. These approaches permits long-term unemployed workers to continue receiving UI while they take temporary, voluntary work or pursue workbased training. The President’s plan requires compliance with applicable minimum wage and other worker rights laws. o Wage Insurance: States will be able to use UI to encourage older, long-term unemployed Americans to return to work in new industries or occupations. o Startup Assistance: States will have flexibility to help long-term unemployed workers create their own jobs by starting their own small businesses. o Other Reemployment Reforms: States will be able to seek waivers from the Secretary of Labor to implement other innovative reforms to connect the long-term unemployed to work opportunities.

a new Pathways Back to Work Fund to provide hundreds of thousands of low-income youth and adults with opportunities to work and to achieve needed training in growth industries. The Initiative will do three things:

THE WHITE HOUSE We Can’t Wait: Obama Administration Announces Two Steps to Help Businesses Create Jobs, Strengthen Competitiveness Today, the Obama Administration announced it is taking two important steps to help U.S businesses create jobs and strengthen their competitiveness in a global economy. Through two Presidential Memoranda issued today, the Obama Administration will take steps to speed up the transfer of federal research and development from the laboratory to the marketplace, and it will create BusinessUSA, a one-stop, central online platform where small businesses and businesses of all sizes that want to begin or increase exporting can access information about available federal programs without having to waste time navigating the federal bureaucracy. These announcements are part of a series of executive actions to put Americans back to work and strengthen the economy because we can’t wait for Congressional Republicans to act. “With too many families struggling and too many businesses fighting to keep their doors open, we can’t wait for Congress to take action,” President Obama said. “Today, I am directing my Administration to take two important steps to help American businesses create new products, compete in a global economy, and create jobs here at home.” Accelerating Products from the Science Lab to the Marketplace Breakthroughs in science and engineering create foundations for new industries, new companies, and new jobs. With world-class universities and federal laboratories, the United States has long led the world in this innovative process. As other countries begin to challenge American leadership in innovation, America must expand its ability to transfer science and engineering breakthroughs from the laboratory to the commercial marketplace. Today’s Presidential Memorandum directs all federal agencies with research facilities to accelerate this timeline in three key ways: •It directs agencies to streamline and accelerate the process for private-public research partnerships, small business research and development grants, and university-startup collaborations. This will result in grants to startups being made 50% faster. •It gives agencies more flexibility to partner with industry, encouraging them to create new partnerships with local communities, support the growth of regional innovation clusters, and share laboratory facilities with local businesses, among others. •It will institute more accountability by directing agencies to develop a five-year plan with concrete goals and metrics to measure progress, including keeping track of how many patents each lab is generating. Accelerating this timeline will help startups and small businesses around the country create new technologies, create new jobs and grow their companies while making more efficient use of the approximately $147 billion a year that the federal government invests in research and development. Over the years, federal agencies have supported a number of startups that have gone on to define an industry. Each one of these companies, for example, received a federal research grant: •Qualcomm, a global American telecommunication corporation that designs and manufactures wireless communications equipment. •Symantec, a global software giant -- now the largest maker of security software for computers. •The iRobot Corporation, which designs robots such as the Roomba, for home vacuuming, and the PackBot, for the US military. Creating a Streamlined, Virtual One-Stop Shop to Help Businesses Grow and Hire Today, the Obama Administration is also following through on President Obama’s commitment to launch a centralized, one-stop online platform to make it easier than ever for businesses small and large to access services to help them grow and hire. Today’s Presidential Memorandum directs the Administration to create within 90 days BusinessUSA, a one-stop shop for information regarding federal programs and services relevant to small businesses and businesses of all sizes that want to begin or increase exporting. BusinessUSA will implement a “No Wrong Door” policy for small businesses and exporters by using technology to quickly connect businesses to the services and information relevant to them, regardless of where the informa-

We Can’t Wait to Help Businesses Grow

Every year, the government spends approximately $147 billion on research and development. This order from the President will help to ensure that money gets used even more efficiently. And by the way, we know the federal research grant process helps to spark entrepreneurship. Qualcomm, the communications giant; Symantech, the software security firm; and iRobot, maker of the Roomba and Packbot, all received federal agency support before becoming an industry leader. BusinessUSA will help companies of all size grow.

Right now, a range of government websites offer resources and programs to support businesses, but navigating those sites and finding the information you need isn’t easy. BusinessUSA will change that and offer a centralized location where an entrepreneur can come to access programs to grow their exports, for instance. It will launch early next year.  www.whitehouse.gov/ blog/2011/10/28/we-cant-wait-helpbusinesses-grow

tion is located or which agency’s website, call center, or office they go to for help. And the more federal agencies continue to add content to BusinessUSA to encompass the full range of business programs and services, the more we will be able to reduce the confusing array of websites that exist today. To ensure that it is oriented towards the needs of the customer, BusinessUSA will be designed, tested, and built with the active feedback of U.S. businesses and relevant online communities and, to the extent possible, will integrate related state and local government services, as well as those of private sector partners. To strengthen America’s competitiveness in the global economy, we need to equip businesses with the tools and information necessary to support innovation and job growth in the 21st century. Through BusinessUSA, small businesses and businesses who want to grow their exports will be able to find and access relevant programs, information, and other services from across the government rather than having to waste time navigating through the federal bureaucracy – thereby further streamlining and coordinating federal programs to reduce costs and provide customer-oriented service. These changes were called for by the President’s Jobs Council, the President’s Export Council and small and medium sized businesses across the country as part of broad outreach by the Government

Reorganization Initiative. 17  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Government

h i l e Republicans in Congress continue to block the American Jobs Act (www.whitehouse.gov/ economy/jobsact), President Obama is still finding new ways to boost the economy and put people back to work. Recently, the President signed two executive memorandums: one that would shorten the time it takes for companies to commercialize federal research, and another to launch BusinessUSA -- a website that will make it easier for companies to learn about federal resources for business and exports -in early 2012. “With too many families struggling and too many businesses fighting to keep their doors open, we can’t wait for Congress to take action,” President Obama said in a statement. The first order will help speed up the time it takes for government research facilities to issue grants to start ups and give federal agencies more flexibility to partner with businesses.

States Receive Much-Needed Shot In The Arm To Aid Small Businesses

funding, as the state was allocated $55.4 million, which is expected to support approximately $554 million in lending to the state’s struggling entrepreneurs. “With this new funding, we can spur new investment in small businesses,” said Cuomo, “which is essential to creating the jobs that will get New York’s economy working again.” Of the states that have been granted funds thus far, New York’s award was second only to Florida, which received $97.7 million, and just ahead of Ohio’s $55.1 million. Other states receiving funds include Alabama, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oregon, Tennessee, Virgina and Washington, DC. “Well functioning credit markets provide entrepreneurs with the financing they need to commercialize innovation,

seize marketplace opportunities, and compete internationally resulting in hiring and economic expansion,” a July 2010 report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce concluded. And according to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses employ a little over half of all private sector employees and have been responsible for approximately two-thirds of new jobs created over the past 15 years. “This program will help ensure that more Main Street entrepreneurs have access to the credit they need to expand their businesses and create new jobs,” said treasurer of the United States Rosie Rios.

19  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

By: JERMAINE TAYLOR www.whitehouse.gove www.sba.gov

Government

he U.S. Department of Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), a program aimed at spurring job creation by providing federal funding to states to fuel loans to cash-strapped small businesses, is supplying a desperately needed boost to the nation’s entrepreneurs. With access to credit for small businesses to expand their operations being virtually non-existent as the country remains mired in a credit crisis and public and private sector hiring at a standstill, SSBCI, a core component of the Small Business Jobs Act signed into law by President Obama last fall, expects to stimulate as much as $15 billion in new lending to small business owners. According to the Treasury Department, every dollar of the initial $1.5 billion the act allocates to the program is expected to generate a minimum return on investment of $10 in new private lending. “These funds will provide critical support to state-level programs that help expand small business lending and spur private sector job growth,” Neal S. Wolin, Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, said last month. “Unlocking credit for small businesses will provide a powerful boost for investment and job creation in local communities across the country.” In its initial round of awards, the Treasury Department announced last month that 11 states had already been granted funds, including Florida, Texas and Ohio, among others. And last week, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that New York State was the latest awardee of SSBCI

THE WHITE HOUSE NATIONAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP MONTH, 2011 BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION From inventing the traffic light to developing the artificial heart, our Nation’s doers, makers, and entrepreneurs have proven time and again that, in America, it takes only a single good idea and the courage to pursue it to change history. In fulfilling this simple promise, these visionaries play a critical role in sparking new industries, expanding our economy, and generating new job growth across our country. This month, we celebrate the remarkable and everyday successes of our entrepreneurs and innovators, and we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that our economy remains the engine and the envy of the world. Earlier this year, my Administration launched the Startup America initiative, which accelerates the success of our entrepreneurs by unlocking access to capital, cutting red tape, and expanding mentorship and educational opportunities. The initiative works to improve the climate for all high growth companies, and includes specific provisions to bring expertise and services to entrepreneurial scientists, students, immigrants, and veterans. Startup America also coordinates action across the Federal Government to bolster private investment in early stage companies, helping ensure that our best ideas have a chance to get off the ground and into the marketplace. By making it faster and easier for entrepreneurs to turn new ideas into new businesses and new jobs, we are building an innovation economy that will propel our Nation into the future. To fast track our startups and enable them to bring products to market more quickly, I signed the America Invents Act in September of this year. This essential legislation will help entrepreneurs and inventors secure a patent three times faster than they can today, drastically cutting the time it takes to roll out novel technologies and products. The Act will also improve the quality of our patents and do more to give entrepreneurs the protection and confidence they need to attract investment, grow their businesses, and hire more workers. We stand at a moment when our Nation’s economy must become more dynamic and flexible than ever before, and these reforms will help us meet this challenge. My Administration is also working to create new opportunities for collaboration within the private sector. Run by and for entrepreneurs, the independent Startup America Partnership has assembled an extensive network of mentors, advisors, investors, and established corporations to share strategic assets with our country’s next great innovators. This movement harnesses the agility, intelligence, and ingenuity that has powered our success for generations and uses it to fuel our growth in rapidly evolving, global markets. The task of making America competitive throughout the 21st century is a job for all of us. By cultivating innovation on our college and university campuses, we can inspire the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders. With the help of experienced entrepreneurs and companies, and through events like Global Entrepreneurship Week, which begins on November 14, we can ensure our startups have access to the resources, connections, and partnerships that will promote their success. To encourage great ideas in all parts of our country, our lending institutions, foundations, and investors can finance vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystems that extend to our rural and underserved communities. By pooling our talents and investing in the creativity and imagination of our people, we can move forward with the spirit of hope and ambition that has defined our past and will drive our Nation in the years to come. 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 November 2011 as National Entrepreneurship Month. I call upon all Americans to commemorate this month with appropriate programs and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth. BARACK OBAMA

Government

Remarks by the President on Ending the War in Iraq ood afternoon, everybody. As a candidate for President, I pledged to bring the war in Iraq to a responsible end -- for the sake of our national security and to strengthen

Over the next two months, our troops in Iraq -- tens of thousands of them -- will pack up their gear and board convoys for the journey home. The last American soldier[s] will cross the border

our diplomats and civilian advisors in the lead, we’ll help Iraqis strengthen institutions that are just, representative and accountable. We’ll build new ties of trade and of commerce, culture and

American leadership around the world. After taking office, I announced a new strategy that would end our combat mission in Iraq and remove all of our troops by the end of 2011. As Commander-in-Chief, ensuring the success of this strategy has been one of my highest national security priorities. Last year, I announced the end to our combat mission in Iraq. And to date, we’ve removed more than 100,000 troops. Iraqis have taken full responsibility for their country’s security. A few hours ago I spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki. I reaffirmed that the United States keeps its commitments. He spoke of the determination of the Iraqi people to forge their own future. We are in full agreement about how to move forward. So today, I can report that, as promised, the rest of our troops in Iraq will come home by the end of the year. After nearly nine years, America’s war in Iraq will be over.

