Black Business News - April Issue by Black Business News Group

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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

Movin’ Forward

s we enter into the second quarter of 2012, the economic momentum is slowly, but steadily increasing. Earvin “Magic” Johnson is certainly doing his part to keep the momentum going. The March 2012 Black Business News featured the launch of Magic’s cable television network, “Aspire,” and his acquisition of the branding rights to “Soul Train.” The former Laker is also a member of the group that purchased the Los Angeles Dodgers for $2 billion that will surely put the franchise back on track and be a financial boost to many small businesses during baseball season (see article on page 36). On the national level, the economic recovery of our nation is more depressing in African American communities than in any other. While the overall unemployment rate has hovered between 9–10% since the onset of the recession, for African Americans it hovers between 15-16%. This context alone demands that lawmakers at the federal, state and local levels, sharpen their focus on strong economic growth, enhanced competitiveness, and increased job creation. Moreover, minority businesses are under attack— legally and economically. The attacks remain despite the fact that minorityowned firms employ 4.7 million people with annual payroll totaling $115 billion. Legally, challenges continue to mount against many of blackowned businesses with protected status. Economically, despite having “protected status” many businesses cannot survive because they cannot receive loans or even worse, they are informed that they do not have the capacity to do business for or with a

particular entity. •• •• •• I would like to commend all the honorees at Black Business Association’s Salute to Black Women Conference and Luncheon. The event was a fitting tribute to women and organizations that have made a significant contribution to our community and the country. The California Alliance of African American Educators (CAAAE) received the Educational Institution Award for their on-going efforts to improve educational opportunities for students of color. The Community-based Business Award went to Mary (Nzinga) Kimbrough and Jackie Kimbrough Ryan, co-owners of Zambezi Bazaar, a flagship boutique located in Leimert Park District of Los Angeles for almost two decades. For her dedication to the growth of African American businesses through contracting, Beverly Kuykendall, Federal and Commercial Contracts, Inc. (FCCI) President, was honored with the Entrepreneur of the Year Award. The one and only Xernona Clayton, founder and president of the Trumpet Awards Foundation and the Civil Rights Walk of Fame received the Educational Heritage Award. And r. Diane Watson was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award for over four decades of tireless public service to the 33rd District of Los Angeles and as well as the entire U.S.A. •• •• •• I’d also like to congratulate Pacific Coast Regional (PRC) for 35 years of dedicated service. In 1977, in response to the BBA’s urgent requests for a non-profit organization that

provided loans and business support to Los Angeles’ minority businesses, a freshman Assemblyperson (now Congresswoman) Maxine Waters developed the framework for the Pacific Coast Regional. Consultant Kay Hixson, a member of the BBA, wrote the proposal for PCR that was accepted for funding and used to as a framework to operate the organization. Hixson went on to become PRC’s first Executive Director. She was succeeded by R.D. Lottie who served as PCR’s Executive Director for over two decades. Through PCR’s contracts with the State of California and partnership with private institutions, the organization has provided financial, educational and consulting services for thousands of minority businesses. •• •• •• The Black Business Association’s “Salute to Black Music” acknowledging the achievements and accomplishments of music executives and decision makers who have made a profound impact on the business aspect of Black Music will be recognized in June 2013. In addition, the BBA will hold the “Administrative Day Luncheon” recognizing the invaluable contributions that are important to the success of all successful businesses in April 2013. 

3  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

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.

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

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

Sarah Harris • Phallu Morgan

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

Kim Anthony

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

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advocating and promoting on behalf of 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.

www.blackbusinessnews.net

ENTREPRENEUR EDITOR STORY EDITORS Wanda Flagg ▪ Jennifer Marie Hamilton

PHOTOGRAPHY Ian Foxx ▪ Sabir • Narishima Osei

CONTENT ADMINISTRATOR LaSandra Stratton

LAYOUT/TYPESETTING Lion Communications Copyright © 2012 by Black Business News All Rights Reserved. The posting of stories, commentaries, reports, documents and links (embedded or otherwise) on this site does not in any way, shape or form, implied or otherwise, necessarily express or suggest endorsement or support of any of such posted material or parts therein.

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  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

FEATURES… April 2012

Publisher’s Message

GOVERNMENT… 10 15 17 21

President on Nuclear Security Exports to Africa Act of 2012 House Passes Small Business Bill SBA to Connect Corporations with Small Businesses

SBA Hosting 14-City Matchmaking Tour

33 34 36 43 47 54

Taking iPads on the Road - Securely

BUSINESS…

Editorial: Los Angeles Needs Farmers Field Johnson Group Wins Bid for LA Dodgers Car of the Future How to be Successful at Social Commerce US Energy Industry will Kick-Start an Industrial Revolution

61 67

Trade Show Booth Design Tips Venus Williams Launches Sportswear Collection

PUBLIC INTEREST/COMMUNITY… 71 73 74

Jamaal Wilkes Elected to Hall of Fame

76 78 83

Zambia is a Key Gateway to Business with Africa

Let’s Move Holds 4th Annual Garden Planting Nation Honors Japan’s Gift of Cherry Trees in DC

INTERNATIONAL… COLUMNS 59 - Take A Look! 94 - Books to Consider... 99 - Calendar ACTION ALERTS 2 - AEG Supplier Portal SPONSORS 06 - Black Business Association Cover image - Phallu Morgan

Resources for Going Global Brics to hold Africa Export Import Forum in Johannesburg

TAN to hold 6th Annual Trade Conference

One Africa: Petition Campaign

5  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

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.

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,

___ 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 2012 Events

October Procurement Exchange Summit and Luncheon Black Business Association P.O. Box 43159, Los Angeles, CA 90043 USA Tel: 323-291-9334 Fax: 323-857-4610

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

mail@bbala.org www.bbala.org www.facebook.com 7  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

“Role Model For Success” Workshop Sponsored & Conducted by Northrop Grumman

Earl “Skip” Cooper II President & CEO, Black Business Association Gloria Pualani, Corporate Director of Scio-Econ/ Government Relations, Northrop Groumman Moderated the “Role Model For Success” Workshop

Gwen Moore, Mary “Nzinga” Kimbrough and Earl “Skip” Cooper

Xernona Clayton, Educational Heritage Award Honoree

Norma Hollis, Mistress of Ceremony (L- R) Dr. Diane Watson, Xernona Clayton, Beverly Kuykendall, Mary “Nzinga” Kimbrough, Debra Watkins, Norma Hollis and Earl “Skip” Cooper II (Front) Gwen Moore

(L-R) Danielle Wright, Barbara Walden, Candida Mobley, seated, Ora MobleySweeting

Starlett Quarles, Presenter of Branding Yourself in the 21st Century

(L-R) Dr. Diane Watson, Assemblyman Steven Bradford, Mary “Nzinga” Kimbrough

Salute to Black Women “Desert Reception”

“Role Model For Success” Workshop Sponsored & Conducted by Northrop Grumman

Beverly Kuykendall, Entrepreneur of the Year Award Honoree

Sandra EversManley, VP, Corporate Relations, President, Northrop Grumman Foundation

Salute to Black Women “Vendor” Barbara Perkins and Corina Mena

Government

President Barack Obama jokingly covers the microphone before the start of the Nuclear Security Summit plenary session 1 at the Coex Center in Seoul, Republic of Korea. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

President Obama Sees Progress on Nuclear Security

wo years ago, President Obama welcomed leaders from nearly 50 countries to Washington, DC to discuss nuclear weapons and lay out a framework for reducing their threat to global security. A few days ago, in South Korea, the President said that the world has made significant progress in achieving that initial set of goals: “We are fulfilling the commitments we made in Washington. We are improving security at our nuclear facilities. We are forging new partnerships. We are removing nuclear materials, and

in some cases, getting rid of these materials entirely. And as a result, more of the world’s nuclear materials will never fall into the hands of terrorists who would gladly use them against us.” And we have just seen another bit of tangible evidence of that success when the United States announced that more than 280 pounds of highly enriched uranium from the Ukraine have been transferred to Russia, where it will be downblended into low enriched uranium -- which can’t be used to make a nuclear weapon. At a talk with students at Hankuk

University, the President outlined the reasons why he’s made the issue such a major priority: “We’re building an international architecture that can ensure nuclear safety. But we’re under no illusions. We know that nuclear material, enough for many weapons, is still being stored without adequate protection. And we know that terrorists and criminal gangs are still trying to get their hands on it -as well as radioactive material for a dirty bomb. We know that just the amount of plutonium -- about the size of an apple

10  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

see Nuclear Security on page 11

THE WHITE HOUSE 2012 NUCLEAR SECURITY SUMMIT DELIVERABLE: GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP AGAINST THE SPREAD OF WEAPONS AND MATERIALS OF MASS DESTRUCTION We, the Partners of the Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction, support the Summit’s goal of securing vulnerable nuclear material and radioactive sources around the world. The Global Partnership is a multilateral initiative to reduce the risk of WMD terrorism through cooperative capacity building on specific projects. The Global Partnership countries have contributed more than $55 million to the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Nuclear Security Fund (NSF) since 2010. The IAEA created the NSF in 2002 to support IAEA’s activities, including those to prevent, detect, and respond to nuclear terrorism. We welcome the continuation of this crucial support as the IAEA principally relies on voluntary NSF contributions to carry out this vital mission. The 24 Partners in the Global Partnership are Australia, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, the European Union, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Nuclear Security from page 10

FACT SHEET: Ukraine Highly Enriched Uranium Removal On March 27, 2012, the United States announced the removal of

Kiev Institute of Nuclear Research. The HEU was returned to Russia, where it will be downblended into low enriched uranium (LEU). Unlike HEU, LEU cannot be used to make a nuclear weapon. In exchange, the United States agreed to provide Ukraine with replacement LEU fuel as well as a state-of-theart Neutron Source Facility (NSF) at the Kharkiv Institute for Physics and Technology. The United States has already shipped replacement LEU to the Kiev Institute for Nuclear Research and the Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology in exchange for the HEU that was removed. The United States has also completed the main stages of construction of the NSF and will ensure the NSF is fully operational by 2014, thereby fulfilling commitments to Ukraine. The NSF will be equipped with the most up-to-date technology to operate at the highest safety standards and will provide Ukraine with new research capabilities and the ability to produce over 50 different industrial and medical isotopes for the benefit of the Ukrainian people.