out of Iraq with their heads held high, proud of their success, and knowing that the American people stand united in our support for our troops. That is how America’s military efforts in Iraq will end. But even as we mark this important milestone, we’re also moving into a new phase in the relationship between the United States and Iraq. As of January 1st, and in keeping with our Strategic Framework Agreement with Iraq, it will be a normal relationship between sovereign nations, an equal partnership based on mutual interests and mutual respect. In today’s conversation, Prime Minister Maliki and I agreed that a meeting of the Higher Coordinating Committee of the Strategic Framework Agreement will convene in the coming weeks. And I invited the Prime Minister to come to the White House in December, as we plan for all the important work that we have to do together. This will be a strong and enduring partnership. With

education, that unleash the potential of the Iraqi people. We’ll partner with an Iraq that contributes to regional security and peace, just as we insist that other nations respect Iraq’s sovereignty. As I told Prime Minister Maliki, we will continue discussions on how we might help Iraq train and equip its forces -- again, just as we offer training and assistance to countries around the world. After all, there will be some difficult days ahead for Iraq, and the United States will continue to have an interest in an Iraq that is stable, secure and self-reliant. Just as Iraqis have persevered through war, I’m confident that they can build a future worthy of their history as a cradle of civilization. Here at home, the coming months will be another season of homecomings. Across America, our servicemen and women will be reunited with their families. Today, I can say that our troops in Iraq will definitely be home for

22  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

see Ending the War on page 23

Ending The War the holidays. This December will be a time to reflect on all that we’ve been though in this war. I’ll join the American people in paying tribute to the more than 1 million Americans who have served in Iraq. We’ll honor our many wounded warriors and the nearly 4,500 American patriots -- and their Iraqi and coalition partners -- who gave their lives to this

from Iraq, we’re beginning to bring our troops home from Afghanistan, where we’ve begun a transition to Afghan security and leadership. When I took office, roughly 180,000 troops were deployed in both these wars. And by the end of this year that number will be cut in half, and make no mistake: It will continue to go down. Meanwhile, yesterday marked the definitive end of the Qaddafi regime in Libya. And there, too, our military played a critical role in shaping a situation on the ground in which the

finally coming home. As they do, fewer deployments and more time training will help keep our military the very best in the world. And as we welcome home our newest veterans, we’ll never stop working to give them and their families the care, the benefits and the opportunities that they have earned. This includes enlisting our veterans in the greatest challenge that we now face as a nation -- creating opportunity and jobs in this country. Because after a decade of war, the nation that we need to build -- and the nation that we

effort. And finally, I would note that the end of war in Iraq reflects a larger transition. The tide of war is receding. The drawdown in Iraq allowed us to refocus our fight against al Qaeda and achieve major victories against its leadership -- including Osama bin Laden. Now, even as we remove our last troops

Libyan people can build their own future. Today, NATO is working to bring this successful mission to a close. So to sum up, the United States is moving forward from a position of strength. The long war in Iraq will come to an end by the end of this year. The transition in Afghanistan is moving forward, and our troops are

will build -- is our own; an America that sees its economic strength restored just as we’ve restored our leadership around the globe. Thank you very much. 

from page 22

Government www.whitehouse.gov/the-pressoffice/2011/10/21/remarks-presidentending-war-iraq

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24  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Permanent District Director Sworn in at Los Angeles District Office

Victor Parker, District Dirctor, Los Angeles District Office community and our extended family of lenders and resource partners will be well served with his private sector perspective and small business background,” said Echols. “I am excited about joining the SBA and the Los Angeles District team. I look forward to promoting SBA programs and providing support to the small business community in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties,” said Parker. Parker is a long-time Los Angeles resident, who is active in the community and serves on the board of directors of Community Development Centers, Inc. Victor received his bachelor’s degree from University of California, Berkeley and his Juris Doctor degree from Pepperdine University. The Los Angeles SBA District Office oversees SBA programs in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties. The tri-county service area was the leading SBA lending market in the

country during fiscal 2011. The office manages a loan portfolio that financed more than 2,477 businesses with $1.58 billion and generated $538.7 million in contract opportunities in fiscal 2011. In addition, the district office supervises eight Small Business Development Centers, four chapters of the Service Corps of Retired Executives and four Women’s Business Centers. 

Karen G. Mills, Administrator Small Business Administration

25  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Government

he U.S. Small Business Administration Los Angeles District Office recently welcomed Victor Parker as the new permanent district director. Upon taking the Oath for Federal employees, Victor Parker became the newest and most senior SBA employee in the Los Angeles District Office as its incoming district director. Parker, the first African American to hold this position, has extensive management and leadership experience. Parker brings more than 15 years in management and was recently the Division Managing Director at Myers Stevens Group. Additionally, Parker will apply his experience and knowledge of SBA 8(a) certification and government contracting programs from the perspective of a small business owner. “Victor is an exceptional individual and leader who will bring a fresh perspective to the Los Angeles District Office. The tri-county small business

The SBA Microloan Program

he SBA offers a variety of loan programs for very specific purposes including: the 7(a) Loan Program, the CDC/504 Loan Program and the Microloan Program. Take some time to study the programs by visiting SBA.gov, to see if you qualify to participate.

What is a Microloan?

Government

The Microloan Program provides small, short-term loans to small business concerns and certain types of not-for-profit child-care centers. The SBA makes funds available to specially designated intermediary lenders, which are nonprofit community-based organizations with experience in lending as well as management and technical assistance. These intermediaries make loans to eligible borrowers. The maximum loan amount is $50,000, but the average microloan is about $13,000.

Terms, Interest Rates, and Fees Loan terms vary according to: • The size of the loan • The planned use of funds • The requirements of the intermediary lender • The needs of the small business borrower The maximum term allowed for a microloan is six years. Interest rates vary, depending on the intermediary lender and costs to the intermediary from the U.S. Treasury. Generally, these rates will be between 8 and 13 percent.

Collateral Each intermediary lender has its own lending and credit requirements. Generally, intermediaries require some type of collateral as well as the personal guarantee of the business owner.

Contact Your Local Microloan Intermediary Small businesses interested in applying for a microloan should contact an intermediary in their area, since all credit decisions are made on the local level. The Microloan Program is available in selected locations in most states. For more information contact your local SBA District Office or review the Intermediary file for a list of participating intermediaries by state (www.sba.gov/ sites/default/files/Microloan%20Intermediary%20List_5.pdf). To contact the SBA Los Angeles District Office for information on SBA Loan Programs visit the SBA’s user friendly web site at www.sba.gov. 

How Microloan Funds May Be Used Microloans may be used for the following purposes: • Working capital • The purchase of inventory or supplies • The purchase of furniture or fixtures • The purchase of machinery or equipment. Proceeds from a microloan cannot be used to pay existing debts or to purchase real estate.

Technical Assistance Each intermediary (lender) is required to provide business training and technical assistance to its microborrowers. If you apply for microloan financing, you may be required to fulfill training and/or planning requirements before your loan application is considered. This business training can be helpful to you as you launch or expand your small business.

26  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

SBA Success Stories:

SBA 8(a) Program Helps Woman / Minority-Owned Firm Change Strategic Direction

Lillian Pernell understood that the 8(a) program helped federal government agencies locate qualified firms to perform government contracts and earn a profit. She saw this scenario as a way to resuscitate her company and felt positive that she could benefit from the symbiosis such a working relationship would create. She applied to the SBA’s Los Angeles District Office for admission into the 8(a) Program and was approved in July 1996. Lillian was assigned a Business Opportunity Specialist (BOS) to advocate for her with respect to program goals. The BOS is also well versed in business finance, operational matters, and serves as a management consultant to aid the participant during her tenure in the program. The most important function of an SBA BOS is to create the most fertile environment, within which the participant firm can draw sustenance from the program resources to nourish and grow the business. Despite the appearance of a”safety net” being provided, the firm itself is duly responsible for program outcomes. To be successful, she must take the initiative to access all program components applicable to her particular business, including selfmarketing and networking. In short, she must remain committed to live and work the program. And “work the program” is what Lillian most certainly did. Under the enlightened managerial expertise of the SBA 8(a) team, she found the resources and the direction for her business’s future. Lillian changed the company structure to a corporate entity and underwent a strategic business evaluation and resource redeployment. This

involved blending into her business mix opportunities that became available as a result of her 8(a) participation. The study concluded that by shifting focus to auditing single family loan files for compliance with FHA guidelines, the company would establish a competitive niche within which to operate and generate future growth. As a result of the switch, she secured a number of 8(a) and non-8(a) contracts with (HUD) to audit that Agency’s single family loans. Lillian Pernell’s ability to stay the course and remain focused on her plan has paid handsome dividends for her business. Her annual revenues have grown 25 fold with concomitant profitability and cash flow. Access to additional contracts continues to be extremely promising. Even more significant is the fact that her entrepreneurial spirit has forged and trained a valuable cadre of professionals to insure the future wellbeing of the firm. To her credit Lillian Pernell created 16 jobs through her enterprising endeavors, an accomplishment of which she will forever be proud. L.E. Pernell & Associates, Inc. is located at 13017 Artesia Blvd., Suite 104, Cerritos, CA 90703. The business telephone number is (562) 483-8161 and the Fax is (562) 483-8163. Ms. Pernell can be reached by e-mail at lillianpernell@edi-lepa.com. To contact the SBA Los Angeles District Office for information on 8(a) Business Development call: Armida Brother at (818) 552-3233, Catherine Clark at (818) 552-3311, Betsy Copelan at (818) 552-3313, Bonita Rentie at (818) 552-3310, Carlos Johnson at (818) 552-3232 or visit the SBA’s user friendly web site at www.sba.gov. 

27  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Government

illian Pernell started L.E. Pernell & Associates as a sole proprietorship. Her initial product line consisted of management consulting services in areas that Ms. Pernell had personally garnered specific experience while working in different industry situations. Office automation, business application, electric data interchange, and funds transfer were several of her areas of expertise in which her clients expressed an interest. As is often the case with start-up businesses in general and fledgling consulting enterprises in particular, success is incumbent upon building a revenue base sufficient to maintain business continuity and cover fixed costs as quickly as possible. In 1995, the company’s revenues were slightly below $70,000 and the health of the company was seriously in question. In short, Ms. Pernell needed help. Through her participation in the Black Business Association, she had heard about the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and its Business Development Program referred to as the 8(a) Program, intended to help socially and economically disadvantaged business owners compete in the Federal Procurement Marketplace. The SBA’s 8(a) program assists these firms in gaining equal access to the resources necessary to develop their business and thereby, improve their ability to compete on an equal basis in the mainstream of the economy.

Minority Business Development Agency Congratulations to Jobs Challenge Award Winners

Challenge represents the Obama Administration’s commitment to accelerate the development of strong industry clusters - like the Research Triangle in North Carolina - that promote robust economic ecosystems and the development of a skilled workforce, both of which are critical to long-term regional success. This cluster approach reflects another important goal of the Obama Administration-to streamline government while maximizing resources. Challange applicants submited ONE application, instead of multiple applications to several agencies, cutting down on costs and time. Awardees will receive funds in a coordinated, integrated manner

Jobs & Innovation Accelerator Awards The twenty awards average $1.8 million per region and are slated to receive local match that total an additional $13 million. Estimates from Job and Innovation Accelerator Challenge winners project that a total of 4,800 jobs will be created and 2,400 jobs retained, 4,000 workers will be trained for careers in high-growth sectors, $69 million in new private investment will be generated and 339 new businesses will be started. Visit the Jobs & Innovation Accelerator Challenge website (www.eda.gov/InvestmentsGrants/ jobsandinnovationchallenge) to review the winning projects, find one in

Government

BDA Business Center operators Georgia Tech Research Corporation, United Tribes Technical College and Michigan Minority Business Development Council won Innovation Accelerator Challenge awards for their projects on Health Information Technology, Environmental Risk Mitigation, Advance Energy Storage Systems, respectively. • Georgia Tech Research Corporation operates the MBDA Business Center Atlanta, GA (www.mbda.gov/ businesscenters/atlanta) • United Tribes Technical College operates MBDA North Dakota/South Dakota Native American Business Development Center (www.ndsdnabec.com/index.asp) • Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council, is affiliated with the Michigan Minority Business Development Council which operates the MBDA Business Center Detroit, MI (www.mbda.gov/ businesscenters/detroit)

Jobs & Innovation Accelerator Challenge On September 22, 2011 the Obama Administration announced the winners of the $37 million Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge, a multi-agency competition launched in May to support the advancement of 20 high-growth, regional industry clusters. Investments from three federal agencies and technical assistance from 13 additional agencies will promote development in areas such as advanced manufacturing, information technology, aerospace and clean technology, in rural and urban regions in 21 states. Projects are driven by local communities that identify the economic strengths of their areas. The Innovation Accelerator

that is more efficient and predictable. When President Obama was elected, he promised to change the way government does business.

your area of the nation and link your business to that project opportunity. 

29  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

www.mbda.gov

RESOURCES FOR GOING GLOBAL

Business

Dear International Executive, Fall greetings to you!! There are a lot of exciting events coming up before the holidays to assist you with your international endeavors.Below is a summary of local events that you should plan to attend. Also, Congress has passed Free Trade Agreements with South Korea, Colombia, and Panama along with Trade Adjustment Assistance. To learn more about the agreements and what this means to your business, go to the following website: www.ustr.gov/FTA. ********************************** 1) U.S./Vietnam Trade Symposium: Understanding the Bilateral Business Environment 2) 2011 National District Export Council Conference & Exposition 3) AES Compliance Seminar 4) AES PCLink Workshop ********************************** U.S. – Vietnam Trade Symposium: Understanding the Bilateral Business Environment Location: USC Davidson Conference Center, Vineyard Room Date: November 2, 2011 Time: 7:30am-10:30am Cost: $35 Link to Register: www.wit-la.org Co-hosted by the Women in International Trade – Los Angeles (WIT-LA) and the USC Marshall School of Business Center for International Business Education & Research (CIBER) Learn about the opportunities for US companies to do business with this fast growing market, network with a delegation of leading Vietnamese women entrepreneurs who will be participating in the “APEC CEO Summit”, and learn about the pending Trans-Pacific Partnership and what it means for your business. ********************************** 2011 National District Export Council Conference & Exposition Location:Las Vegas, NV

Date: November 2-5, 2011 Link to Register: www.decconference. com The 2011 National District Export Council Conference and Exposition will be held November 2-5, 2011, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada. This is North America’s largest conference and trade show solely dedicated to exporting U.S. goods and services and exchanging best practices with attendees that will number in the thousands. This year’s theme is “Exporting Means Jobs”, and we will focus on how to enable attendees and exhibitors to increase their exporting initiatives. We will feature simultaneous education tracks, a complete Export University certificate program, an Exhibition Hall that will include an International Pavilion and the opportunity to speak to U.S. Commerce staff from around the world and Consuls General from more than 30 countries. To learn more, contact the NV DEC Chairman, Randy Innis, at rinnis@cox.net. ********************************** AES Compliance Seminar Location: Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel, 6101 West Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045 Date: November 16, 2011 Time: 7:30 am – 5 pm Cost: $199 Link to Register: http://export.gov/ california/losangeleswest/tradeevents/ aes/index.asp How does the Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) affect your export business? Do you know how to use the Automated Export System (AES) to comply with the FTR? It is imperative that you understand the FTR so you can avoid possible penalties and seizure of your export shipments. Attending this educational seminar and workshop will provide you with the information to assist you with the exporting process. Seminar Highlights: • Mandatory Filing Requirements

• Filing timeframes for Puerto Rico • Types of export transactions: Standard and Routed • How to avoid penalties and cargo seizure • Common FTR violations • Mitigation guidelines • Export Controls • Export Enforcement • Commodity classification- Schedule B codes • Using the current Trade statistics to discover new markets ********************************** AES PCLink Workshop Location: Long Beach City College, 4900 E. Conant St., BLDG 2., Long Beach, CA 90808 Date: November 17, 2011 Time: 8:30 am – 12 pm or 1:30 pm – 4 pm Cost: $60 Link to register: http://export.gov/california/losangeleswest/tradeevents/ aes/index.asp Workshop Highlights: • Taught by AES experts • Hands on training for mandatory export reporting • Practice reporting export information • Tips on how to make the reporting process easier • Learn how to become AES certified • Choice of morning or afternoon session ********************************** 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://export.gov/ california/ca/socal/index.asp. 

30  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

EXPORT POTENTIAL TO EAST AFRICA With 230 million consumers and a regional GDP of over $114 billion, East Africa is becoming recognized among top consultancies as the next frontier for U.S. businesses and investments. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is the centerpiece for US trade policy with Africa that aims to enhance trade through liberalized trading policies. The East Africa Community’s (EAC) mission is to widen and deepen economic integration in order to improve the quality of life of the people of East Africa through increased competitiveness, value added production, trade and investments. DATE/TIME: November 16, 2011 – 9:00 a.m. EST (8:00 a.m. CST) LOCATION: Participate from your home or office computer COST: $45 Sectors: Agribusiness – Agriculture remains one of the largest sectors in East Africa Information and Communication Technologies – Liberalization in this sector has brought foreign investment and opportunities for U.S. manufacturers Medical – U.S. manufactures are in excellent position to increase market share due to U.S. technical competitiveness. Renewable Energy – Renewable alternative energy sources are needed to meet growing power demands Infrastructure – Governments are increasing investments into improving infrastructures You will hear from Commercial Officers located at the U.S. Embassies in East Africa. They will provide you with market intelligence and answers to your questions during a highly focused and interactive webinar setting. Who should attend? International marketing and sales directors and managers, as well as those focused on business development in Africa.

If you have any questions, please contact: Michael Rosales U.S. Commercial Service U.S. Department of Commerce 203 S. St. Mary’s Street, Suite 101 San Antonio, TX 78205 Tel: 210-228-9878 Fax: 210-228-9874

31  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Business

How to participate: The audio component of the webinar is accessed through a standard telephone line. The visual component is accessed through an internet connection. After registering and receipt of payment we will provide you with a toll free number and a web link to log on.

Editorial

Can NFL’s Rooney Rule Work in Corporate America? By Suzanne Gamboa, Associated Press

ow that the National Football League has a record number of head coaches who are black and Hispanic, can Fortune 500 companies borrow from the league’s diversity playbook and see similar results among corporate executives? Robert L. Johnson, founder of Black Entertainment Television, thinks so. He is urging corporate America to adopt a version of the NFL’s Rooney Rule, which requires teams to interview at least one minority candidate when filling head coach and general manager positions. Currently, seven NFL coaches are

black and one is Hispanic. Five general managers are minorities. In 2003, when the rule was implemented, there were three African American NFL head coaches. Unlike the NFL rule, which is mandatory for teams, Johnson is asking companies to voluntarily adopt a version of the rule. In Johnson’s version, which he calls the RLJ Rule, companies would include at least two African Americans among interviewees for positions of vice president and above and interview at least two black firms when searching for vendor and supplier services contractors.

From micePLACES.com

Convention Industry Council February 2011 Executive Summary

new study reports that the U.S. meetings industry directly supports 1.7 million jobs, a $106 billion contribution to GDP, $263 billion in spending, $60 billion in labor revenue, $14.3 billion in federal tax

revenue and $11.3 billion in state and local tax revenue. The Convention Industry Council study, The Economic Significance of Meetings to the U.S. Economy, spanned more than a year in research and analysis and is the first ever study of the size and scope of its kind. The research quantifies the economic contributions made by the 1.8 million meetings, trade shows, conventions, congresses, incentive events and other meetings that take place across the country. Review the complete study at www. MeetingsMeanBusiness.com. 

“Million Dollar Business Pitch” Michael Baisden has announced his plans to give away a halfmillion dollars to small businesses and nonprofits via a “Million Dollar Business Pitch” campaign. Baisden’s contribution for the campaign is coming directly from his wallet. To get more information on how you can win a share of his Million Dollar Business Pitch, follow The Michael Baisden Show on Facebook (on Baisdenlive) and Twitter (@ BaisdenLive). Details on how to submit your business will be announced live on The Michael Baisden Show on November 28th between 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. ET. Log onto www.Baisdenlive.com to listen to the live stream or download the TuneIn radio app and search Michael Baisden show. 

33  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Business

Research Details the Economic Significance of Meetings

He spelled out the proposal in letters sent to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Business Roundtable, the Business Council, the U.S. Black Chamber of Commerce, the Executive Leadership Council, and the Congressional Black Caucus, among others, as well as several civil rights and minority organizations. The Chamber of Commerce did not respond to a request from the AP for comment on the proposal. Johnson said although many companies have diversity programs and want more diverse workforces, higher-level positions often are filled through “an informal kind of friendship system.” His proposal gives African Americans the chance to compete for the position they may not have had because they lack the connection to the person doing the hiring, he said. “As this country becomes more diversified and more and more minorities are going to be seeking jobs and be consumers, there’s every reason to adopt this voluntary enhanced version” of the Rooney Rule, Johnson said. 

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

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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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Professional Liability - Provides protection for rendering professional services; may apply to both individual professionals and/or businesses.

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Commercial Umbrella - An additional layer of liability protection that applies across policies to give you increased coverage limits.

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Inland Marine - Coverage for specialized, valuable equipment or equipment that is mobile.

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Commercial Auto Insurance - Protection for your owned, borrowed, or rental autos.

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Directors & Officers

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Employment Practices Liability

Health Care Industry: Steven Turner and his team provide solutions across the continuum of care in medical facilities coverage, ranging from small clinics to specialized facilities and hospitals. As the environment evolves in the medical services industry, Slaton Insurance Group is ready to assist you in managing risk. 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.

The Workplace of the Future: Global, Mobile, Social and Flexible by Blakely Thomas-Aguilar, PGi Meetings Expert

t’s the end of an era. In 1999, it seemed like the Personal Computer would reign forever and nothing could top that incredible feat of innovation. As it turns out, the PC was merely http://learn.pgi.com/Main the catalyst to the largest cultural evolution since the Industrial Revolution. From farms to factories and corner offices to cubicles, over the past 300 years the “workplace” progressively adapted in small ways with new technology and cultural evolutions. That progression is at a crescendo. In five years, the new workplace — the office of the future — will be unrecognizable. Are you ready?

Today, the world’s companies use social media for internal and external business requirements. Internally, companies are building communities to share, collaborate and “Like” information from HR, executives, product teams, developers, sales and more. Externally, companies primarily use social media for marketing, advertising, recruiting and customer service — %71 use Facebook and 59% Twitter (www.jeffbullas.com/2011/09/02/20-stunning-social-mediastatistics). Social media is replacing outdated modes of recruiting (www.youtube.com/watch?v=xs5-pEtVaPA), customer service, investor relations (http://blog.pgi. com/2011/getting-social-with-investor-relations), advertising and marketing (http://learn.pgi.com/main/pages/PGI/ RESO/ShowCollateral.aspx?oid=82761&pagename=HowMarketing-Agencies-Bond-with-Clients-and-Do-More-WithLess.aspx). Need to hear it from the horse’s mouth? Ask an 18-year-old when they last read a real, physical newspaper or just heard the news on Twitter.

Global Mobility

With global mobility and social enterprise, the need to be in a physical office is evaporating — especially with the proliferation of quality virtual collaboration solutions like video meetings (www.pgi.com/us/en/conferencing/iMeet) and web conferencing (www.pgi.com/us/en/conferencing/ web-meetings/web-conferencing.php). Today’s workers are more mobile than ever before — working in home offices, coworking spaces (http://learn.pgi.com/main/pages/PGI/ RESO/ShowCollateral.aspx?oid=83000&pagename=Coworking-the-new-future-for-mobile-teleworkers-and-roadwarriors.aspx), mobile offices, airplanes, coffee shops and client offices. And as the teleworker ranks swell upwards of 137 million worldwide (www.ivc.ca/globalization/index.htm), companies are viewing flexible work arrangements in a very different light. The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates that businesses see an average of 6 additional hours of productivity from teleworkers in a 40-hour work week (www. federaltimes.com/article/20101031/ADOP06/10310307). Gas prices, carbon emissions and real estate costs also contribute to the increasing acceptance of telework in businesses worldwide. And why not? Workers are already mobile. Companies are investing in technology and the cloud of the future. And social media and virtual meetings technology helps us connect anytime anywhere. Are you ready for the future of work? We can help — just Ask a Meetings Expert (http://learn.pgi.com/main/pages/ PGI/RESO/ShowCollateral.aspx?oid=83035&ssid=119&hid =0&sid=0&cp=5700).

Social Enterprise Social media is the fastest growing cultural phenomena the world has ever seen. Today, it is estimated that if Facebook was a country, it would be the third largest in the world (www. checkfacebook.com). What began as a college campus networking tool only six years ago has stretched across the world, linking continents of people together for the first time in history within the blink of an eye. For businesses, this builtin audience quickly shifted from opportunistic marketing to a requirement for business success.

37  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Business

Christopher Columbus took more than two months to sail to the New World — Spain to the Bahamas — in 1492 (www. columbusnavigation.com/cctl.shtml). Twenty years ago, the same voyage from Madrid to Nassau took 11 hours by plane. Today, a phone call or virtual video meeting between the same two countries is near-instantaneous. Global communications are fast, simple and readily available thanks to satellites, fiber connections and cell towers. With the use of mobile and wireless internet connections, businesses across the world are connecting in ways never even believed possible — from pretty much anywhere (https://blog.imeet.com/one-world-%E2%80%93one-room). Many businesses, however, are just not ready for global expansion although it’s becoming increasingly vital to success. Incredibly, however, with the proliferation of global service providers (www.pgi.com/gateway.php), infrastructure and technology leaders, it’s easier (and more cost-effective) than late-adopters believe.

Flexible Workers

Flexible Display Screens for Consumers are About to Arrive on the Market

By Samuel Greengard

New or Improved Tools Provide Opps for New or Improved Products and Businesses.