11  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

see Nuclear Security on page 13

Government

-- could kill hundreds of thousands and spark a global crisis. The danger of nuclear terrorism remains one of the greatest threats to global security. And that’s why here in Seoul, we need to keep at it.” This is the President’s third official visit to South Korea, and as he pointed out today, he’s been to Seoul more than any other capital. That fact obviously speaks to the strength of the political relationship between our two nations, but it also highlights our growing economic ties. That’s why President Obama worked so hard to pass the U.S.-Korea Trade Agreement -- which will help to support an estimated 70,000 jobs in the years ahead and increase U.S. GDP by at least $11 billion due to increased exports of goods.

128 kilograms (over 280 pounds) of highly enriched uranium (HEU) from two remaining sites in Ukraine. The shipments were completed as part of a joint effort with Ukraine and fulfill the commitments made by Presidents Obama and Yanukovych at the 2010 Nuclear Security Summit to remove all of Ukraine’s HEU by the 2012 Nuclear Security Summit. Implementation of the April 2010 Joint Statement by Presidents Obama and Yanukovych required a total of six different secure operations and unprecedented cooperation among the U.S., Ukraine, Russia and the IAEA to successfully remove a total of 234 kilograms over a two-year period. Originally, there were three sites in Ukraine with different quantities and types of HEU. The first shipment to remove 56 kilograms of spent HEU fuel from the Kiev Institute of Nuclear Research (KINR) took place in May 2010. This was followed by three shipments – all in late December 2010 – to remove 16 kilograms of fresh HEU from the Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology, 25 kilograms of fresh HEU from Sevastopol University, and 10 kilograms of fresh HEU from the

SAVE THE DATE – JUNE 11, 2011

The Leadership of the California Legislature and

California Small Business Associations Invite you to attend

“CALIFORNIA SMALL BUSINESS DAY”

By the Authority of Assembly Resolution in 2000 small business owners and government officials will meet June 11th to celebrate the contribution small business provides through creation of jobs and growth for the California economy. Don’t miss these highlights of the day: x Dialogue with legislative leaders x Luncheon keynote address x Presentations to honored small business owners by legislators x Visit the Exhibits of State Agencies and Small Biz Friendly Sponsors

Sacramento Convention Center 1400 J Street, Sacramento, CA 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

June 11, 2012

Phone 800-350-2722 for Information or contact Steering Committee Aubry Stone, CA Black Chamber; Betty Jo Toccoli, CA Sm Bus Assn; Gwen Moore, CA Sm Bus Roundtable Ruben Guerra, Latin Business Assn.; Julian Canete, CA Hispanic Chamber; Joel Fox, Sm Bus Action Comm. Rebecca Llewellyn, Women Construction Owners; ,

SAVE THE DATE - JUNE 11, 2012

Nuclear Security from page 11

In a speech in Prague in April 2009, President Obama called for an international effort to secure all vulnerable nuclear material around the world within four years. Shipments like these recently completed from Ukraine result in permanent threat reduction because they eliminate weaponsusable nuclear material at civilian sites. Financial support to help implement the removal operations with Ukraine was provided by the United Kingdom as part of a cost-sharing approach.  www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/03/27/ president-obama-sees-progress-nuclearsecurity www.whitehouse.gov/the-pressoffice/2012/03/27/fact-sheet-ukrainehighly-enriched-uranium-removal

President Barack Obama participates in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani of Pakistan during the Nuclear Security Summit at the Coex Center in Seoul, Republic of Korea. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/03/26/ discussing-global-economy-and-nuclearsecurity-seoul

President Barack Obama is briefed by Lt. Col. Yoon Bong-hee, left, as he views the DMZ from Observation Post Ouellette at Camp Bonifas, Republic of Korea. A translator assists during the briefing. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) President Barack Obama greets troops at a dining hall at Camp Bonifas, Republic of Korea. The President visited Camp Bonifas to greet troops and tour the DMZ. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

13  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

How Can Organizations Participate? > Employers > Financial institutions > Non-profits and governments > Educators and Youth Organizations > Military > Media

How Can Individuals Participate? > Assess your savings progress > Join America Saves > Test your savings knowledge > Take action to save more effectively > View savings messages > Read saver stories

What is America Saves Week? About America Saves Week Our Purpose Participating Organizations America Saves Week 2011 America Saves Week 2010 America Saves Week 2009

www.americasavesweek.org

14  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Africa: H.R. 4221 The ‘Increasing American Jobs Through Greater Exports to Africa Act of 2012’

purchasing power reached $860 billion with a projection to grow upwards of $1.4 trillion in the next 10 years. “For a long time, Africa was portrayed as a symbol of stagnation, war, dictatorship, poverty, and disease. Today, the African continent is experiencing a serious reawakening and revival. This legislation will change those misguided perceptions and foster a greater understanding among U.S. businesses and financial communities of the opportunities that exist in Africa. We need to think more strategically and innovatively as to how to encourage and support investments in trade with Africa – not just from a competitiveness perspective, but from job creation and development perspectives as well. “Rep. Rush added that “this legislation, when taken together with H.R. 656 – the African Investment and Diaspora Act of 2011, which I introduced last year, will advance mutually beneficial trading activity between the US and Africa.” Others noted and recognized commentators on US-Africa trade and commercial relations immediately supported the introduction of Rep. Rush’s legislation. Stephen Hayes, the President and CEO, Corporate Council on Africa said that “Africa has never been more important to the US economy than it is now. The opportunities in the African marketplace are only growing daily, and if the American private sector, working with our Government, does not take advantage of these opportunities jobs will be lost for American workers and manufacturers to those countries who do already understand the value of the American marketplace. The American product is highly respected throughout the fifty-four nations of Africa and we

15  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

allAfrica.com

Government

modest package of proposals aimed at expanding small business’ access to capital cleared the House with broad bipartisan support, a rare accomplishment in this politically divided Congress that puts the legislation on track for passage. U.S. Rep. Bobby L. Rush (D-IL) is proud to have introduced a bipartisan legislation today along with U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (D-NJ) titled, The Increasing American Jobs through Greater Exports to Africa Act of 2012. [download summary at http:// allafrica.com/view/resource/main/ main/id/00031038.html] The bill also aims to improve America’s competiveness throughout the continent by forcing better coordination between U.S. government agencies and departments, establishing comprehensive strategic goals, and marshaling private investments to improve U.S.-Africa business activities. “This bill is the right bill to enact in these uniquely challenging times for the United States and its ability to generate further economic growth.” Rep. Rush said. “The US has talked for too long about Africa as being the next trade and investment frontier. That strategy barely allows us to run in place. Now is the time for taking action in moving forward! “American businesses are facing serious competition in continental African markets. We now have a tremendous opportunity to build mutually beneficial policies that create jobs and economic growth on both continents. Sub-Saharan Africa, in particular comprises some of the fastest growing economies in the world. Over the next five years, 7 of the world’s 10 fastest-growing economies will come from this region. In 2008, Africa’s

must be able to compete. To be able to compete we must have a far more active and greater presence throughout the continent.” “There are several US government agencies with similar mandates to support US investment in Africa – OPIC, Ex-Im, Department of Commerce – but our experience on the ground in Africa suggests that a more harmonized, coherent approach is necessary to give US companies a leading edge. Africa is now widely recognized as one of the last true “frontier markets”, and this bill will provide US companies with muchneeded support to seize opportunities in these markets.” Says Rosa Whitaker, President and CEO of the Whitaker Group, She served as the First Assistant Trade Representative on Africa. According to Ms. Liesl Riddle, Ph.D., Associate Dean for MBA Programs and Associate Professor of International Business and International Affairs, School of Business, George Washington University, “Diaspora investment catalyzed China and India into emerging market status. Today African diasporans in the United States are seeking ways to invest in Africa to further economic and social development across the Continent. Passage of this bill will provide many of the tools necessary to successfully channel the Diaspora’s potential for development into Africa, while creating American jobs and opportunity in some of the fastest growing markets of the twenty-first century” In closing, Rep. Rush said, “My bill will help reduce non-trade barriers, encourage regional integration of African countries, increase U.S exports, and positively affect United States trade, export and labor initiatives. Furthermore, passage of this legislation will ensure that U.S. policy is contributing meaningfully to the positive transformation of Africa, enabling it to progress towards full integration into the twenty-first century world economy – not only as a supplier of raw materials and resources but as full participants in international supply and distribution chains.” 

House Passes Small-Business Bill with Broad Bipartisan Support By Lisa Mascaro

The Senate, where Democrats have the majority, is in no rush to approve the measure. The GOP-led House has passed several initiatives — particularly those aimed at reducing or eliminating various federal regulations — that have stalled in the Senate. Democrats in the Senate want to beef up the protections for investors in the jobs package. But any changes to the legislation would require the chambers to compromise. “Our bill will have some more consumer protections, investor protections, but it’ll be similar,” said Sen. Charles E. Schumer of New York, the No. 3 Democrat in the Senate. The chamber is expected to begin consideration of its version of the jobs package next week. The House version was a compilation of bills that would exempt smaller businesses from certain capital formation rules required by the Securities and Exchange Commission, including one that would

exempt from regulation securities offerings that do not exceed $50 million. Another would loosen restrictions on soliciting capital across state lines. Several of the bills already had been approved last year by broad majorities in the House, leaving Democrats to criticize Republicans as simply recycling old ideas that have been shown to have bipartisan support. Other provisions would exempt from certain reporting requirements securities that are “crowd-funded” from small group investment pools and would define an “emerging growth company” as one that does not exceed $1 billion in annual gross revenue. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce welcomed passage of the bill as one that provides “important reforms and lessens regulatory burdens that will remove obstacles that have prevented business formation in the numbers we have come to expect.” 

17  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

http://articles.latimes.com

Government

m o d e s t package of proposals aimed at expanding small business’ access to capital cleared the House with broad bipartisan support, a rare accomplishment in this politically divided Congress that puts the legislation on track for passage. P r e s i d e n t Obama has repeatedly called on Congress to send him such measures that he could sign into law. “What it demonstrates is that we are able to set aside our differences when we want to and come together for producing results that people want to see,” said Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.), the House majority leader. The bill, he said, provides a “real shot in the arm to entrepreneurs, smallbusiness men and women, removes red tape, allows small businesses an easier time to go about starting up, as well as retaining and creating jobs.” The economy’s ability to create jobs has been a top issue for voters this election year, and passage of the so-called Jumpstart Our Business Startups, or JOBS, Act would give both Republicans and Democrats a legislative victory. Yet nothing is easy in partisan Washington, even though the package was approved on a 390-23 vote with bipartisan support from 232 Republicans and 158 Democrats. All of those voting no were Democrats.