Business

he explosion of tablet computers has demonstrated that consumers and businesses are eager for devices that let people access files, media and other content on the go. But these systems have one intrinsic drawback: they’re difficult to hold, handle and transport because they’re rigid.

This may soon change. After years of anticipation about roll-up displays, they could be arriving at a smartphone or tablet near you within the next several months. It’s rumored that Samsung will introduce flexible active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display technology in watches and phones in the second quarter of 2012. Other manufacturers also are close to manufacturing flexible screen devices, according to industry sources. LG demonstrated a 9.7-inch color epaper display and a 19-inch flexible e-paper display in 2010. The technology could be used for e-newspapers

or e-magazines (http://nextbigfuture. com/2010/08/lg-will-mass-produce-19inch-flexible-e.html). Another company, PlasticLogic, has already introduced an “electronic textbook” (www.plasticlogic.com/news/pr_education_announce_sep122011.php) for school children in Russia. It features a 10.7-inch shatt e r proof display t h a t looks l i k e actual paper a n d c a n h o l d up to 4 0 books. The U.S. Army is also getting into the picture. In February, the Los Angeles Times reported that Hewlett-Packard would deliver a working prototype of a lightweight, wearable Dick Tracy-style wristwatch that will let soldiers in the field view digital maps and other information on a flexible plastic screen that won’t crack or shatter. Market research and consulting firm DisplaySearch estimates that sales of flexible displays will swell from $85 million in 2008 to $9 billion by 2018. So far, the difficulty in getting flexible displays to market has mostly centered on manufacturing issues, including affixing thin transistor arrays to a flexible substrate.

A high number of defects has resulted in high manufacturing costs. But it now appears that flexible displays are about to be seen in a big way. According to Nick Colaneri, director of the Flexible Display Center (http://flexdisplay.asu.edu) at Arizona State University: “You can start thinking about putting electronic displays on things where you wouldn’t ordinarily think of having them.” The list includes clothing, shelf labels, walls and roll-up e-readers.  www.baselinemag.com/c/a/Innovation/Flexible-Displays-Finally-Arrives731666/?kc=BLBLBEMNL10182011S TR9

City of Los Angeles Business Inclusion Program The City of Los Angeles is striving to increase the participation of small, emerging, veteran, women and minorityowned businesses in City contracts. All City departments utilize the City’s electronic marketplace, Los Angeles Business Assistance Virtual Network (www.labavn.org), to post all opportunities subject to advertising. We encourage business owners to register on www.labavn.org to receive notifications of contracting opportunities as well as updates on implementing the program. 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

38  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

On The Way: Turn any Surface into a Touchscreen

By Laura Shin

different colors. Those in turn get copied and projected by mirrors, pixel-bypixel, onto the selected surface. The depth-sensing camera then detects when a user’s fingers are touching the “screen” (the surface the user has designated) and “pressing” a button on it. In order to get the technology to work, the researchers needed to teach the system how to recognize fingers, which are crucial to the technology because they create screens, select buttons, zoom in and so on. They dissected the qualities of fingers and developed a method for determining when a finger was “clicking” on something. Researcher Hrvoje Benko said: “In this case, we’re detecting proximity at a very fine level. The system decides the finger is touching the surface if it’s close enough to constitute making contact. This was fairly tricky, and we used

a depth map to determine proximity. In practice, a finger is seen as “clicked” when its hover distance drops to one centimeter or less above a surface, and we even manage to maintain the clicked state for dragging operations.” The technology was unveiled at the 2011 UIST, a conference on innovations in the ways humans interact computer in Santa Barbara, CA. Benko and Carnegie Mellon Ph.D. student Chris Harrison and Andrew D. Wilson of Microsoft wrote about the technology (http://chrisharrison.net/projects/ omnitouch/omnitouch.pdf). Watch the video (www.smartplanet.com/blog/science-scope/ video-turn-any-surface-into-atouchscreen/10758?tag=nl.e660) to see how users can create a screen, move an image on the screen, zoom in and out, paint using a palette of colors, select buttons on a menu, and more. 

39  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Business

ecently, Microsoft (www.microsoft.com) and Carnegie Mellon researchers are unveiling OmniTouch (www.cmu.edu/homepage/ computing/2011/fall/omnitouch.shtml), a system that turns any surface into a touchscreen. Composed of a depth-sensing camera and laser-based pico projector (more on that in a second), the contraption looks like a flattened-pancake version of R2D2 and sits on the user’s shoulder. The user first creates a screen wherever he or she likes — such as a hand, arm, wall, table or pad of paper — and then, just like with any other touchscreen, uses fingers to navigate it. The screen is created with the laserbased pico projector, which is an electronic system placed on a tiny chip. It transforms the image into an electronic signal, which then sparks laser lights of

Business Development

Building Your Business for Success: The Importance of Ownership

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

Added Value To Business

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.

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.

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.

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: â&#x20AC;&#x153;God bless the child thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s got his ownâ&#x20AC;?. The Black Business Association will soon launch a program to assist African American business owners in acquiring commercial and industrial real estate.

How Do We Make More Entrepreneurs More Successful? Kauffman Foundation’s latest animated sketchbook video illustrates the importance of finding the ‘magic sauce’ for firm success

creating jobs. Schramm asks, how do we make those firms more successful at the outset? The three-minute video goes on to outline the issues that the Kauffman Foundation is studying to learn how to help more entrepreneurs become more successful. “We do a lot of research, because if you don’t get the story right, you’ll get the solution wrong,” Schramm says. View the “Magic Sauce” video and the “Three Things Entrepreneurs Do” videos at this address: www. kauffman.org/about-the-foundation/ kauffman-sketchbook.aspx. 

www.iaee.com/events--education/expo-expo-annual-meeting 41  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Business

f the best indicator of a country’s growth is the number of new firms started every year, as Kauffman Foundation research indicates, how do we get more companies to start and grow? What’s the magic sauce? That’s the subject of the latest animated video in the Kauffman Sketchbook series released today. In “Magic Sauce, “ Kauffman President and CEO Carl Schramm points out that nearly 700,000 new businesses start every year, but the failure rate is high and many of them are not

Tech Tools: Arming

the Virtual Office Warrior

nce upon a time, in a land not too far away, people drove to work every day, poured cups of coffee in their favorite mugs, rifled through file cabinets and talked to Jan and Jim by the water cooler. They made telephone calls on landlines to customers in “far-off” places, like Roanoke, Virginia, and dreamed about working from home or while travelling.

Their dream is now a reality. Employees are no longer always confined to their office walls and it has become easier than ever for workers to have virtual office spaces that free them from workplace norms. However, to ensure their success, these virtual office warriors and digital nomads must be armed with the right tools. The most important tools for the virtual office warrior are: • Video and/or web conferencing software (with toll-free numbers and VoIP) • Secure, dependable Wi-Fi service • Smartphone or cell phone with internet access

• Laptop(s) with all of the software that you need to complete your work • Cloud computing or share drives with easy access • A space where you can get things done It’s also important to:

Stay Connected Having distance between you and your coworkers or boss may be a good thing in many cases, but it is extremely important to keep the lines of communication open. Keep in contact with your associates with email, calls, video conferences and chat. Remember that face-to-face time is essential to communicating with colleagues and warding off negative isolation.

Be Organized and Available Organization is key to any worker’s success, so get your projects in order and manage your time wisely. While working from home or on vacation, you may be susceptible to distractions

that you wouldn’t normally have at the office, so it is imperative to manage all of your to-dos with calendars (I use Outlook probably 50 times a day), schedules and lists. Set reminders for yourself to keep on track, but also know that your schedule should be flexible, because you want to be as available as possible when working remotely. Be ready to jump on a call, video conference or ”step into” a meeting. Stay on that ball!  #Shift, #ShiftNYC, home office tips, virtual office space tools, working from home

http://shift.pgi.com/2011/arming-thevirtual-office-warrior

ANNOUNCEMENT

“The Workshop at Macy’s”, the retailer’s minority and women-owned business development program returns to identify and foster up-and-coming vendors

tive reinforces Macy’s long-standing commitment to vendor diversity and to providing customers with unique goods and services that meet their lifestyle. The Workshop at Macy’s is a four and a half-day intensive training course developed by a consortium of experts

Business

fter a highly successful inaugural edition this past Spring, Macy’s innovative business of fashion program - The Workshop at Macy’s, returns to mentor and foster growth for a new class of up-and-coming minority and women-owned businesses. The retail 101 crash course, aims to take promising enterprises to the next level in order for them to achieve and sustain positive and successful vendor relationships. This industry first initia-

from Macy’s Learning & Development, Macy’s Multicultural Merchandising and Vendor Development, Babson College, the nation’s leading business school for entrepreneurship, and with select Macy’s merchants/vendors. The specially designed business development curriculum is aimed at minority and women-owned retail businesses see Workshop @ Macy’s on page 45 44  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Workshop @ Macy’s from page 44

ments for the business for 2 years, fall within the minority and women-owned definition of the program and provide verification of the business as a legal entity (i.e. Corporation, LLC, etc.), among other requirements. Applications must be submitted online or postmarked by Sunday, January 22, 2012 by 11:59pm ET. All information including full program requirements are available online at www.macysinc. com/workshop. All eligible applications will be reviewed and select applicants will be asked to attend an in-person interview. Final selections will be made after all prospective candidates are interviewed. The program will aim to invite at minimum 20 businesses to attend The Workshop at Macy’s which begins in early May of 2012. For more information on The Workshop at Macy’s, please visit www.macysinc.com/workshop. 

About Macy’s

How To Apply Macy’s is now accepting entries for consideration. To be eligible, an applicant must be the majority (51% or more of equity) owner, co-owner or otherwise have operational control (per applicable status rules) of a business that has been in operation for a least two consecutive years and be its primary decision maker. Eligible applications will include a 250-word biographical statement, look book/line sheets or images of product including costs, resumes on all owners, financial state-

Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at more than 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Macy’s stores and macys.com offer distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy’s is known for such epic events as Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Building on a 150-year tradition, Macy’s helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities that make a difference in the lives of our customers.

45  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Business

that are poised to succeed on a larger scale, but need real-world business practice information and perspective on large-scale vendor relationships, to move to the next level and sustain growth. A potential goal of this annual program is to help create a pipeline of viable enterprises that will grow to become successful partners within Macy’s own vendor community. First held this past Spring, the inaugural Workshop included 22 businesses that ranged from makeup/skincare companies to confectionaries, home textiles and ready-to-wear designers. “The incredible success of our first Workshop this Spring, paves the way for a new set of entrepreneurs who are hungry to learn from our stable of experts about the ways they can grow their ventures,” said Shawn Outler, Macy’s group vice-president of Multicultural Merchandising and Vendor Development. “The support and information made available to Workshop participants is invaluable in taking these businesses to the next phase of growth.” The Workshop at Macy’s allows selected participants to collaborate with fellow aspiring vendors, gain access to industry experts and solicit one-on-one business coaching. The course work includes classes on merchandising and assortment planning, marketing, EDI, financial management, and access to capital. Of the first Workshop class, Ms. Outler noted, “The entire week served as a revelation for participants, who had many breakthrough moments. You could see things starting to click for them as the week progressed. While many participants came in focused on pitching their lines, at the conclusion of the course work, they came away understanding how merchants think and how to build that relationship. The financial management sessions led by Elizabeth Thornton of Babson College,

Associated Fees & Expenses All courses and materials are free to accepted applicants. Meals will be provided during all onsite sessions. Please note participants are responsible for their own travel and lodging (if applicable).

were especially eye-opening. Every element of the Workshop at Macy’s was designed to enhance and create long-term success for their businesses.” Michelle Tunno Buelow, founder and ceo of Bello Tunno, a previous participant noted, “The Workshop at Macy’s challenged us to examine our business on an elevated level. It encouraged us to realistically look at our current infrastructure and strategy, dream bigger, then bridge the gap. The program was planned and executed in such a way that it empowered and inspired our team. We left the week armed with a toolbox for success, a plan for growth and the support of Macy’s.” “The opportunity changed my perspective and gave my business the retail insider information it needed to succeed even my own limits,” said Kim Roxie, founder and ceo of LAMIK Beauty. “The relationships I was able to build within a week will span a lifetime, cheers to the Magic of Macy’s!”

Ruggedized Secure Tablets Coming Soon for Business Use by R. Colin Johnson for Smarter Technology

medallions. Hot-swappable battery packs allow the ET1 to be shared among users who can keep the device running 24/7. Secure log-in features allow the ET1 to be instantly provisioned depending on a user’s security clearances. And a wide variety of accessories--from barcode scanners to magnetic stripe readers-allow the ET1 to substitute for a cash-register for sales personnel and an inventory computer for stock clerks. Applications which run on Motorola’s existing Windows-based handhelds also run on the ET1, including an assisted sales app, a mobile point-of-sale app, an electronic dashboard for managers, a planogram management app, and an item locator. A new HTML5 app development environment called RhoElements was also announced. RhoElements leverages Motorola’s existing PocketBrowser developers’ suite to enable ET1 customers to create their own enterprise apps for deployment on its Androidbased tablet, or on Motorola’s Windows Embedded Handhelds. The first version of the ET1 is Motorola’s first enterprise tablet (ET1) gives WiFi only for applications within sales, marketing, servicing, warehousing and the four walls of an enterprise, delivery personnel a ruggedized alternative to but Motorola Solutions said that consumer-grade tablets. wide-area network (WAN) versions will be available too in 2012. The ET1 will be delivered to large enwww.smartertechnology.com/c/a/ terprise customers, such as retail chain Optimized-Systems/Enterprises-Get-Ruggedized-Securestores, in the fourth quarter of 2011, in Tablet/?kc=STNL10172011STR1 time for the Christmas season. 

47  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Business

outed as the world’s first enterprise tablet, the Motorola ET1 is the first of a family of touch screen, ruggedized computers that will be sold to companies wishing to modernize their workforce without compromising on durability, configurability and branding. Touch-screen tablets are arriving from all directions, each trying to offer all the features of an Apple iPad, but without addressing the issues that prevent enterprises from retrofitting them to the needs of existing personnel. Motorola Solutions (www.motorolasolutions.com/US-EN/Home?WT. tsrc=Georedirects), on the other hand, already supplies businesses nationwide with ruggedized mobile computers running Windows Embedded Handheld (aka Windows Mobile) and Windows Embedded Compact (aka Win-CE). These devices are used by retailers at the point-of-sale, by inventory personnel in the warehouse, and by delivery and service personnel in the field. By adding the ruggedized Android-based ET1 with a seven-inch touch-screen to the mix, Motorola Solutions claims to be offering the world’s first enterpriseready, secure tablet for businesses wishing to “be cool” like an iPad, but without the risk and expense of a using a consumer-grade appliance. The ET1 has all the features necessary for the enterprise, such as extra thick Corning Gorilla Glass that keeps the touch-screen from breaking even if dropped daily. A removable bezel around the ruggedized touch-screen will allow a company to customize the tablet with its own logo and branding

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& Shake, Shake, Shake! 48  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Announcing the Call for Applications for the 2012 Kauffman Foundation Postdoctoral Entrepreneur Awards

Eligibility for the Outstanding Postdoctoral Entrepreneur Award To be eligible for the award, the entrepreneur must: • Hold a Ph.D. in a field of science. • Have completed postdoctoral training in the United States. • Be the founder or co-founder of a private or public company (or companies) that is commercializing or has commercialized the intellectual property of the nominee

or other intellectual property in which the nominee has been significantly involved ; AND is incorporated and located in the United States; AND has been established for a minimum of three (3) years. Download the application instructions: 2012 Kauffman Foundation Outstanding Postdoctoral Entrepreneur Award Application Instructions. Eligibility for the Emerging Postdoctoral Entrepreneur Award To be eligible for nomination, the entrepreneur must: • Hold a Ph.D. in a field of science. • Hold a postdoctoral position in the United States or have completed postdoctoral training in the United States. • Be a member of the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA). Follow this link for more information. • Be actively seeking to commercialize his/her intellectual property or working as a founding partner to commercialize others’ intellectual property. Download the application instructions: 2012 Kauffman Foundation Emerging Postdoctoral Entrepreneur Award Application Instructions. All application materials will be kept confidential and viewed only by the judges. Get detailed information and access the application forms at www.nationalpostdoc.org/entrepreneur. 

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Business

he Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) have announced the call for nominations for the 2012 Kauffman Foundation Outstanding Postdoctoral Entrepreneur and Emerging Postdoctoral Entrepreneur awards, which recognize exceptional former and current postdocs who are working to commercialize research. The awards will be presented at the NPA 10th Annual Meeting, March 16-18, 2012, to be held at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel in San Francisco. The Outstanding Postdoctoral Entrepreneur will receive a $10,000 honorarium and a travel stipend. The Emerging Postdoctoral Entrepreneur Award will receive a $2,500 honorarium and a travel stipend. Applications will be accepted from October 24, 2011, through November 28, 2011. Finalists will be notified by December 31, 2011, and the winners will be notified by January 16, 2012.

Tech Tools: iPhone Microscope Diagnoses Disease by R. Colin Johnson Researchers recently demonstrated how easy it could be to remotely diagnose disease anywhere in the world by merely snapping a close-up lens onto your iPhone and photographing a sample of blood.

edical and scientific measurements of all types are done with optical microscopes, which snap photos of blood samples that are then evaluated by screening technicians who refer suspect images to full-fledged doctors. Researchers at University of California (Davis) have demonstrated an under-$50 close-up lens for the iPhone that can do the same thing-

workhorse technology, with sales of over $3 billion in 2011 and growing at a rate of about five percent, according to BCC Research LLC. Today microscopy depends on “micron range” optical photography of blood and other patient samples, which can be achieved with a humble iPhone, according to Sebastian Wachsmann-Hogiu, a physicist with UC Davis’ Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the Center for Biophotonics, Science and Technology. The 1.7 micron pixel size of the iPhone’s camera combined with an inexpensive 5X magnification lens, gives the iPhone a microscope function in just the micron-range resolution needed to diagnose patient samples.

-namely screen photos of blood samples, then refer suspect images to remotely located doctors using its 3G Internet connection. The team’s proposed add-on for the iPhone will be described in detail at the Optical Society of America’s (OSA) Annual Meeting called “Frontiers in Optics (FiO) 2011” (San Jose, California). With all the sophisticated medical diagnosis techniques available today, optical microscopes are still the

For developing nations an addon microscope to smartphones could enable them to send in photos of patient samples for doctors to remotely diagnose. In fact, there are other smartphones with integrated microscopes and medical diagnostic apps, such as the LifeLens project to identify malaria in the field with a Window-based smartphone microscope. But the UC Davis team’s aim was to demonstrate how

www.smartertechnology.com/c/a/BusinessAnalytics/iPhone-Microscope-DiagnosesDisease/?kc=STNL10112011STR1

51  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Business

Pollen (left) and plant stems (middle, right) are shown from an expensive microscope (top) and with an inexpensive add-on lens for an iPhone (bottom). (Source: University of California, Davis) Tyler Perry

inexpensively a bare-bones system could be made. The first generation prototype was set up to not need any additional hardware at all--just a drop of water atop the iPhone camera lens which magnified the images as well as the ball lens that was finally chosen for the team’s prototype. “The water formed a meniscus, and its curved surface acted like a magnifying lens,” said Wachsmann-Hogiu. “It worked fine, but the water evaporated too fast.” A one-millimeter ground glass ball lens--an under-$50 sphere that acts as magnifying glass--was used in the prototype constructed by Kaiqin Chu, a post-doctoral researcher at UC Davis. The ball lens was mounted in rubber surround that was fitted over the iPhone’s own camera lens. The images were not as highresolution as the laboratory microscope, but the doctors at the UC Davis Medical Center were still able to diagnose blood by counting cells and by noting the shapes of cells, such as in the banana-shape typical of sickle cell anemia. Next the team wants to improve its lens resolution further, for making diagnoses of other samples such as skin, as well as develop apps for automatic screening, such as counting the number of red- and white-blood cells in a sample. They are also developing an inexpensive spectrometer addon that could potentially identify the chemical signatures of substances by their spectra, such as reading out how much oxygen is in a patient’s blood. 

“Business of the Year” Capri Capital Partners

Business

by Steven Turner

apri Capital Partners, the managing investors of Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, Los Angeles, CA will be honored as “Business of the Year” at the Black Business Association (BBA) Procurement Exchange Summit and Awards Luncheon in Los Angeles, CA. Ken Lombard is Partner, of Capri Capital Partner’s investment team

Ken Lombard

and oversees all aspects of Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza. Ken has 30 years of real estate and management experience, having served most recently as President of Starbucks Entertainment. Previously, as President of Johnson Development Corporation, Ken established numerous real estate partnerships including, Canyon Advisors and MacFarlane Partners, resulting in Canyon Johnson Urban Fund and Johnson MacFarlane Urban Partners. Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza was acquired in 2006 by Capri Capital Partners. Capri Chairman and CEO, Quintin E. Primo III’s goal is to make this property the crown jewel of the firm’s investment portfolio and says Ken Lombard is the person to achieve this. Currently, the mall Quintin Primo III

is under renovation and expected to be completed by Summer 2012. Capri Capital Partners, LLC is an institutional real estate investment advisory firm, investing and managing commercial real estate properties and portfolios since 1992. Diversified assets managed on behalf of its pension fund and other institutional clients totaled $3.6-billion in gross fair market value as of June 30, 2011. On behalf of the Black business community throughout the U.S.A., we applaud Capri Capital Partners on being acknowledged as the “Business of the Year” by the BBA. 

52  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Tech Tools: Tout Shoots For Dynamic Web Experience by Peter Delevett

ou might not have heard of Tout (www.tout.com), but some big people have. People like Shaquille O’Neal, the former NBA star, and Li Ka-Shing, one of Asia’s richest men.

Shaq’s Retirement Drives 500k Viewers to Tout in 3 Hours http://gigaom.com/video/shaq-tout

“The more I got my head around this, the more I thought, ‘This is the next chapter in social media,’ ” said Epstein, who worked closely with Napster and Facebook co-founder Sean Parker at Parker’s professional networking startup Plaxo. Adds Downing: “It took Twitter two years to hit 1 million visitors. We hit it in under 12 weeks.” At the same time, he acknowledges that such rapid growth is partly due to the trails Twitter and Facebook have blazed for social media. Downing expects Twitter and Google to eventually get into the instant-video field as competitors, and TwitPic, which lets users send cell-phone photos via Twitter, added video to its services in February. Charlene Li, founder of technology research and advisory firm Altimeter Group, calls Tout “a great idea” but wonders if it’s enough to build a company on in the long run. “I think it’s a feature on top of an existing service,” she said, “sort of the way TwitPic has evolved. But pictures are worth a thousand words, so video makes a huge amount of sense.” For now, Downing is busily working up new features for the service, including letting owners of other websites embed Tout and build new applications for it. He expects the startup’s tiny staff of 10 to more than double in the next six months. And as you’d expect from a company run by fortysomething Silicon Valley veterans, Tout is already thinking about how to make money from its surging traffic — probably by letting advertisers send bite-sized videos to their followers.  Source: MCT Information Services

53  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Business

They’re both backing the San Francisco stealth startup, which spun out this spring from venerable research lab SRI. It makes a sort of “video Twitter” that major TV networks and more than 150,000 regular folks are using to create 15-second mobile videos, then share them on Facebook and other social networks. CEO Michael Downing argues that, despite the many advances in the Internet, the experience essentially remains a static one, where people read text and look at pictures much as they do with magazines. He argues that users want something “more real — and nothing’s more real than video.” Unlike your typical social-media CEO, Downing has two decades of experience in consumer Internet startups, including founding YouTubelike video site GoFish. He’d spent the past few years as an angel investor before being approached by SRI to help commercialize real-time video sharing technology it had developed. Tout lets users of a variety of devices — including Android, iPhones and Web cameras — record and transmit their video snippets in under a minute. Asked how that’s different than the newly added Facebook feature that lets users post their own videos, Downing says the abbreviated and near-instant nature of “touts” makes them like miniconversations. But where Tout has garnered real

traction in a few short months has been among the celebrity set. O’Neal in June announced his retirement via a Tout video. Sporting powerhouse ESPN has taken the idea even further, featuring Tout in its popular Sunday evening T program “Fantasy Football Now”. p V Viewers are invited to tout in their q questions, and the best are broadcast o on-air. “It makes television into a twow way dialogue,” said Downing. In other words, now anyone can be ffamous for 15 seconds. Downing says all those media-savvy users approached Tout rather than the other way around. O’Neal, for his part, said he chose the unorthodox venue to wrap his 19-year career because “I came in different, and I wanted to go out different.” O’Neal is widely known as a heavy user of Twitter, where he has more than 6 million followers. “But what I’ve been noticing about Twitter lately is that you don’t know who the person you’re talking to really is,” he said. “When you can see my picture, you know it’s me.” The Big Aristotle was so impressed with Tout’s video snippets that he took an ownership stake, though he declined to give specifics. Downing says the major networks are also interested in investing in the company, giving him an alternative to traditional venture capitalists. The company’s $2 million first round of funding, which closed in December, including backing from SRI and Hong Kong billionaire Li, who has put $120 million into Facebook (and whose first name happens to rhymes with “kaching”). Since its launch April 12, Downing’s startup has captured 4 million unique visitors who’ve sent more than 140,000 touts. The wildfire growth convinced Scott Epstein, who had been Google’s first vice president of marketing, to come out of retirement to become Tout’s chief marketing officer.