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

FARMERSFIELD.COM

Calling all App Developers: $10,000 App Challenge Looking for Ways to Connect Businesses with Government

sets can be found on the Business Data and Tools page (www.data.gov/ communities/node/244/data_tools) of Data.gov. A panel of high-profile judges will evaluate and vote on the entries. The panel includes: • John Bryson, Secretary of Commerce • Vint Cerf, Chief Internet Evangelist, Google • Vivek Kundra, Executive Vice President of Emerging Market, Salesforce.com • Tim O’Reilly, founder and CEO of O’Reilly Media • Sheryl Sandberg, Chief Operating Officer, Facebook • Steven Van Roekel, Federal CIO Specifically developers are being challenged to look for innovative ways to utilize available data to help

A $5,000 cash award will be given to the winner. Second place will receive $3,000 and third place will receive $2,000. Submissions will be accepted between February 22, 2012 and April 30, 2012. Complete contest rules and entry requirements can be found at http://docbusinessapps.challenge. gov.  www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/02/22/ calling-all-app-developers-10000app-challenge-looking-ways-connectbusinesses-gover

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

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

Buy Black  Save Black  Invest Black 19  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Government

n conjunction with the newlylaunched BusinessUSA initiative, the Department of Commerce announced the launch of their business app challenge. The $10,000 contest challenges app developers to find innovative ways to utilize Commerce and other publicly available data and information to support American businesses. The business app challenge calls on developers to utilize at least one Department of Commerce data set in creating an application that assists businesses and/or improves the service delivery of Business. USA.gov to the business community. Developers may choose the platform that best suits them. Applicants may design for the web, personal computer, mobile handheld device, or any platform broadly accessible to the open Internet. A list of developer-friendly data

businesses: • Learn about and evaluate opportunities, both here in the U.S. and internationally; • Access useful government services, data, and market information; • Fund business activities; • Support education and training, and • Facilitate or accelerate the pursuit of operating and growing their business.

SBA Able to Connect Small Businesses with Corporate Supply Chains

these supply chains. Supplier Connection is a free, online portal created by the IBM Foundation that allows small businesses to send information about their products and services to 15 large private sector companies. The 15 companies participating in Supplier Connection are: AMD, AT&T, Bank of America, Caterpillar, Citi Group, Dell, Facebook, IBM, JP Morgan Chase, John Deere, Kellogg’s, Office Depot, Pfizer, UPS and Wells Fargo. Together, these 15 companies have a combined purchasing power of $300 billion and now they will have full access to the profiles of small businesses that have registered for Supplier Connection. The American Supplier Initiative is a call-to-action to the private sector to invest in their supply chains through small businesses. The initiative aims to address four key areas in which small business need help in order to become successful suppliers in the private sector: access to mentorship and counseling services, increased market and revenue opportunities, ready sources of capital to fund their growth, and a highly skilled workforce. To date, several American Supplier Initiative announcements have already been made: • SBA’s International Trade Loan expansion – This program provides small businesses with capital to finance their fixed assets, including real estate, and working capital needs. This program offers private lenders a 90 percent guarantee on loans up to $5 million as an incentive to encourage lending to growing small businesses. Small businesses

may use the ITL program to on-shore and help bring jobs back to the U.S. • Export-Import Bank’s Global Credit Express Product – This product is specially designed to deliver short-term working capital loans directly to creditworthy small business exporters. Through this new program, exporters may be eligible for a 6- or 12-month revolving line of credit of up to $500,000. • CAPLines – SBA’s CAPLines program was recently revamped to help small businesses meet their short-term and cyclical working capital needs. Identifying ways to strengthen small and medium-sized manufacturers is a priority for the administration and additional announcements under the American Supplier Initiative are expected to be rolled out in the coming weeks and months. For more information on Supplier Connection, please visit: https://www. supplier-connection.net. 

africanamericans. barackobama.com

21  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Government

new private-public collaboration will help small businesses strengthen their revenue streams by gaining access to more than $300 billion in combined supply chain spending by a consortium of 15 of America’s largest corporations, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced today. Supplier Connection, created by the IBM Foundation, is part of the Obama Administration’s American Supplier Initiative and is designed to help bridge the gap between small, nimble businesses looking for new opportunities and large corporations looking for innovative new ideas and diversity in their supply chains. “The American Supplier Initiative is part of a comprehensive solution to grow small businesses, create jobs and to ensure that America has a strong, deep and diverse supply chain,” said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. “While it is clear that becoming a corporate supplier can lead to business growth, breaking in can be a challenge for small businesses. The Supplier Connection will be one tool to help small businesses connect with corporate buyers. Tools like this help to ensure that more small businesses are part of commercial supply chains, which adds additional revenue streams. This is a proven formula for job creation.” Mills has sent letters about Supplier Connection, a new tool to help small businesses access private sector supply chains, to more than 50,000 small businesses that currently participate in small business federal procurement programs. Studies have shown that small businesses that are part of large corporations’ supply chains experience increased revenues and employment. SBA is committed to helping small businesses identify new tools and resources to become part of

SBA to Honor Small Businesses at National Small Business Week May 20-22 in Washington, DC Event Features Awards, Forums and the Naming of National Small Business Person of the Year – Events Open to the Public The nation’s top entrepreneurs will be honored at the U.S. Small Business Administration’s National Small Business Week events May 20-22 in Washington, DC. A series of award ceremonies, small business events and educational forums will mark the 59th anniversary of the agency and the 49th annual proclamation of National Small Business Week. National as well

Small Business as numerous

Week is corporate

co-sponsored by the and trade sponsors

SCORE to be

Association announced.

More than 100 outstanding small business owners from across the country will receive awards while gathering for three days at the city’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel. They will meet with top administration officials, congressional representatives and national business leaders. The highlight of the celebration will be the announcement of the National Small Business Person of the Year. “Small business owners and employees across America are proving their resiliency as they continue to help drive economic recovery, economic growth and job creation,” said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. “National Small Business Week gives us an opportunity to honor their achievements and the spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation and determination that makes them the engine of our economy and our nation’s economic recovery.” Men and women also will be recognized for their involvement in disaster recovery, government contracting and their support for small businesses and entrepreneurship, and awards will be presented to SBA partners in financial and entrepreneurial development, including the year’s top SCORE Chapter, Small Business Development Center and Women’s Business Center. Interested parties can register online at www.nationalsmallbusinessweek.com where additional information (updated weekly) is available regarding registration, awards ceremonies, small business forums and educational and matchmaking sessions. The event also will be webcast live at the web site.

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s participation in this cosponsored activity does not constitute an express or implied endorsement of any cosponsor’s, donor’s, grantee’s, contractor’s or participant’s opinions, products, or services. All SBA programs and cosponsored programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance, by contacting sbw@sba.gov. Cosponsorship Authorization #SBW2012.

23  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

SBA Announces Second Round of Grants under State Trade and Export Promotion Program

he U.S. Small Business Administration is inviting states and U.S. territories to apply for $30 million in grants that can be used in a variety of ways to help increase exporting by small businesses. SBA began accepting applications on March 27. “Federal investment in small business exporting is already beginning to pay dividends in foreign sales and economic development, which translates into a stronger economy and job creation,” said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. “Through the STEP program, newto-export and new-to-market firms are selling American products and services in markets all over the world. The future looks even more exciting with key marketing initiatives ranging from South Korea, to India and the European Union. This year’s grants

Agency Seeks to Increase number of Small Businesses Exporting, Value of Small Business Sales Abroad will further help states assist small businesses enter and succeed in the global market.” The State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) grant initiative, launched under the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, is a pilot grant program authorizing up to $90 million in grants to the states and U.S. territories over three years to help them increase the number of businesses that export, as well as the value of exports by small businesses. In fiscal year 2011, the STEP program awarded 52 grants totaling $30 million. The average grant was for $577,000. Each state, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands,

Guam and American Samoa may submit a single application under the program each year. Activities authorized include participation in foreign trade missions and market sales trips, subscription to services provided by the Department of Commerce, design of international marketing products and campaigns, export trade show exhibits, training, and other efforts aligned with program goals. The STEP program announcement will be posted at www.Grants.gov on March 27, 2012. The application period will be March 27, 2012 through May 17, 2012. Awards will be issued by September 30, 2012. See more information at www.sba.gov/STEP. 

Get Your Federal Taxpayer Receipt

www.whitehouse.gov/2011-taxreceipt?utm_source=email151&utm_medium=text1&utm_campaign=taxes

s a taxpayer, you have a right to know how your government invests your tax payment, and that’s why President Obama created the Federal Taxpayer Receipt. Want to compare how much of your contribution in taxes goes towards education, foreign aid, or veteran’s benefits? Just enter a few pieces of information about your taxes, and the taxpayer receipt will give you a customized breakdown. You’ll see exactly how your money gets spent on health care or national defense or the environment.  24  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Karen G. Mills, Administrator Small Business Administration

that drive the nation’s economy and create jobs. These forums will go a long way in making sure that small businesses know how to leverage their companies and team with viable partners to take their businesses to the next level.” The forums will also feature a discussion of strategic alliance and joint venture opportunities, a Q&A session and face-to-face and virtual business matchmaking sessions with larger businesses and companies that have graduated from the 8(a) program. Small disadvantaged businesses and 8(a) firms interested in attending must register at: http://sba. mybusinessmatches.com/buyers/ generalinfo. Approximately 300 small businesses will be matched prior to their meetings based on their compatibility. The first three matchmaking conferences took place in Washington, DC, in January and Atlanta, GA, and Orlando, FL, in February. The list of the remaining cities scheduled is as

follows: • Los Angeles, Calif. (March 21) • Houston, Texas (March 27) • San Antonio, Texas (March 29) • Chicago, Ill. (April 5) • Denver, Colo. (April 11) • Boston, Mass. (May 10) • Newark, N.J. (May 23) • Seattle, Wash. (June 7) • Kansas City, Mo. (June 21) • Sacramento, Calif. (July 24) • Cleveland, Ohio (August 7) For more information about the SBA’s Mentor-Protégé program, visit: www. sba.gov/content/mentor-protégéprogram and to learn more about the Mentor-Protégé Matchmaking Conference, visit: http://sba. mybusinessmatches.com/buyers/ generalinfo. 