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.

http://shift.pgi.com The world is rapidly changing. And in today’s expanding global community, the time is now – #Shift or Die. The #Shift blog is a revolutionary virtual roundtable on the impact of technology, social media, mobility and workforce empowerment on the future of our lives. Here we will explore and debate the changes in

www.freesciencelectures.com This site is an aggregation of links to video letures and presentations on scientific subjects from biology to nuclear weapons. It is also a directory of websites related to learning and education. This Google compilation offers a wide range of information to those that might need a information on a subject to achieve additional understanding but it is also a compilation of resources under the Google Ads framework. Use this site with caution.

http://images.inc.com/newsletter/2011/google/downloads/ Google-Digital-Presence-Guideinset-no-border-9-16-11-Option-2.pdf According to a recent Kantar Media Online Shopper Intelligence Study, 83 percent of consumers shop online at least weekly. To help you establish and make the most of your online identity, Google and Inc. have collaborated on the development of A

Guide to Creating a Digital Presence. It focuses on creating a website that is both effective and easy to navigate, becoming a part of the online community, and ensuring consistency across the various platforms that work to create a digital presence. In A Guide to Creating a Digital Presence, you’ll learn about such key issues as: • The need for a website. More than 80 percent of small businesses with an online presence say their websites are essential to their companies’ success. A website is a crucial way to provide a full picture of who you are, how long you’ve been in business, and what you specialize in. • “Micro” and “macro” conversation. A micro conversion is a step that moves a visitor closer to the ultimate goal— such as a button that says “Click for a Chance to Win a Free Consultation.” A full conversion is when a visitor takes the desired action you seek, such as subscribing to a newsletter. • Keeping it local. One of the biggest mistakes small businesses make is to think that they don’t need a web presence because they serve a local clientele. A recent survey from BIA/ Kelsey and Constat found that 97 percent of consumers search online for nearby businesses.  Submitted by LaSandra Stratton, Chief Content Administrator of the Black Business News.

55  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Business

corporate and consumer culture with thought leaders, innovators and social vanguards — including SocialPeopleTV, Google, iMeet, Warby Parker — and you. Follow the flow of today’s rapidly evolving work styles and technology innovations, where consumer desires and empowerment influence corporate strategy. Your viewpoint is vital as we tap into the shift from an antiquated, one-dimensional, buy-andconsume culture to a dynamic new world of multimedia engagement and higher perspectives of greater social good. We are in a new generation of a truly global, interconnected world. New corporate strategy empowers, mobilizes and impassions an influential workforce – creating flexible office environments integrating technology for heightened work-life balance and creating new brand relationships ris-

ing from a level of corporate responsibility that connects with consumers and employees desires to live a meaningful life. The new era of social interaction has arrived, and this shift brings incredible innovation to every facet of both corporate and personal culture – from the way we work, market, communicate and build relationships. Join us. Share your innovations and thoughts. Be part of the #Shift.

Holiday Shopping Guide

Business

CATERING, SPECIALTY FOODS & RESTAURANTS Aliza’s Cookies Holiday Gift Packs www.alizascookies.com Big Man Bakes 413 Main Street, 90013 213-500-4351 www.bigmanbakes.com Chef Marilyn 2638 Crenshaw Blvd . 90016 323-737-8101 www.chefmarilyn.com Gwen’s Specialty Cakes 820 N. LaBrea Ave., #D Inglewood, CA 90302 310-677-9979 Harold & Belle’s 2920 W. Jefferson Blvd., 90018 323-735-9918 Heritage Link Brands Wines of Black South African Vintners www.heritagelinkbrands.com

Honey’s Kettle Culver City & Compton, CA www.honeyskettle.com Messob Ethiopian Restaurant 1041 S. Fairfax Ave., 90019 www.messob.com PIP’s Restaurant & Lounge 1365 S. La Brea Ave, 90019 323-954-PIPS www.pizzapastasalads.com Rideau Vineyard 1562 Alamo Pintado Road 805-688-0717 Solvang, CA 93463 www.rideauvineyard.com Romeo’s Full Service Catering 714-457-8480 Rooibos Tea House 533 N Fairfax Ave., 90008 www.africaredtea.com Southern Girl Desserts

www.southerngirldesserts.com The New Townhouse 6835 LaTijera Blvd., 900xx www.townhousela.com Wing Stop 3825 Crenshaw Blvd., 90008 323-296-WING

TRANSPORTATION Norman Lewis Limousine 800-400-9771

BOOKS, BOOK STORES Eso Won Books 4331 Degnan Ave., 90008 www.esowonbooks.com Malik’s Books Online www.Malikbooks.com Quackenworth Publishing P.O. Box 4747 Culver City, CA 90230 www.quackenworth.com

ZINES Jewel Magazine www.jewelagonline.com Bride Noir www.bridesnoir.com Essence www.essence.com Ebony/Jet www.ebonyjet.com Cuisine Noir www.cuisinenoir.com

GIFTS-CARDS California African American Museum Exposition Park 600 State Drive, 90037 www.caamuseum.org Luxe Boutique 11724 West Pico Blvd., 90064 310-481-9914 www.shopluxeonline.com

Mayme A. Clayton Museum 4130 Overland Ave. Culver City, CA 90230 www.claytonmuseum.org Museum of African American Art Macy’s 3rd Flr in Crenshaw Mall 4005 Crenshaw Blvd., 90008 www.maaala.org nobody jones boutique 4703 Crenshaw Blvd., 90043 323-291-7177 www.nobodyjones.com Runway Boutique 807 S La Brea Ave., 90036 323-965-1877 www.runwayboutiquela.com

SHOPPING CENTERS Crenshaw Mall Crenshaw & King Blvds. Los Angeles, CA 90008 Leimert Park Crenshaw & Leimert Blvds. 43rd Street-43rd Place Los Angeles, CA 90008 Little Ethiopia Fairfax Boulevard between Pico & Olympic Los Angeles, CA Lucy Florence Culture Center 3351 W 43rd Street Leimert Park Village, 90008

PERSONAL SERVICES Carol Lewis Certified Trainer Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Aid & Certified Personal Trainer. Nutrition and mobility educator/motivator. Your Health is Your First Wealth 323-445-8633 Los Angeles, CA

COMMUNICATION 1-800-UNITE-US

Small Bank’s Challenges by Steven Turner

acting Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program Christy Romero said in a quarterly report to Congress. The Bush administration launched the rescue plan in the autumn of 2008 at the height of the financial crisis. At one point, the bailout was estimated to cost as much as $700 billion. Ultimately, $432 billion was disbursed through a handful of programs and much of that

expedite the exit of the largest banks from [the Troubled Asset Relief Program], there appears to be no corresponding concrete plan for community banks’ exit from TARP,”

has been recovered. The Treasury Department invested $204.9 billion of TARP funds in 707 financial institutions — the 10 largest banks accounted for $142.6 billion of

Quote of Note... “I can report that, as promised, the rest of our troops in Iraq will come home by the end of the year. After nearly nine years, America’s war in Iraq will be over.”

President Barack H. Obama

57  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Business

imilar to the recent financial hardship encountered by Los Angeles based Broadway Federal Bank, hundreds of community banks in the U.S. are struggling to exit a government bailout program and may face spiraling costs that limit already constricted lending to small businesses, a government watchdog said Thursday. “Despite the dramatic efforts to

the program. Many companies, including the largest, have paid the government back. Another 137 banks swapped TARP funds for the Small Business Lending Fund, a program that offers lower dividends, removes executivecompensation restrictions and TARP’s stigma, the report said. But Romero faulted the Treasury Department for not doing more to help the remaining organizations to exit TARP and worried that the final process will end up “ad hoc and inconsistent.” “There is no plan,” Romero said in an interview. About 400 smaller banks — hurt by depressed real-estate markets, bad loans and limited access to capital — haven’t repaid TARP, the report said. As of Sept. 30, about $20 billion of the $204.9 billion remained outstanding. TARP banks face having to pay the Treasury Department higher dividends — to 9% from 5% starting in the fall of 2013 — if they remain in the program. The inspector general warned that, when the dividend rate increases, many banks will remain unable to access new capital. “A growing number could default on their obligations to taxpayers, be forced to consolidate on very unfavorable terms, or even possibly fail,” Romero said in an Oct. 11 letter to the Treasury Department that was first made public in Wednesday’s report. Already, 193 banks have missed interest or dividend payments to the Treasury Department. In a response to Romero, the Treasury Department said failure to pay dividends wouldn’t result in a bank’s default, or force it to consolidate or fail. “We continue to explore the best ways to manage our remaining investments in order to promote financial stability and maximize taxpayer recovery,” said Assistant Secretary for Financial Stability Tim Massad. 

Beauty Is Her Business by Ann Brown

Sheree Fletcher

began researching recipes online that contained honey, and to my surprise, popping up were mostly recipes for the body,” explains Fletcher, founder and CEO of Whoop Ash. “This is when my direction and focus changed to skincare. My mission became to create a rich and powerful body butter that would rival dry skin. There wasn’t much on the market that was action packed and effective when it came to dry, ashy skin. I got tired of countless victims suffering unnecessarily…so a heroine was born and came to the rescue.” After unlocking the beauty secrets of honey, Fletcher, who was married to actor/rapper Will Smith from 1992-1995, focused on creating a honey-based, natural organic skincare products. “Necessity was my inspiration,” says Fletcher, who is remarried to former

Business

Sheree Fletcher’s Whoop Ash! Offers A Unique Line of Products

ature holds the secrets to most of our beauty needs. And Sheree Fletcher found a way to harness the power of natural ingredients to restore and nourish skin. Thus was founded Whoop Ash (www. whoopash.com). Motivated by the book “The Secret Life of Bees”, Fletcher was intrigued with what she had learned about the healing properties of honey as a natural beauty product. “Ironically, it was the reading of Sue Monk Kidd’s The Secret Life of Bees that ignited my interest in honey. As I started to read more about honey, I found that there are all different types, colors, tastes, consistencies and textures. I was first introduced to white honey in the café of my church at the time. Unlike the other types of honey, white honey tastes like icing on a cinnamon roll. I love to cook, so I started playing in the kitchen trying to come up with something delicious and edible. In this “playing process” I

NFL running back Terrell Fletcher who is the pastor of a church in San Diego. “Whoop Ash is a highlyconcentrated product. We cut the normal ratio of water content by more than half, which means our customer gets a richer product and better value. Unlike most brands, our combination of organic shea butter, organic mango butter, organic coconut oil and grapeseed oil, make up approximately 40% of the ingredients in every jar of Whoop Ash. This is what makes it so thick and creamy. We are also introducing a new ingredient to the skincare world: white honey. We are the first skincare company to incorporate

the use of this rare honey into its line of products.” And for her company, which was formally introduced to the market in early 2009, Fletcher came up with a name that no one would forget. Whoop Ash! conquers dry skin. “The name is an in-your-face, to the point, solution for a tough problem (dry skin/ash). It has a sense of humor…laughter does the body good, and coupled with an effective product you can’t lose. The name does exactly what it says: it whoops and annihilates ashy, dry skin. Let us fight your battles,” says Fletcher. Whoop Ash! contains all natural and organic ingredients that soften and moisturize dry, ashy skin. It also claims to revitalize and rejuvenate. “Whoop Ash ‘whipped’ body butter cream is infused white honey, organic Shea & mango butters, making it ultra rich and creamy, but never greasy,” offers Fletcher. “Our ‘whipped’ butter is lighter & creamier (less dense) than our original butter, but offers the same overall intense, moisturizing, full body treatment experience.” Though Whoop Ash! has proven a success, like other entrepreneurs, Fletcher had her share of challenges. “One of the biggest obstacles was accessing what was needed to run a business and then plugging in the right people that will function in that aspect of the overall business and execute the overall vision,” she points out. “It’s a work in progress and I’m constantly learning. I’ve had to be very patient with myself as a new business woman, realizing that I will indeed make mistakes but that it’s all par for the course.” 

58  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Entrepreneur News

Custom Fit by Ann Brown

B. Michael

When he landed a job designing for such famed designers as Oscar de la Renta and Louis Feraud, he decided to strike out on his own. The fashion industry can be daunting ing to enter, enter but there was not much that fazed B. Michael. “At this stage I would say it is not productive to focus on the obstacles, which every industry has. It is productive, while understanding the challenges, to understand the nuances of starting a business, having a strong well thought out business plan and clear financial objectives,” he says. It is also an expensive field to compete in. In fact, a fashion presentation at

Bryant Park B during N.Y. d Fashion Week will W ccost at least $50,000. “ T h e fashion industry is in indeed an in expensive e business but can also b be a very b profitable business,” b notes B. n Micheal. Mi h l “I would ld say to t newcomers it’s important to partner with a business person, worth repeating... together build a strong business plan and financial strategy. That is typically the first step to getting funding.” B. Michael makes it a point to get involved in charitable organizations. He works with Autism Speaks, Dream Yard Project, and the Cicely Tyson School Of Performing And Fine Arts. 

59  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Entrepreneur News

Business

he fashion industry can be a tough career to enter, especially for African-Americans. And while clothes are big business-apparel sales for 2000 reached $315 billion, according to the American Apparel and Footwear Association. The projected number of fashion designer jobs in 2016 will be just 21,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Most designers, however, enter the field not just for monetary gains but a love of fashion. This is what made B Michael start his own line. His New York-based company, B. Michael A M E R I C A (www. bmichaelamerica.com), is considered one of the lines to watch in the industry. “Millinery Designer (ladies hats) in the early 90’s and introduced my first clothing collection of Couture and RTW (readyto-wear) in 1999,” says B. Michael. His growing brand continues to expand. “The flagship Couture Collection is sold as a made to measure collection through our New York Atelier and high-end independent specialty stores in New York, Palm Beach, Florida and Chevy Chase, Maryland,” says B. Michael. Among his A-List clientele are Cicely Tyson, Tamara Tunie, TV exec Susan FalesHill, Victoria Rowell, Nancy Wilson, Beyonce Knowles, the late Lena Horne, Lynn Whitfield, Angela Bassett, Myrna Colley-Lee (ex-wife of actor Morgan Freeman), and Venus and Serena Williams. While B. Michael loves fashion, he didn’t start out as a designer. After graduating from the University of Connecticut, he became an account executive for a Wall Street firm.

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.

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60  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

IBM Seeks Applicants for 2012 ‘Smart Cities’ Challenge

f you have a great idea for a smart cities project, but lack the money to get it off the ground, you might be able to find some money through the 2012 edition of the IBM Smarter Cities Challenge. The $50 million grant program (www-03.ibm.com/press/us/en/ pressrelease/35742.wss) teams IBM technical experts and consultants with

municipalities and communities that are looking to use technology to address the issues of health, public safety, transportation, social services, energy management, recreation, education and sustainability. Each of the individual grants will be worth approximately $400,000 in “talent and technology.” The applicants must be ready to use publicly available urban data for their projects; that means IBM wants your team to use the City Forward tool (http://cityforward.org/ wps/wcm/connect/CityForward_en_ US/City+Forward/Home) for statistical research. IBM has put together a video (www. youtube.com/user/citizenIBM#p/u/0/ BeKjOSMuATs) that discusses some of the results of the 2011 program. Highlights include: • A program that helped cities and

towns in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, better integrate their capital budgets so that money would go farther and joint development opportunities could be leveraged • A traffic analysis project in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, that was designed to reduce traffic fatalities • The development of an aquaponics program in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, that will use water from fish farms in other agribusiness applications. The deadline to apply for the 2012 grant program is Dec. 16, 2011. For more information and to apply visit http://smartercitieschallenge.org. The Smarter Cities Challenge is sponsored by IBM’s Corporate Citizenship program and IBM’s International Foundation. IBM has been a leader in corporate social responsibility and citizenship for 100 years. To learn more about IBM’s corporate citizenship initiatives, visit: www.ibm.com/blogs/citizen-ibm.  By Heather Clancy www.smartplanet.com/blog/businessbrains/ibm-seeks-applicants-for-latestsmart-cities-challenge/19485?tag=nl. e660

Business

Back then, you could order a whole year (12 issues) of entrepreneur Earl G. Graves’ groundbreaking new magazine for just $10. Today, BLACK ENTERPRISE is still black America’s foremost authority on building wealth for life. You’ll read how to: • start and run your own business - profitably! • recession-proof your career • use homeownership, tax strategy and smart credit

practices to build your family’s nest egg. And - one more time - you can get today’s best financial advice at yesterday’s price - 12 issues for just $10. But you must act now. This roll back offer lasts only through November 18, 2011. Catch it today! https://w1.buysub.com/pubs/BE/ BEN/BEN_1970.jsp?cds_page_ id=86417&cds_mag_code=BEN&id=1319678606619&lsid= 12992023266021990&vid=1&cds_response_key=IERBB1

61  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

The

Black Business News Group Wishes You Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, and a

Happy, Healthy, & Prosperous

2012

and

Comedy Night Join the Fun! Share the Laughs!

Introducing...

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Business Investment

IBM Reaches Out To Small Business Through Global Financing Division

Benefits of financing

A billion dollar boost

a new kind of way.” Despite the fact that small businesses are vital to the workforce of America, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), more than 50 percent of small businesses fail within the first five years due to lack of capital. Under the new initiative, IBM will offer flexible lease and loan packages, some starting at as low as 0 percent for 12 months. This will allow the approved companies to immediately acquire the IBM technology and services they need to begin to transform their businesses. This financing will be made available to SMB clients through IBM Business Partners who can benefit from enhanced online financing tools to generate price proposals and get fast approvals for credit applications for SMB clients. IBM is also launching a set of solutions, which include workload optimized systems combining hardware and software and service offerings focused on technologies, such as Cloud, analytics, collaboration and security, specifically designed to address SMB’s key needs. Clients

can take advantage of these new technologies with no money down and by simply making monthly or quarterly financing payments. The new solutions also include analytics for SMBs to tackle “Big Data” challenges to help better extract insight and spot trends to make better business decisions and identify new market opportunities. This move by IBM is out of necessity, notes Abrams. “These companies are the engines of economic growth and by helping them to succeed, IBM is ensuring that they remain innovators and leaders in their space,” he says.  By: ANN BROWN www.tnj.com/news/business/forwardthinking

63  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Business

t’s no secret that with today’s economic situation, small businesses are suffering. Well, IBM is stepping in to help. The multinational technology and consulting firm has announced that it will provide $1 billion in financing to help credit-qualified small and medium businesses (SMBs) over the next 18 months. This effort is aimed to help SMBs spur innovation and drive economic growth by making credit more easily accessible, with approvals often in less than 60 seconds, through IBM Global Financing (http://www-03. ibm.com/financing/us/index.html). For IBM, the program will not only help SMBs but also the technology industry. “Ultimately, giving SMB organizations access to capital is critical for both the IT industry and the economy as whole because, as IBM notes, 90 percent of the workforce is employed at SMB organizations that account for 65 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP),” explains Ed Abrams, vice president of IBM Midmarket Business. “The time is right. We see an increasing demand for the ability to consume leading-edge technologies in

Software financing

Looking for Employment? A Thriving Green Job Market Awaits

Community/Public Inerest

bama’s administration is doing its best to get the American Jobs Act passed to guide the economy back in the right direction. Meanwhile, joblessness abounds, with around 14 million Americans unemployed. There is, however, one sector in the job market that is experiencing explosive growth. And it’s all green. The Brookings Institution and Battelle’s Technology Partnership Practice published a report “Seizing the Clean Economy: A National and Regional Green Jobs Assessment” in July of 2011 detailing the current economy. The report defines green, clean, low carbon economy as any market that produces goods and services that benefit the environment (www.brookings.edu/ reports/2011/0713_clean_economy. aspx). For instance statistical data on the green economy shows the following: • Low to mid income wage earners will find more jobs at higher pay • Opportunities are the greatest in the Southern and Western regions of the U.S. • Green economy median wages are 13% higher than the rest of the economy • Metro areas offer more opportunities than rural ones

New York, Los Angeles, Sacramento, D.C., and Akron rank in the top five for green jobs. However, opportunities exist in major cities across the nation and there is relative ease of entry into the clean job market. Individuals looking to take advantage of this record growth should research the types of jobs, as well as the training needed to enter them. The top 15 sectors within

Aggregate Clean Economy

Jobs 2010

89,593 to 152,034 43,061 to 89,592 20,324 to 43,060 8,813 to 20,323 0 to 8,812

Rank

Metro Area

Jobs 2010

New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, NY-NJ-PA

Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana, CA

89,592

Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL-IN-WI

79,388

Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

70,828

Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD

54,325

TOTAL

100 Metro Areas

152,034

1,705,897

map from www.brookings.edu/reports/2011/0713_clean_economy.aspx

the green economy are conservation, public transit, waste management, professional environmental services, regulation and compliance, recycling and reuse, energy saving building materials, green architecture and construction, professional energy services, environmental remediation, wind, organic food/farming, HVAC / building control, solar photovoltaic, and biofuels and biomass. Global warming is a real threat, and our efforts to reverse the damage we’ve

inflicted on the planet have resulted in a booming green economy, with 2.2 trillion of private capital investment into the market expected by 2020. More individuals are making their purchasing decisions based on what’s good for the earth. As these trends continue, so does the projected growth for the clean and green economy. Individuals seeking to recharge their careers, should consider pursuing a job that falls within the green sector.  By: SHANNON C. JOHNSON

64  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

The World Bank

Junior Professionals Program for Afro-Descendants (JPPAD) & US Minorities JPPAD Brochure: Making Global Development Happen - The Junior Professionals Program for AfroDescendants & US Minorities. .

Business Rationale The Junior Professionals Program for Black individuals of Sub-Saharan African ancestry and US Minorities is an internship program managed by the WBG Office of Diversity Programs. The purpose of the Program is two-fold: providing young and motivated individuals from these groups who possess outstanding potential with a unique opportunity to gain experience in a global development environment while allowing the WBG the opportunity to benefit from the talent, knowledge and diversity that these professionals bring. The Program is also designed for participants to contribute to capacity development efforts in developing countries and minority communities around the world. It enables young women and men from these demographic groups to spend two intensive years acquiring global knowledge and practical, on-thejob skills in the World Bank Group.

one other working language of the World Bank Group (Arabic, Chinese, French, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish). • Demonstrated commitment to global development. • Demonstrated ability to conduct analytical work; exercise good judgment; operate in a team-environment; and work successfully with diverse clients and staff.

ing positions. They are providing their information into a database which hiring managers may consult if and when a position becomes available. Only those applicants who have been identified for an assignment will be contacted. To submit an application visit http:// lnweb28.worldbank.org/hrs/careers. nsf/submitcv?openform&Emp=JPPAD &JobNum=&CVUNID=

Note: Candidates who previously have had a staff position (fixed-term or open-ended, in Washington or in a country office) in the World Bank Group are not eligible to apply. Additional Note: Through June 30, 2012, preference will be given to US Minorities.

Non-renewable two year staff appointment. Upon completion of the 2-year term, candidates may compete for other appointments.

The Application

Duration

Duty Station Washington, DC or Country Office.  Permanent URL for this page: http:// go.worldbank.org/UX8UHA41Z0

Candidates are not applying for exist-

Eligibility Criteria • 35 years of age or younger, with a minimum of three years of relevant work experience, and excellent academic qualifications. • Afro-descendant, i.e. Black of SubSaharan African descent, and/or US citizen from minority groups. • A minimum of a Master’s degree in economics, finance, public health, environment, engineering, public or private sector management, anthropology, sociology, education, human resources management or other disciplines relevant to international development. • Proficiency in English and in at least 65  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Let’s Move!

Community/Public Inerest

First Lady Michelle Obama on Making a Difference in Cities with Food Deserts

First Lady Michelle Obama learns about growing mushroom chandeliers from Erika Allen, National Outreach Director for Growing Power, during a tour of Iron Street Farm in Chicago, IL. Sam Kass, White House Assistant Chef and Senior Policy Advisor for Healthy Food Initiatives, left, and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel toured the seven-acre urban farm with Mrs. Obama. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

or too many American families, serving healthy food as part of a regular diet isn’t actually an option. That’s because, in many communities across the country, there is no place to purchase any groceries, much less fresh fruits and vegetables. These

neighborhoods are known as food deserts, and in recent years, as economic difficulties caused grocery stores to shut their doors or consolidate locations, they have been proliferating. Eliminating these food deserts and making sure parents in every part of

the country have access to fresh produce and healthy choices is a primary goal of Let’s Move, and today First Lady Michelle Obama was in Chicago where she challenged attendees at the Mayor’s Summit on Food Deserts to

66  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

see Let’s Move Food Deserts page 67

Let’s Move Food Deserts from page 66

look for ways to attract grocery stores and other businesses selling fresh produce to their communities. “Studies have shown that people who live in communities with greater access to supermarkets, they eat more fresh fruits and vegetables – surprise. And that can have a real impact on the health of our families. I mean, truly, we all grew up in communities with grandmothers who cooked two, three vegetables that you had to eat. There was no ifs, ands or buts about it. But that’s because many

of our grandparents, they had community gardens; there was the vegetable man that came around. There were many other resources that allowed them to have access. So it’s not that people don’t know or don’t want to do the right thing; they just have to have access to the foods that they know will make their families healthier.” Mrs Obama highlighted steps some mayors have taken to make healthy choices more available, from planting community gardens and bringing in fresh produce trucks, to easing the way for grocery chains to open in food

deserts with zoning and permitting assistance, tax incentives and proactively seeking out grocery stores to serve as anchors in new development areas. “We also know that no one-size-fitsall solution is going to work. Every community and every city and every town are different, but they all have one thing in common -- they all have leaders like all of you who have joined us today who have the power to make a real difference. And really, that’s all that’s needed, sometimes, is a little power and a little will.” 

www.letsmove.gov/blog/2011/10/28/ first-lady-michelle-obama-makingdifference-cities-food-deserts

67  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Let’s Move!