25  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

www.sba.gov

Government

he U.S. Small Business Administration will host the fourth of its free Mentor-Protégé Matchmaking Conference series in Los Angeles, Calif., on March 21. The program gives small disadvantaged businesses access to guidance on federal contracting, face-to-face meetings and opportunities to team with larger businesses and graduates of the SBA’s 8(a) Business Development program. During the forums, small businesses will learn how to market themselves to the federal government and go after government contracting opportunities. They will also get an overview of the SBA’s Mentor-Protégé program – a tool of the SBA’s 8(a) program that encourages mentors to team with a protégé or smaller firm to help them with management and technical assistance, financial assistance and access to joint ventures and federal contracting opportunities. “Although we are encouraged by the economic indicators trending upward, we are still facing challenging economic times,” said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. “That’s why it’s important that we make sure that more federal contracts get into the hands of small businesses

SBA Hosts 14-City Matchmaker Conference to Connect Small Businesses with Teaming and Federal Contract Opportunities

GRANTS.GOV LISTINGS The following grant opportunity postings may be found on the Grants.gov Find Opportunities service: HHS Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health Limited Competition: Specific pathogen free macaque colonies (U42), Modification 1 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=70853

Business

HHS Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health Limited Competition: Specific pathogen free macaque colonies (U42), Modification 1 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=70854 HHS Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health Limited Competition: Specific pathogen free macaque colonies (U24), Modification 1 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=70855 DOD Department of Defense Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency DARPA - Defense Sciences Office Defense Sciences Research and Technology, Modification 1 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=112994 HHS Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health Development of Novel and Emerging Technologies for the Accurate Detection and Diagnosis of Polymicrobial Infections in Biomedical Laboratory Animal Models (STTR

[R41/R42]), Modification 1 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=123134 HHS Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health Midcareer Investigator Award in Mouse Pathobiology and Comprehensive Phenotyping Research (K26), Modification 1 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=131273 USAID Agency for International Development Thailand USAID-Bangkok USAID Improving Higher Education Quality Program in Vietnam, Modification 5 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=137633 USAID Agency for International Development Uganda USAID-Kampala NU-HITES, Modification 2 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=141993 DOE Department of Energy Golden Field Office Advanced Manufacturing Program and Building Technologies Program Superior Energy Performance Program Administrator, Modification 1 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=142075 DOE Department of Energy Idaho Field Office Nuclear Energy Enabling Technologies (NEET) Advanced Methods for Manufacturing, Modification 1 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=144333 DOE Department of Energy Idaho Field Office

Nuclear Energy Enabling Technologies (NEET) Reactor Materials, Modification 1 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=144359 DOD Department of Defense Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency DARPA - Defense Sciences Office Butyrylcholinesterase Expression in Plants, Modification 1 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=144634 DOE Department of Energy National Energy Technology Laboratory Advanced Oxy-combustion Technology Development and Scaleup for New and Existing Coal-fired Power Plants, Modification 2 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=145074 DOD Department of Defense Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency DARPA - Information Innovation Office High-Assurance Cyber Military Systems (HACMS), Modification 1 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=146074 DOT Department of Transportation Pipeline &Hazardous Material Safety Administration PHMSA Hazmat Grants 2013 PHMSA HMEP States & Territories, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=146813 DOT Department of Transportation Pipeline &Hazardous Material Safety Administration PHMSA Hazmat Grants 2013 PHMSA HMEP SPSTG, Grant

28  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

see Grants.gov on page 29

GRANTS.GOV LISTINGS from page 28

www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=147134 DOT Department of Transportation Pipeline &Hazardous Material Safety Administration PHMSA Hazmat Grants 2013 PHMSA HMEP States & Territories, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=147574 DOT Department of Transportation Pipeline &Hazardous Material Safety Administration PHMSA Hazmat Grants 2013 PHMSA HMEP Native American Tribes, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=147593

VA Department of Veterans Affairs Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program VA Grant and Per Diem Program Notice of Fund Availability, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=147833 DOI Department of the Interior Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) BOEM FY 2012 Louisiana Coastal Marine Institute, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=147853 HHS Department of Health and Human Services

HHS Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health Research Networks for Macromolecular Interactions in Cells (U54), Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=147913 HHS Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health Collaborations for Macromolecular Interactions in Cells (R01), Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=147914 DOS Department of State Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Establishment of a University Partnership with Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Modification 1 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=147933 USDOJ Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Assistance National Justice Information Sharing (JIS) Initiative, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=147935 SSA Social Security Administration Social Security Disability Research Consortium, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=147953

DOC Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers for South Dakota and Kentucky, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=147954 EPA Environmental Protection Agency FY 2012 Tribal Pesticide Special Projects, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=147955 USDOJ Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Assistance BJA FY 12 National Adult and Juvenile Offender Reentry Resource Center, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=147973 EPA Environmental Protection Agency Citizen Science - Community Involvement Today and in the Future, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=147993 DOI Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Pacific Islands Climate Change Cooperative and Pacific Islands Climate Science Center, Modification 1 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=148013 HHS Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Program, Grant see Grants.gov on page 31

29  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Business

USDOJ Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Office of Violence Against Women OVW FY 2012 Technical Assistance Program, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=147817

Agency for Health Care Research and Quality AHRQ Mentored Career Enhancement Award in Patient Centered Outcomes Research (PCOR) for Mid-Career and Senior Investigators (K18), Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=147875

GRANTS.GOV LISTINGS from page 29

www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=148113

www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=148033 USDA Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture 1890 Facilities Grant Program, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=148037 DOI Department of the Interior OIA Brown Treesnake Control Program, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=148038 DOD Department of Defense Natural Resources Solutions to Address Stream Restoration and Habitat Improvement at Indian Head Maryland, Grant

NSF National Science Foundation CISE-MPS Interdisciplinary Faculty Program in Quantum Information Science, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=148153 NSF National Science Foundation Campus Cyberinfrastructure - Network Infrastructure and Engineering Program, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=148154 NSF National Science Foundation Research in Disabilities Education Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=148155

DOI Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service South Fork Cottonwood Ck Fish Passage Improvement, Phase One Modification 1 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=148233 DOE Department of Energy Golden Field Office U.S. Offshore Wind: Advanced Technology Demonstration Projects Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=148294 DOI Department of the Interior National Park Service Groundwork New Orleans, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=148333 

Business

31  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

32  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Tech Tools-1st Person:

Taking iPads on the Road— Securely by Royce Boehrs

files housed on our servers, offsite employees would have to email the files to themselves or place them in unsecured third-party, consumersyncing applications that had no management capabilities for IT staff. In other words, these alternative solutions made our IT folks, me included, pretty uncomfortable. We were already looking at how we could incorporate tablets into our company, but since nothing would give us the control and security options we needed, we just couldn’t make the leap. We knew, though, that if we addressed those issues, we could give our people in the field access to files they might need to close business and handle account management better, so we were eager to find something that would work well for us.

Simple, Secure Solution Since we design all our products in-house, we have a significantly large graphics department for our size company, so we’ve been using GroupLogic’s ExtremeZ-IP software for the past 12 years to bridge the digital divide between our various Macs and PCs. That helped when it came time to find a solution for accessing files on our iPads, because it meant I was already familiar with the company’s products and services. After investigating GroupLogic’s mobile file management product, mobilEcho, I downloaded the free trial. I could see that it would enable our employees to access our server securely and easily retrieve files, while giving the IT department the control we needed, including the ability to remotely wipe the device if it was lost, stolen or

compromised. We started gradually introducing iPads into our company of approximately 300 employees, and the number continues to climb at a steady rate. The people who have been given iPads and access to mobilEcho span many departments, including sales, marketing, the management team, graphic arts, IT and engineering. We are also supporting iPhones for file access. Now that we have a secure way to access files from our iPads and iPhones, it’s amazing how far we’ve come in such a short period of time. It seems as if every day we’re finding another use for them, and our salespeople are thrilled because having secure, real-time access to files through these devices has helped them close more business. One of my favorite examples is when one of our regional sales managers was at dinner with a client in Mexico City. They were talking about one of our newer products, and the customer had some questions. Instead of having to wait and email more information the next day, the manager used mobilEcho to access our server and show the client a video in real time. The sales manager secured the sale right there. The efficiency that the tablets and the mobile file management solution bring to our employees who travel for business is worth more than the cost of the devices. In fact, I’d probably have a rebellion on my hands if I tried to take them away.  Royce Boehrs is the network/security administrator at Bedford Industries. www.baselinemag.com

33  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Business

hile you might not recognize Bedford Industries (www. bedfordind.com) by name, you are most certainly familiar with our products. The household twist tie, most commonly known for its use on bags of bread, has been our core product for more than 45 years—when the company first began in our (still current) owner’s garage. Since then, Bedford’s offerings have expanded to include ElastiTags (promotional tags you might see around a bottle of wine with a recipe or around laundry detergent with a coupon) and product identification ties (tied around broccoli at the grocery store, for example, containing the vegetable’s name and a bar-code for scanning). And we offer a whole lot more. Given the nature of our business, our staff is on the road a lot. Our salespeople have territories, and because people want to be able to see, touch and feel our products, face-toface interaction is key. But it’s not just our sales folks who do all the traveling. Our marketing staff also attends a variety of trade shows, and our engineers visit customer sitesl. So we were challenged with finding a way for everyone who needs to be out of the office to access files from our server whenever they need them, from wherever they are—securely. In the past, our employees would travel with a laptop. While not a huge inconvenience, the advent of tablet computers, particularly the iPad, meant that these employees could travel lighter and use the tablet for planned, or even impromptu, presentations. The downside to the introduction of the tablets was that to access

Los Angeles Needs Farmers Field Editorial:

Business

By Earl “Skip” Cooper II and Nathan Freeman

hat can’t be disputed is that the City of Los Angeles in particular and the greater Los Angeles area in general, desperately needs the substantial short and longterm economic benefits the building of Farmers Field and a new West Hall of the Convention Center would bring. What can’t be disputed is that the City of Los Angeles in particular and the greater Los Angeles area in general, desperately needs the substantial short and long-term economic benefits the building of Farmers Field and a new West Hall of the Convention Center would bring.