Community/Public Inerest

Darden Restaurants to Offer Healtier Menu Choices for Families

First Lady Michelle Obama and Darden Restaurants chef Julie Elkinton greet diners following an event at an Olive Garden restaurant in Hyattsville, Md. The First Lady joined Darden Restaurants and Partnership for a Healthier America to announce the company’s committment to reduce its calorie and sodium footprints, and to provide greater choice and variety to families through changes to its kids’ menus. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

arden Restaurants (www. darden.com) has joined with Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA) (www.ahealthieramerica.org) and Let’s Move to help

address the childhood obesity crisis by committing to: Kids’ Menus – changes starting now and to be fully implemented by July 2012

• Guarantee a fruit or vegetable will be the default side for every kids’ menu item at those restaurants offering a default side on the children’s menu: see Let’s Move Darden & PHA page 69

68  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Let’s Move Darden & PHA

30 percent of total calories from fat, 10 percent of total calories from saturated fat, and 600 mg of sodium.

from page 68

Bahama Breeze, LongHorn Steakhouse and Red Lobster.

The Darden family of restaurants features some of the most recognizable Calories/Sodium Footprint Reduc- and successful brands in full-service tion – changes to be implemented by dining: Red Lobster, Olive Garden, 2016 and 2021 LongHorn Steakhouse, The Capital • By 2016, reduce calories by 10 per- Grille, Bahama Breeze and Seasons cent and 52. Since opening the first Red Lobster over a ten- restaurant in Lakeland, Fla., in 1968, year peDarden has grown to become the world’s largest full-service restaurant company. Through subsidiaries, we own and operate 1,900 restaurants, employ approximately 180,000 people and serve more than 400 million meals a year. “The Partnership is focused on making the healthy choice the easy choice, whether by workClarence Otis, Jr., CEO James R. Gavin III, ing with grocers to bring Darden Restaurants M.D., Ph.D. healthy, affordable food into areas that lack access or with day care centers to ensure that children are starting out their lives with the healthy options they need. Recent studies predict half of all Americans will be obese by 2030. That’s every other person who walks into a restaurant, grocery store or corner bodega. And that’s why, with Darden’s massive reach combined with the leadership they are continuing to show in this area, we are more excited than ever about our chances of ending childhood obesity,” said James R. Gavin III, M.D., Ph.D., chairman of riod by 20 percent. the PHA’s board of directors.  • By 2016, reduce sodium by 10 per-

69  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Community/Public Inerest

• One percent milk will be the default beverage, provided automatically if no alternate beverage is requested. Milk will be prominently promoted on the menu and made available with free refills. • Food illustrations on the menu will promote the healthy choices for meals and drinks. • Healthier menu options will be more prominently displayed when possible. • Carbonated beverages will not be displayed on children’s menus. • Improve the nutritional content of one or more children’s menu items to provide equal or less than 600 calories,

cent and over a ten-year period by 20 percent.

INVEST CARIBBEAN the Caribbean American Business Leaders dialogue launched by ICS in 1999 is a space for entrepreneurs and others interested in trade and investment in the Caribbean to dialogue with policy makers and government officials about the opportunities and challenges of successful business development in the Caribbean. INVEST CARIBBEAN is one of ICS’ Business Development Projects aimed at ensuring that the public sees beyond the sea, sand and sun of the tourism to the multi-billlion dollars of business opportunities that lie n the Caribbean. INVEST CARIBBEAN 2011 - MINING THE AGRICULTURE VALUE CHAIN will focus on agribusiness, which is one of the key drivers for economic growth and employment in the region. Whether growing crops for biofuel, or food, or the pharmaceutical industry, this sector promises to be a gamechanger for trade and investment in the Caribbean. US agriculture trade with the Caribbean exceeded US$1.2B in 2010 with demonstrated capacity for increase. See ICS ISSUE BRIEF on US Agricultural Trade Policy with the Caribbean - http://q.b5z.net/i/u/10104311/f/ICS_Issue_Brief_on_US_Trade.pdf.

REGISTRATION - http://invescaribbean2011.eventbrite.com www.icsdc.org

73  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Cuba Now Open to U.S. Tour Groups Returning to Africa? African Repatriation is an invaluable online resource for any African national who is thinking about returning to Africa. Our industry articles and specialist editorials provide the latest sector information. Why not find out for yourself and become a part of our growing community today?

ffective August 2011, travel to Cuba by U.S. citizens is no longer limited to humanitarian or government sanctioned travel groups. With the lifting of U.S. travel restrictions, major growth from American tourists is anticipated. Cruise lines have been negotiating the feasibility of a Cuban port of call for months and there should be a major announcement from Carnival Cruise

www.africanrepatriation.com

International

Career Opportunities in Africa Search and apply online for the latest vacancies in Africa with African Talent. We provide candidates and employers with the tools and resources needed in today’s competitive job market. For employers, we offer numerous options to feature your jobs in Africa and for candidates, reviewing the most recent job vacancies in Africa is a fast, easy process. Uploading your CV is simple and takes just a few moments.

www.africantalent.com The

Black Business News Group Wishes You Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, and a

Happy, Healthy, & Prosperous

2012

Lines soon. T o u r s emphasizing culturalimmersion activities, w e r e approved in January 2011, and tour operators have begun taking groups of travelers to the island, which remains closed to solo American travelers. In March, the Customs and Border Protection office opened up eight new American airports to charter flights to Cuba, including Chicago O’Hare, BWI, DFW, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, Tampa, Atlanta, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Charter flights were previously available only from Miami, Los Angeles and New York. It is anticipated that nearly 100,000 Americans will visit Cuba this year under the new laws.  micePLACES.com

or fiscal year 2011, Ex-Im Bank approved over $32 billion in financing, an all-time record for the Bank and up 110% from 2008. These financings supported approximately 300,000 U.S. jobs and included more than 3,000 small business transactions - up nearly 20%. Fiscal year 2011 marks the third consecutive record-breaking year, with significant growth seen in industries such as aircraft, renewable energy, and infrastructure as well as key markets including Colombia, India, Turkey, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Ex-Im Bank is steadfast in achieving the goals of the President’s National Export Initiative (NEI) in doubling exports by 2015. In addition, significant progress was made in accomplishing Ex-Im Bank’s goals to add 5,000 new small businesses to the Ex-Im Bank portfolio, double the small business volume to $9 billion, and approve $30 billion in total small business transactions.

• Double its annual small business volume to $9 billion ($6 billion as of 9/30/11 - GOAL $9 billion) • Approve $30 billion in total small business transactions ($15.3 billion as of 9/30/11 - GOAL $30 billion) Preliminary FY’11 Highlights Include: • 3,750 transactions • 1,019 companies new businesses to Ex-Im portfolio • $6.0 billion in small business export financing, an all-time record • $719 million in minority- and woman- owned export financing • $720 million in renewable financing, up from $30 million in 2008 • Over $1.3 billion in Sub Saharan Africa - first time we have passed the billion dollar mark in Africa

• $2.9 billion increase to India, a direct result of the President’s efforts to build a strategic alliance Ex-Im Bank Issues Over 100 Express Insurance Policies Since its launch at Ex-Im Bank’s 2011 Annual Conference, express insurance has proved to be a much-needed shortterm export insurance product, which is available only to small businesses. One hundred and twelve exporters purchased an express insurance policy in fiscal year 2011 leading to over $50 million in authorizations. Thirty-two of our insurance broker partners distributed more than 90% of the express insurance policies, with Trade Acceptance Group of Minnesota and Global Business Solutions of North Carolina tied for the most express policies sold.

Ex-Im Bank Profile Ex-Im Bank is an independent federal agency that helps create and maintain U.S. jobs by filling gaps in private export financing at no cost to American taxpayers. The Bank provides a variety of financing mechanisms, including working capital loan guarantees, export-credit insurance, and financing

Looking Ahead FY2012 2012 Goals include: • Support Goals of National Export Initiative - continue the financing of U.S. products and services to double U.S. exports by 2015. • Increase Small Business Authorizations & Transactions create new products and engage new partners to focus on reaching out to more small businesses. • Government at the Speed of Business - target 80% of all Ex-Im Bank’s transactions to be completed within 30 days. • Increase Infrastructure & Renewable Financing - meet global need for infrastructure demand and capitalize on new opportunities.

to help foreign buyers purchase U.S. goods and services. Ex-Im Bank is self-sustaining and is able to cover all operating costs and potential losses while also producing revenue. The Bank has generated $1.9 billion for U.S. taxpayers over the past five years. Follow Ex-Im Bank on Twitter at http://twitter.com/eximbankus. Join the Ex-Im Bank network at http://www. linkedin.com/company/export-importbank-of-the-united-states.  The complete quarterly report, including video presentations, may be viewed at www.exim.gov/newsletter/volume6/ newsletter_October18.cfm#four

75  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbusinessnews.net

International

• Add a total of 5,000 new small businesses to the Ex-Im Bank portfolio (1,500 as of 9/30/11 - GOAL 5000)

www.exim.gov

YOU MUST COMPLY WITH THE FOREIGN TRADE REGULATIONS! The Census Bureau requires mandatory filing of export information through the Automated Export System (AES) or through the AESDirect for all shipments where a Shipper’s Export Declaration was previously required. How does the Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) affect your export business? Do you know how to use the Automated Export System (AES) to comply with the FTR? It is very important that you understand the FTR so you can avoid possible penalties and seizure of your export shipments. Attending this educational seminar and workshop will provide you with the information to assist you with the exporting process. -- Seminar Highlights -Mandatory Filing Requirements Filing timeframes for Puerto Rico Types of export transactions: Standard and Routed How to avoid penalties and cargo seizure Common FTR violations Mitigation guidelines Export Controls Export Enforcement Commodity classification- Schedule B codes Using the current Trade statistics to discover new markets

-- Workshop Highlights -Taught by AES experts Practice reporting export information

AES Compliance Seminar Dates: Tuesday, November 15th, Irvine, CA OR Wednesday, November 16th, Los Angeles, CA

7:30 am – 5 pm

Cost - $199

7:30 am – 5 pm

Cost – $199

AESPCLink Workshop Date and Times: Thursday, November 17th, Long Beach, CA OR Cost - $60

Morning Session 8:30 am – 12 pm Afternoon Session 1:30 pm – 4 pm

For more information, visit http://export.gov/california/losangeleswest/tradeevents/aes/index.asp To register, visit http://export.gov/california/losangeleswest/tradeevents/aes/registration/index.asp

U.S. Commercial Service 2302 Martin Court, Suite 315 Irvine, CA 92612 (949) 660-1688 http://www.buyusa.gov/pacificsouthwest

77  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

International

Hands on training for mandatory export reporting Tips on how to make the reporting process easier Learn how to become AES certified

Custom Culturally Inspired Wedding Rings & Fine Jewelry For The Entire Family. Unique One of a Kind Pieces Create your own designs. Transform old into new.

JendayiCollection.com 323.898.7468 877.898.7468 Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, First Floor 78  November 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Thursday Blues at

Uncle Darrow‛s High Noon-2pm Every Thursday

Come by for lunch and relax to blues and jazz from our house band! 2560 S. Lincoln Blvd. Marina del Rey North East corner of Washington & Lincoln

International

“LA Times Magazine favorite cajun food”

310-306-4862

www.uncledarrows.com

FAME ASSISTANCE CORPORATION FREE CREDIT MANAGEMENT WORKSHOPS HELD EACH MONTH AT

Order Via the Internet Wines of the Black-Owned wineries of South Africa. Register at TheArtfulGrape.com. The Artful Grape will do the rest. The wines will be delivered to your door.

1968 W. ADAMS BLVD., LOS ANGELES CALL FOR INFORMATION OR RSVP 323-730-7720