AEG has been and continues being one of the most significant and best corporate leaders this city has ever had. The overall benefits, both economically and socially, that their various endeavors including Staples Center, LA Live and the Home Depot Center in Carson, have generated over the last decade and a half, simply can’t be overstated. Thousands of citizens have been and continue to be employed in good paying jobs with benefits. Vendors and suppliers have been able to not only maintain their businesses but in some cases, expand them. What were once blighted and empty lots, have been transformed into glistening palaces of sports, entertaining and commerce that provide desperately needed tax revenues for the city. AEG’s track record of doing exactly what they say they

will do should have been enough to allay any fears that Los Angeles will somehow be on the hook financially, should Farmers Field and a new West Hall be built. But, the company went further than just saying “You have our word” by agreeing to some of the most stringent conditions and terms ever seen in a document negotiated by a developing company and city in recent history. This includes historic levels of participation by minority and female-owned companies in the areas of contracting, sub-contracting and vending/concession opportunities. Furthermore, AEG is to be commended for their unprecedented efforts in providing transparency throughout this process, including holding town hall style meetings in various parts of the city and in producing a comprehensive Environmental Impact Report (EIR). In proposing the building of both Farmers Field and a desperately needed new West Hall of the Convention Center, AEG has already had a positive impact on the surrounding area. Other developments, including the building of two hotels, have already begun and several additional ones are in the planning stages. These projects, along with the hotels already open at LA Live, will provide the rooms required to draw lucrative conventions and other large gatherings to Los Angeles. Many naysayers use the threat of increased traffic in the area around the proposed stadium site as a reason to say no. Frankly, we can’t deny that traffic will be impacted by a new stadium and convention center hall. However, AEG has worked hard to address that issue as well. They have agreed to pay for upgrades to the Metro Blue Line station at Pico and Flower and will offer significant discounts to season ticket holders as well as single-game customers who use public transportation instead of

34  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

see Farmers Fie ld on page 35

Farmers Field from page 34

driving. They have worked closely with Caltrans, Metro, the LAPD and other agencies in designing traffic plans for event days that should lessen the strain significantly. They have also promised an aggressive advertising and marketing campaign to get the

word out that attendees should use public transportation as much as possible. This approach has worked in other California cities such as Oakland, San Diego and San Francisco and deserves a chance here as well. The economic benefits of Farmers Field along with a new, contiguous West Hall of the Convention Center are both tangible and immeasurable. In addition to the thousands of well-paying, union

Earl “Skip” Cooper II is the President and CEO of the Black Business Association (BBA). Nathan Freeman is a member of the BBA Board of Directors and a land-use and economic development consultant in Los Angeles.

35  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Business

jobs during the demolition and rebuilding of the West Hall and construction of the stadium itself, there will be countless other jobs in companies providing professional services as well as the vendors supplying them. Beyond the demolition and building phases, the permanent full-time and part-time jobs these new facilities will provide cannot overlooked in any economic analysis of these projects. There are no greater issues facing Los Angeles today than the economy and sustainable jobs and while the building of Farmers Field and a new West Hall wouldn’t solve all of the problems in these areas, these projects would provide a much needed boost to our city and surrounding areas. Because of this, the Black Business Association of Los Angeles, the oldest AfricanAmerican business organization in the State of California unequivocally supports AEG in its ongoing efforts to bring jobs and events to our city through the building and operation of Farmers Field, the rebuilding of the West Hall of the Convention Center. “If you love Los Angeles, you have to love AEG!” -Earl “Skip” Cooper II-

Magic-led Group Wins Bid for Dodgers

Business

Earvin “Magic” Johnson

group that includes former Lakers star Magic Johnson and longtime baseball executive Stan Kasten agreed Tuesday night to buy the Los Angeles Dodgers from Frank McCourt for a record $2 billion. The price would shatter the mark for a North American sports franchise, topping the $1.1 billion Stephen Ross paid for the NFL’s Miami Dolphins in 2009. Mark Walter, chief executive officer of the financial services firm Guggenheim Partners, would become the controlling owner. The deal, revealed after Major League Baseball owners approved three finalists for an intended auction, is one of several steps toward a sale of the team by the end of April. It is subject to approval in federal bankruptcy court. As part of the agreement, the Dodgers said McCourt and ‘’certain affiliates of the purchasers’’ would acquire the land

surrounding Dodger Stadium, including its parking lots, for $150 million. The acquiring group, called Guggenheim Baseball Management, has several other investors, among them Mandalay Entertainment chief executive Peter Guber. Kasten is the former president of the Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals. ‘’I am thrilled to be part of the historic Dodger franchise and intend to build on the fantastic foundation laid by Frank McCourt as we drive the Dodgers back to the front page of the sports section in our wonderful community of Los Angeles,’’ Johnson said in a statement. The 52-year-old Johnson played 13 seasons for the Los Angeles Lakers, winning five NBA championships and three MVP awards. He retired from the NBA in 1991 after being diagnosed with HIV, the virus that causes AIDs. He briefly came out of retirement for the 1995-96 season,

and then did a short stint coaching the Lakers. Since leaving basketball for good he has been hugely successful in business, investing in movie theaters, a production company and restaurants. He has also been activist in the fight against HIV. McCourt paid $430 million in 2004 to buy the team, Dodger Stadium and 250 acres of land that include the parking lots, from the FOX division of Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp., a sale that left the team with about $50 million in cash at the time. The team’s debt stood at $579 million as of January, according to a court filing, so McCourt stands to make hundreds of millions of dollars even after a $131 million divorce payment to former wife Jamie, taxes and legal and banking fees. Kasten is expected to wind up as the team’s top day-to-day executive. The other two finalists were: see Dodgeres’ Stadium on page 37

36  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Dodgers’ Ownership from page 36

• Stan Kroenke, whose family properties own the NFL’s St. Louis Rams, the NBA’s Denver Nuggets, the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche and Major League Soccer’s Colorado Rapids, and who is majority shareholder of Arsenal in the English Premier League. • Steven Cohen, founder of the hedge

It remains to be seen whether Major League Baseball will challenge the deal in US Bankruptcy Court in Delaware, where the case is before Judge Kevin Gross. Under an agreement reached by MLB and McCourt in November, a private auction was to be held among the finalists and McCourt was to select

fans and the Los Angeles community,’’ McCourt said in a statement. The acquiring group would gain the ability to sell the Dodgers’ local broadcasting rights starting with games in 2014. The Guggenheim group likely would use money gained from the sale — or from the team’s own network with outside investment — and use those funds to pay down the acquisition debt. ‘’The amount of leverage is a big question,’’ said Marc Ganis, president of the Chicago-based consulting firm Sportscorp, which is not involved.

‘’The likely scenario is that they have a broadcasting deal in mind so that they pay up now and pay themselves down from a big broadcasting up-front payment. ‘’The problem with this strategy is that the more paid upfront by the broadcast deal, the less money is available for team operations. The more debt they take on, the more debt service is required, the less money that’s available for team operations. With the only beneficiary being the man walking out the door. A challenging result that baseball tried to avoid.’’ The current record for a baseball franchise is the $845 million paid by the Ricketts family for the Chicago Cubs in 2009. Los Angeles Dodgers filed for bankruptcy protection in late June, just days before the team was expected to miss payroll. The filing came after baseball Commissioner Bud Selig refused to approve a 17Dodgers Stadium year agreement between the Dodgers’ and FOX’s Prime Ticket subsidiary that would have been worth $2 billion or more. MLB feared McCourt would use about half of an intended $385 million cash advance to fund his divorce. Los Angeles finished third in the NL West at 82-79, had just three sellouts and fell short of 3 million in home attendance in a full season for the first time since 1992.  http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/LosAngeles-Dodgers-to-be-sold-to-MagicJohnson-led-group-032712

37  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Business

fund SAC Capital Advisors and a new limited partner of the New York Mets; biotechnology entrepreneur Patrick Soon-Shiong; and agent Arn Tellem of Wasserman Media Group.

the winner by Sunday. The sales agreement is to be submitted to the bankruptcy court by April 6, ahead of a hearing seven days later, and the sale completed by April 30, the day McCourt is to make the divorce settlement payment. ‘’This agreement with Guggenheim reflects both the strength and future potential of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and assures that the Dodgers will have new ownership with deep local roots, which bodes well for the Dodgers, its

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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.

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

Worker’s Compensation - Social insurance program designed to resolve disputes between injured employees and their employers.

•

Directors & Officers

•

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.

Conservation:

Light-colored Roof Initiative Cools the Urban Heat Island by Hannah Waters

meeting the Energy Star Cool Roofing performance standards. The rubber covering did not lower roof temperatures as significantly, while the paint’s effectiveness halved after two years. It’s unfortunate that the paint did not hold up over time, which prevented it from meeting Energy Star standards, because it is by far the cheapest method. Even so, Gaffin argues that it may be the best hope for easy, cheap city-wide implementation. “It’s the lowest hanging fruit. It’s very cheap to do; it’s a retro-fit. You don’t need a skilled labor force. And you don’t have to wait for a roof to be retired,” said Gaffin. “So if you really talk about ways in which you brighten urban albedo, this is the fastest, cheapest way to do it. NASA studies the urban heat island effect to better understand and model how urban surfaces and expanding urbanization might impact regional and global climate, said Marc Imhoff, a biospheric scientist at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md. “We’re trying to build a capability where we can expand our knowledge with data on more locations, and ultimately develop computer models that would allow us to predict urban heat islands and urban temperatures on a town level,” Imhoff said. “Eventually, we could incorporate our findings into large-scale, global climate models.”  www.smartplanet.com/blog/smart-takes/ new-york-city-roof-initiative-cools-theurban-heat-island/24038?tag=nl.e660

39  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Business

n the summer sun, black asphalt roofs can reach temperatures of 170 degrees Fahrenheit, causing energy bills to skyrocket and making city nights 5-7 degrees warmer than surrounding non-urban areas. To combat these effects, the city launched the NYC CoolRoofs program in 2010 to convert the asphalt-topped, heat-absorptive black roofs to reflective white. The program has been testing three different types of white roof coverings–rubber, plastic, and paint–to

determine which one to implement city-wide. And recently, the first scientific study comparing the three rooftops was published. “It’s an ambitious effort with real potential to lower city temperatures and energy bills,” said study author Stuart Gaffin, a climate researcher at Columbia University, in a press release. “City roofs are traditionally black because asphalt and tar are waterproof, tough, ductile and were easiest to apply to complex rooftop geometries. But from a climate and urban heat island standpoint, it makes a lot of sense to install bright, white roofs. That’s why we say, ‘Bright is the new black.’” The study, published in the openaccess journal Environmental Research Letters (http:// environmentalresearchweb.org/cws/ journals/featured), found that the plastic coating kept roofs 42 degrees cooler and lasted for three years —

AT&T Small Business

Six highly brief, yet amazingly informative studies of businesses who are keeping up with the changing needs of their customers. At att.com/smallbiz, learn how the passions of their ideas meet up with the ingenuity of AT&T solutions. And see how you can put their experience and perspectives to work for your business.

A restaurant uses a new mobility app to gain instant feedback on food quality. A solely owned law firm isn’t alone when it comes to tech support. A vineyard helps visitors both stay connected and get away from it all.

Save More, Grow Faster Introducing Inc. Deals. I’m pleased to introduce Inc. Deals, an exclusive new service designed to offer unbeatable savings on the equipment and services you need to grow your business.

At Inc.com, we’ve long wanted to offer a deals service, recognizing that our traffic volume could save you money. Before we could, though, we needed a partner worthy of Inc. In RapidBuyr, the engine behind Inc. Deals, we found that partner. Here’s why I like RapidBuyr and why I think you’ll like Inc. Deals. • The savings are real: Each deal is guaranteed to be the lowest price anywhere. (On average, Inc. Deals’ prices are 19% lower than Amazon’s.) • RapidBuyr’s leaders are repeat entrepreneurs who learned online retail as senior executives at Amazon, Gilt Group, Facebook, Zynga and others. • The offerings are brand-name office products and thoroughly vetted business services. • Shipping is always free. • There are no membership fees, hidden costs, or tipping points. To get started, sign up for free at http://inc.rapidbuyr.com/signup/inc. Once you’re signed up, we’ll email you every week with new deals. I think you’ll be pleased with the offers, but you can, of course, unsubscribe whenever you want. Full disclosure: As you probably guessed, Inc. gets a percentage of whatever you buy through Inc. Deals. That doesn’t change the price you pay, and it doesn’t alter the fact that Inc. Deals works for us only if it works for you. I want to know how Inc. Deals meets your needs. Email me with suggested improvements and concerns at eric.schurenberg@inc.com. But for now, I encourage you to sign up here, and start saving. Eric Schurenberg, Editor, Inc.com

Maker Faire: Kansas City www.makerfairekc.com

What is Maker Faire?

When and Where is Maker Faire: Kansas City? Saturday, June 23, 2012, 10 am – 7 pm Sunday, June 24, 2012, 10 am – 5 pm Union Station 30 W. Pershing Rd. Kansas City, MO 64108

• Miniature Racing and Boating • Student Projects/Experiments • Clothing/Textile Design and Innovation • Food and Beverage Makers • Crafts, including Wood, Glass, • Found objects • Visual Arts • Performing Arts • Fire/Water Displays • Unusual Tools • Kites • Bicycles • HAM Radio • Art Cars

Maker Faire: Kansas City this summer.

More questions? Contact us (www.makerfairekc.com/ contact). 

Business

Maker Faire events across the United States are celebrating a DIY/ homegrown invention movement. Whether it’s a home-built robot, video game, handbag, miniature race car, musical instrument, or sustainable micro garden, Maker Faire showcases all that is creative and innovative in our community.

How many Makers will Exhibit? Union Station is equipped to

What Kinds of Exhibitions will handle upward of 400 booths be There? inside and on the surrounding Interactive projects that showcase the value and process of “making,” including: • Vintage Tech and Gaming • Design/Architecture/Engineering • Robotics • Hacker and Maker Space • Biotech/Biochem • 3D Printers • Tesla Coils

grounds.

How many People will Attend Maker Faire: Kansas City? With excitement of last year’s event spreading throughout the community and the region, Union Station expects more than 10,000 visitors to experience

africanamericans. barackobama.com

41  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Business

Starbucks Invites You to Help Create American Jobs

hen you donate $5 or more to the Create Jobs for USA Fund you’ll receive an American-made “Indivisible” wristband so you can show your ongoing support. Make your donation online at www.createjobsforusa.org or visit your nearby Starbucks company-operated store.  42  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Siemens Building Car of the Future by Mark Halper

perform their own engine diagnostics. They tweet and send emails. They intelligently conserve energy, processing information that tells them when to use gasoline versus electric. They even practice cloud computing to find out whether a local utility is currently generating solar electricity, and charge up accordingly. So it’s time to build a car from the ground up with all the IT as an integrated forethought, not a bolt-on. That’s what Siemens is doing, developing “new information and communications technology (ICT) for future electric cars,” it says in a press release “In vehicles built with this new technology, the driver assistance, safety, and infotainment features will mostly be installed as software instead

www.smartplanet.com/blog/intelligentenergy/siemens-building-car-of-future-huhsiemens/14109?tag=nl.e660

43  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Business

ermany’s Siemens AG announced recently that it is designing what it calls the “car of the future.” At first glance this is just another in an impressive litany of industry steps towards modernizing automobiles with computer intelligence. But what stands out here is the nature of the company behind the announcement. Siemens is an energy, railway and IT/automation company not a car company, right? Exactly. This announcement says a lot about the transmunication trend that is shaping the next big step in transportation. Cars are morphing into computers. They’re turning into smartphones on wheels. They sing, they dance, they navigate, they drive themselves, they

of being managed in control u n i t s , ” Siemens states. “This will reduce the current complexity of the ICT architecture and at the same time increase its power.” Siemens is working with partners including TRW Automotive, AVL Software and Functions, Institut ILS at the University of Stuttgart, Fraunhofer Gesellschaft, the Research Institution for Applied and Integrated Security, RWTH Aachen, and three divisions of the Technical University of Munich, including one called fortiss GmbH. The 3-year project is funded by the German government. It’s notable to see an IT initiative lead the way in an automobile project. 

Call for Applications: Kauﬀman Life Science Ventures Summit

June 22-23, 2012 San Francisco, CA

feedback,” said Dominique Pahud, director, advancing innovation at the Kauffman Foundation. “We will answer the critical questions that founders must address to start and grow viable life science companies. Every minute of this event will focus on helping founders create a path to successfully bring their innovations to market.” Industry experts and successful entrepreneurs will provide practical guidance on commercializing innovations in each of four sectors: medical device, therapeutics, diagnostics, and digital health. Speakers and panelists representing each industry sector will share lessons, advice and insights. Speakers include

Locations: Downtown Culver City: 9537 Culver Blvd. 310-202-5453 City of Compton: 2600 E. Alondra Blvd. 310-638-7871 www.honeyskettle.com Open Sunday-Thursday 11am-10pm Friday-Saturday 11am-11pm

Steve Blank, serial entrepreneur and author; Stephen Spielberg, deputy commissioner for medical products and tobacco at the Food & Drug Administration; Paul Yock, founder, Stanford Biodesign; Karl Handelsman, managing director, CMEA Capital; Kim Popovits, CEO, Genomic Health; and more. Visit www.kauffman.org/ lifescienceapp to learn more. 

Business

ife science startups face more complex and daunting hurdles than new enterprises in non-regulated industries do. To help aspiring and early-stage life science entrepreneurs address these challenges, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation will hold a Kauffman Life Science Ventures Summit June 22-23, 2012. The Foundation announced a call for applications today for the inaugural Summit, scheduled at the Mission Bay Conference Center at the University of California-San Francisco. “We surveyed early-stage and seasoned life science entrepreneurs to find out what they considered critical needs for starting their companies, and we built an agenda around their

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.

45  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Tech Tools: Steps for Social

Commerce Success By Ruslan Fazlyev, Ecwid

1) Recognize that social commerce isn’t new “Social” has always been part of “commerce,” even when Facebook and Twitter didn’t exist. We listen to our friends’ recommendations and tend to buy more if we know a merchant personally. So social media sites like Facebook and Twitter didn’t invent social commerce, but amplified it greatly. They introduced a convenient, easy and fast way to communicate with friends and others, and deliver “social messages” much faster and to a larger audience.

2) Fully utilize today’s powerful e-commerce tools Merchants can now easily create f-commerce storefronts in minutes and make their offerings more targeted: e.g. show a discount on a particular book to all customers who like the book’s topic. This makes store offers more friendly, so social customers are more open to them. Today’s modern store software also offers features previously found only in major brand storefronts, including powerful application program interface (API) options. Take advantage of this new breed of software and you’ll also spend less time on administration.

3) Decide what your unique social media strategy is Most brands understand that they need to communicate with their customers, but many are not clear on what the conversation should be. A Facebook page is always a twoway communication, so if you’re not ready to engage your audience with a particular theme or approach, you won’t be successful. This may involve trial-and-error, but eventually you’ll find a sweet spot of engagement. Also, always talk honestly and without marketing slang.

conversation flow If you’re going to make the leap from e-commerce to f-commerce – actually selling products on a site like Facebook – remember not to disrupt the original purpose of social networks, which is to connect people. You’ll want to make the process as seamless as possible, integrating your store into the conversation, and allowing people to shop without having to leave Facebook.

5) Avoid product “hawking” and focus on community building Don’t try to just sell items on your Facebook page. Transforming your Facebook page into a list of links to your products will turn away customers. Social networks are communications platforms, so maintaining a flow of communication with – and between – your customers is key. Try to build a community around your items, engage your customers, encourage fan-to-fan communication and product discussions, then simply offer a convenient way to buy.

6) Harness the power of your biggest fans The enthusiast core of your audience loves to be recognized, so consider leveraging engaging, communitybuilding applications such as “Fan of the Week,” new Open Graph API and frictionless sharing. This will help you to harness the power of your most avid customers. Ultimately they are your biggest supporters, so it pays to offer them something special. You’ll be well rewarded as they spread their enthusiasm to friends. 

4) Don’t disrupt the

47  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Business

ecently, a few big brands such as Gap, Gamestop, Nordstrom and JC Penney closed their Facebook stores. As a result, many prognosticators sounded the death knell for Facebook commerce. The fact is, nothing could be further from the truth. As the second largest store-building application on Facebook, Ecwid’s aggregate data demonstrates that f-commerce is alive and well. The data shows that the small businesses that have both a website store and a Facebook store typically get 15% of their overall revenue from Facebook. That’s a significant chunk. The data also shows the average revenue of each Facebook store powered by Ecwid’s (www.ecwid.com) software rose 40% in 2011. “It’s a matter of time – within the next five or so years – before more business will be done on Facebook than Amazon,” says Sumeet Jain, principal at CMEA Capital. That’s a pretty bold prediction. While this may not happen as fast or at the dramatic scale that Jain predicts, the trend is clear – social commerce is on the move, and SMBs may be leading the charge. So why are some big brands failing while SMBs are finding their way? It’s all about how you engage your customers. Do small businesses have an advantage here? Is it easier for smaller, more personalized businesses to succeed at social commerce? How effective are you at engaging your customers and selling products via social media? Here are some concepts and best practices for selling on social networks and tapping this potentially lucrative avenue for expanding your business:

Tech Tools: BlackBerry Mobile

Fusion - Solution for Government and Business Customers

Research In Motion. “BlackBerry Mobile Fusion allows organizations to manage a mixed environment of devices in the most secure, simple, and cost efficient manner possible. It also means that businesses and government do not

on the foundation that has established BlackBerry® Enterprise Server as the gold standard for government and businesses, BlackBerry Mobile Fusion delivers a cost-efficient, secure, reliable and scalable solution that consolidates the management of smartphones and tablets running BlackBerry® OS (including support for BlackBerry PlayBook™ and future BlackBerry® 10 devices) as well as Android™ and iOS®*, and provides a single, unified, web-based console for easily managing all devices. “For businesses and government, managing a mix of mobile devices on any scale is chaotic. Organizations face pressure to allow employees to bring their own devices into the workplace, and they are looking to RIM as the global leader in the enterprise mobility space to solve that problem,” said Alan Panezic, Vice President, Enterprise Product Management and Marketing at

have to move to the lowest common denominator on security for all the devices they need to manage.” BlackBerry Mobile Fusion integrates the market-leading features and security architecture of BlackBerry Enterprise Server (version 5.0.3), providing advanced IT management and controls, a single outbound security connection (256-bit AES encrypted “BlackBerry VPN”), enforceable IT policies, support for BlackBerry® Balance technology, and overthe-air app and software installation capabilities for the management of BlackBerry smartphones and PlayBook tablets (as well as future BlackBerry 10 devices). For the wide range of government workers around the world and approximately 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies using BlackBerry smartphones today, BlackBerry Mobile Fusion allows them to leverage their

current end-to-end BlackBerry security infrastructure and have flexible options for individually liable devices while keeping costs low. In addition to providing unmatched functionality for BlackBerry devices, BlackBerry Mobile Fusion also provides comprehensive mobile device management capabilities for iOS and Android devices including: • Support for multiple devices per user • Application and software management • Connectivity management (Wi-Fi®, VPN, certificates) • Centralized, easy to use, unified web-based console • Security and policy definition and management • Asset management • Configuration management • Security and protection for lost or stolen devices (remote lock, wipe) • User- and group-based administration • High scalability BlackBerry Mobile Fusion software is available as a free download and is priced by the number of devices being managed. Client access licenses (CALs) start at $99 per user or $4 per user per month (billed annually); volume discounts are also available. In addition, RIM is offering a 60 day free trial, so customers can deploy a pilot before purchasing a single CAL. The 60 day free trial is available at https:// www.blackberry.com/eBES/trialOrder. do?id=121. For more information, visit www. blackberry.com/mobilefusion, www.rim. com or www.blackberry.com. 

49  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Business

ecently, Research In Motion (RIM) launched the highlyanticipated BlackBerry® Mobile Fusion, RIM’s next-generation mobile device management (MDM) solution for enterprise customers. Built

Take Your Place at The Top! Apply Now for the 2012 Inc. 500|5000 Top Six Reasons To Apply: Recognition as an entrepreneurial leader

Dear Business Leader,

Of the nearly 7 million private employer firms in America, only the very best are awarded the distinction of being named to the Inc.500|5000 - the gold standard of Visibility and media entrepreneurial success. It’s time your company gets exposure through local, national and trade the recognition it deserves.

Business

media outlets Exclusive Benefits with free access to Inc. tools and a free national press release

Having your company listed at the top recognizes your prowess as an entrepreneurial leader. Potential customers will seek you out. Your current customers will refer you. Your vendors will work harder for you, and your employees will take pride in seeing their work recognized.

Network opportunities with your industry peers, readers and the Inc. editorial staff

You’ll be listed with other leading companies at Inc.com, and your company may be featured in Inc.’s September 2012 issue.

Morale Boost with validation of your employees’ efforts and an acknowledgment of your company-wide success

If you are proud of your company’s growth over the past three years, you owe it to yourself - and to your employees - to apply for the Inc.500|5000. It’s easy. The benefits are many. Find out more at www.inc5000apply.com.

Make History and join Microsoft, Timberland, Vizio, Intuit, Jamba Juice, Zappos....

Ready to Apply?

50  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Tech Tools:

Desire2Learn Kicks Oﬀ Edge Challenge By Mike Hohenbrink

esire2Learn is inviting students and professional developers to come up with new educational apps through the Edge Challenge 2012 competition. The winning team will receive $25,000 the opportunity for two team members and a mentor to attend

http://campustechnology.com/ articles/2012/03/14/desire2learn-kicksoff-edge-challenge.aspx?=CTNU

www.usps.com/ship/express-mail.htm

51  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Business

Fusion 2012, Desire2Learn’s annual user conference, in San Diego, CA, where they will get to show off their prototype during the course of a onehour demo and question and answer session. The theme of the competition is “Create and Collaborate,” and the challenge calls for teams of five individuals or fewer to create a working software solution to illustrate an innovative approach to creating or collaborating within an active learning experience. The contest is open to individuals, teams of individuals, and business entities worldwide. Submissions, which must be created

using a mobile Web platform and entered by April 30, should include the app itself along with a short video that demonstrates the app in use. Preliminary finalists will be decided by May 12. A panel of eLearning professionals will then select a grand prize winner by June 1, 2012. The competition is also offering a Learners’ Choice Prize that includes airfare and a hotel stay in San Diego for two team members and a mentor to attend the conference, demo, and question and answer period. “Education is at its best when learners pool their collective talents to reach a common goal,” said John Baker, president and CEO of Desire2Learn. “We envision the Desire2Learn Edge Challenge acting as an outlet for developers’ unlimited creativity and innovation. It is also an opportunity for educators to gain access to even more transformative tools that will make their jobs easier on a daily basis. This is really about ‘building something that matters’ to students and instructors.” For more information, or to register for the contest, visit www.desire2learn. com/edgechallenge. Further information is also available via email at D2LEdgeChallenge@ Desire2Learn.com. 

We are very excited to announce the collaboration between

Caltrans Construction

Money for You Can

MEAN

El Camino College offers the training and advising you need to enhance your ability to bid for and WIN state highway construction contracts. Now is the time to get bid ready with assistance in the areas of procurement, personnel, cash flow, marketing and more!

Appointments with a business advisor are available at the SBDC at no charge to you. For more information, call the SBDC at 310.973.3177. Be sure to attend the free Economic Stimulus event on Thursday, November 19, 2009, in the City of Compton to learn more about stimulus opportunities available from Caltrans and other state and federal agencies. Visit californiasbdc.org for details.

Small Business Development Center Hosted by El Camino College 13430 Hawthorne Blvd. Hawthorne, CA 90250 310.973.3177 southbaysbdc.org

Artwear Handpainted Handbags • Skirts Tees • Accessories • Calendars Wall Hangings and More! http://gbabysworld.blogspot.com Gbabyartwear@hotmail.com or Gbabyart345@gmail.com Find Gbaby Products at the “Collective” http://www.atthecollective.com 280 Elizabeth Street, Atlanta, GA

Cultural Interiors West &

Cordially Invited

in the Pico Fairfax Area.

Cultural Interiors West 5573 West Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90019 Check out our new diggs inside a 1934 Bungalow. Stop by and experience our new and exciting products from Cards to Cupcakes, African Masks to Asian Teacups. Come taste and educate yourself about the benefits our new Healthy Herbal Teas. See the new Gourd Purses by 3G Relative Art. Sample our new candle scents by Votivo and Voluspa. Watch for the arrival of CI’s new furniture line. Hope to see you soon!!! In the meantime visit us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ pages/Cultural-InteriorsWest/140688362658236

52  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

New Business Startups Declined in 2011 but Remains Above Pre-Great Recession Levels

ntrepreneurship is alive and well in the wake of the Great Recession, although the rate of new business creation dipped during 2011 and startup founders remained more likely to fly solo than employ others. That’s the big takeaway from the “Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity,” a leading indicator of new business creation in the United States published annually and released today by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. The 2011 Index shows a 5.9 percent drop from 2010 with approximately 543,000 new businesses created each month during the year, or 0.32 percent of American adults per month in 2011. This remains among the highest levels of entrepreneurship over the past 16

years. The quarterly employer firm rate also remained essentially flat from 2010 to 2011 at 0.11 percent. In addition to this overall rate of entrepreneurial activity, the Kauffman Index presents separate estimates for specific demographic groups, states

and select metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs). It provides the only national measure of business creation by specific demographic groups.  www.kauffman.org/newsroom/newbusiness-startups-declined-in-2011annual-kauffman-study-shows.aspx

53  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

CITI: The US Energy Industry is Going to Grow so Fast, it will Spark a new ‘Industrial Revolution’ by Simone Foxman

Business

il and gas production in the United States and North America is going to skyrocket in the next 8 years due to strides in natural resource extraction, write Citi analysts in a report published yesterday. In fact, they went so far as to call North America “the new Middle East,” at least in terms of oil production. This—as well as a trend towards declining U.S. energy consumption— will completely transform both the domestic economy and the threats the U.S. will face in the future, Indeed, Citi economists expect total liquids production to as much as double for the continent in the next

decade, and predict that the U.S. could overtake both Russia and Saudi Arabia in oil production by 2020. That’s because there is incredible potential to extract and refine energy products on domestic soil. This energy boom would have a transformative effect on the domestic economy. Here are just a few of the most astonishing consequences in a “good-case” scenario: Citi analysts expect real GDP to increase by 2.0 to 3.3 percent—$370 to $624 billion—as a consequence of new production, a decline in energy consumption, and the economic activity generated along with this.

3.6 million new jobs could be created by 2020 as a consequence of increased energy production. Of those new jobs, some 600,000 would probably be devoted to oil and gas extraction while 1.1 million would be generated to meet demand in related industrial and manufacturing sectors. National unemployment could subsequently decline by up to 1.1 percent. The current account deficit could shrink by 80 to 90 percent due to energy exports at an already low level of production. Citi analysts predict that the current account balance could move from -3.0 percent of GDP to -0.6 percent of GDP by 2020. The value of the dollar could jump by 1.6 to 5.4 percent, primarily based on changes in the current account balance. What’s more, risks to the U.S.—in particular, geopolitical risks—would dramatically decrease. A domestic or continental energy boom would diminish the importance of conflict within and tensions involving the Middle East, as the U.S. would become significantly more energy independent. Finally, Citi analysts note that this could lead to a considerable decline in oil prices. While they qualify that this growth depends the realization of their “goodcase” assumptions, Citi economists emphasize that the energy sector provides an almost inconceivable opportunity for economic growth: It is difficult to square these rosy visions with the current reality of a nation still struggling to shake off the aftermath of the 2008 Great Recession, with millions still unemployed, economic recovery still uncertain, worries over ballooning see Energy is Growing on page 55

Business

Energy is Growing from page 54

fiscal debts, a hollowing out and loss of manufacturing competitiveness, tremendous angst and hand-wringing over volatile oil prices and dependence on oil imports, deep social divisions,

and political paralysis. But if our analysis is accurate, then in only eight short years, this situation may be turned upside-down and economists, policymakers and the nation as a whole may confront new “problems” around managing a vast hydrocarbon windfall and preventing “Dutch Disease.” The coming generation of Americans and its leaders may be privileged to

witness a remarkable resurgence of the American economy and industry, led by its energy sector, but spreading to the rest of the manufacturing sector and beyond, a potential minor Industrial Revolution.  www.businessinsider.com/a-spikein-us-oil-production-is-about-tomake-it-the-new-middle-east-20123#ixzz1ps9azxxk

55  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

56  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

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.

Honor an Admin Professional with Flowers!

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://doodle.com

www.ceratin.com Certain is a comprehensive event management solution that enables organizations to easily plan, promote, manage and track events in an integrated, cloud-based software suite. By bringing everyone and everything needed for an event together in a true collaborative environment, Certain empowers key players to work in concert toward the success of each event

of the app when you launch it, that will allow you to check out the features of the app. You can then purchase additional check-in packages for your larger events. Just create an account and click “add new event.” Fill in some of the basic details of your event and then click “upload guests.” You will then be able to upload a XLS or CSV file. Our system has an easy mapping function which will let you set which of your columns match the appropriate fields.

www.liquipel.com Liquipel offers water-repellent technology for smart phones to consumers. Liquipel coats the inner workings

that, when used to its fullest, can be an electronic version of the Event Binder and an Administrative Assistant - all in one.

www.checkineasy.com We’re event planners. And just like you, we used to check guests in using a stapled excel file and a sharpie or highlighter to check guests in. It was sloppy, unprofessional, and slow. We set out to change the industry and the painful check-in process. We spent a year developing the ultimate event planner tool, Check in Easy. Check In Easy streamlines and simplifies event check-in and management and significantly increases the speed of check-in. Our goal is to make the day of the event as simple and pain-free as possible. Check in Easy is free to download and you are given 100 free check-ins to test and try out the app. There is also a “demo” button on the top right

of the devices making them impervious to water damage. Currently 3 programs are offered to allow small businesses to benefit from our technology: Referral - allows a retailer to participate in referral/affiliate marketing to gather a commission off of the traffic leading to Liquipel.com; Manufacturing - integrate Liquipel into assembly lines to enhance products by giving them water repelling properties; Inventory Exchange market Liquipel pre-treated devices in your store which drives up traffic and satisfies customers. 

Submitted by LaSandra Stratton, Chief Content Administrator of the Black Business News.

59  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Business

Doodle eliminates the chaos of scheduling and saves you a lot of time and energy when you’re trying to find a time to bring a number of people together. The service is used for business and personal scheduling by more than 10 million people per month. Instead of using just one option, Doodle enables you to propose several dates and times and the participants can indicate their availability online. You’ll find the perfect time to meet in a quick and easy way no matter how many people and calendars are involved. Doodle is free and doesn’t require you to register. Advanced users can connect their calendars, customize their own Doodle, and use a lot of extra features. Doodle offers scheduling for everyone. Doodle is located in Zurich, Switzerland and has operated the Doodle. com online scheduling service since 2007.

or meeting. Stakeholders at every level – planners, attendees, exhibitors, business sponsors and C-level executives – will realize more business value utilizing the event best practices and automated tools built into the Certain solution. Certain optimizes the return on every event’s investment with on-demand technology that combines the ability of organizations to increase revenue, market share and productivity with incomparable capabilities that enrich the interactions and connections between event stakeholders and attendees. Planners spend a lot of time managing the details, suppliers and vendors involved with an event. Certain enables meeting professionals to plan and collaborate with event stakeholders in an integrated software solution

Trade Show Design Displays: In Pursuit of Perception by Sarmistha Tarafder

Be Aware! Your brand elements like logos, tag lines, trademarks, packaging and your trade show display might be yours; but the reality is, it is owned by your customers and your prospects. It is their perception of your company that impacts your bottom line and ultimately your survival. We live in a 24 hour connected world. Be aware of the savvy planetary word-of-mouth. Be aware, even before you get to pitch about your brand uniqueness, you might be encountering prospects that have formed perceptions about your brand. If it is positive, your brand achieves victory, if it is negative, you

Business

n a visual marketing bazaar such as trade fairs and conventions, every visit to your trade show booth leads to a build up of pre-conceived notion. That notion is carried on to every subsequent encounter that your clients might have with your products and/ or your services. Be very purposeful as to how you want your brand to be perceived. If you walk into a trade show exhibit of clutter, confusion and the mundane, the products and services will be perceived as such. On the other hand, if you walk into a space of elegance, simplicity and controlled light, you are in a perceptual space of high technology and smart efficiency. You see, simplicity and complexity are mutually dependent. Because technology only continues to grow more complex, there is a massive economic and emotional advantage to present it in a simple and humanized space. shift to the mind-set of damage control. Triumphant lesson from Avis: When Avis (the # 2 car rental behind Hertz) anchored in “We try harder,” all of a sudden the brand gained momentum to aspire for something bigger. Being #2 is positive and goal oriented.

Propagating the Positive Perception Start with how you want your customers and prospects to think, feel, remember, and experience your exhibiting space. The over arching goal should be positive memory retention. Have the courage to be different and make memorable limbic connections

with your visitors. Focus on white space. It is your strategic weapon. Let it be. Do no cover every surface with your story. Remember, we live in an overwhelming, information grinding, digital age. Your exhibiting environment should be all about subtracting the obvious and adding the meaningful. Architectural elements and textures should work towards empowering your brand style and image.  www.skylinetradeshowtips.com/tradeshow-design-displays-in-pursuit-ofperception www.skyline.com/request/the-value-oftrade-shows

61  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Count Me In’s Urban Rebound Program is Coming to a City Near You! Count Me In, with support from the Sam’s Club Giving Program, is pleased to present the Count Me In Urban Rebound Program, coming to Los Angeles, CA (Spring), Detroit, MI (Summer) and Charlotte, NC (Fall) 2012. Urban Rebound is an exciting initiative for ready to grow their businesses to $250,000 or more in annual revenues. In the coming weeks, we’ll be announcing pitch parties, webinars and, of course, a fabulous pitch competition for women with businesses based in these areas. We’ll be looking for 100 women from each city to participate in our Business Accelerator Program so don’t miss out on your chance to be a part of this exciting opportunity! Sign up for Count Me In’s Urban Rebound Program event alerts and updates at: http://makemineamillion.org/webform/Upcoming-Events

Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence, Inc. is a leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women grow their micro business into million dollar enterprises.

Business

women entrepreneurs

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64  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Rooibos Tea House

African Red Tea Imports

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www.africanredtea.com Nira Levy Maslin, CEO

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Now Open for Business! 5669 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles vabeard@gmail.com 562-253-6347 Featuring High Tea, Princess Parties, Sunday Brunch and much more! A nice, quiet place to study or just want to grab a cup of tea? We offer free wi-fi to all customers and a variety of teas to suit your mood. You may also enjoy a warm slice of gingerbread cake, a delicious scone, or one of our scrumptious cupcakes. Our tea house features adequate space for groups up to 20 persons, with catering services for your next event. (Please call for more information.)

EleVen Sportsware Collection from Venus Williams

“Because Eleven is Better than Ten”

Business

Venus with Gabrielle Union

n 2012, Venus Williams is relaunching her ready-to-wear clothing collection EleVen (http:// elevenbyvenus.com) as a true active lifestyle brand. The Spring 2012

collection is divided into Classic and Essentials, and includes, menswear. This will be the architecture of the line going forward. In

Venus with sister Serena Williams

all categories, “effortless” is the vibe Venus strives for. E l e Ve n is sold at tennis shops, specialty boutiques, and online at EleVen.com.  Photos: EleVen.com

http://amarsejpal.blogspot.com/2012/03/ venus-williams-hosts-launch-of-own.html

67  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Jamaa Fanaka, Dynamic Black Filmmaker, Dies at 69

Hollywood-style filmmaking and independent filmmaking - very low budget, but at the same time very close to the community. He used amateur actors in secondary roles and shot in the community, and the stories came out of that community.” One thing Fanaka “complained about a lot is that the ‘Penitentiary’ films - and even the earlier films - were picked up by a video distributor and distributed as blaxploitation films,” Horak said. “He did not like that moniker because he said even though they’re made like blaxploitations - cheap and all of that his goal was not to exploit anyone, and they were a more serious intent than most blaxploitation films.” Fanaka was the outspoken founder of the Directors Guild of America’s African American Steering Committee. In 1999, the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a District Court’s decision to dismiss Fanaka’s racediscrimination lawsuit suit against the Directors Guild in which he claimed it was part of a “conspiracy” to keep women and minorities out of the industry. And in 2002, the 9th Circuit upheld a district court decision to dismiss Fanaka’s race discrimination lawsuit filed against the major film studios and networks. Fanaka continued to feel strongly about the issue, Horak said, “and he was very much an advocate not only for himself but for a younger generation of African-Americans trying to break into the industry.” Besides his daughter Tracey, Fanaka is survived by his other children, Michael, Katina and Twyla; his parents, Robert Gordon Sr. and Beatrice; two brothers, Robert Jr. and Joseph; a sister, Carmen Sanford; and nine grandchildren. 

69  March 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

www.miamiherald.com

Community/Public Interest

amaa Fanaka, who emerged as a dynamic black filmmaker with his gritty independent 1979 film “Penitentiary” and later made headlines with his legal battles alleging widespread discrimination against women and ethnic minorities in the film and television industry, has died. He was 69. Fanaka was found dead in his apartment in South Los Angeles on Sunday, said his daughter Tracey L. Gordon. The cause of death has not been determined, but she said it probably was the result of complications of diabetes. The Mississippi-born Fanaka was still enrolled in the UCLA film school when he wrote, produced and directed his first three feature films, financed with competitive academic grants and funds from his parents: “Welcome Home, Brother Charles” (1975), “Emma Mae” (1976) and “Penitentiary,” which was both a critical and box-office success. In his review of “Penitentiary,” the Los Angeles Times’ Kevin Thomas wrote that Fanaka “has taken one of the movies’ classic myths, the wrongly imprisoned man who fights for his freedom with boxing gloves, and made it a fresh and exciting experience.” What “Penitentiary” says, Fanaka told the Times in 1980, “is that no

matter what kind of situation one is confronted with, within each of us is the wherewithal to triumph.” Fanaka went on to write, produce and direct two “Penitentiary” sequels, in 1982 and 1987. His sixth and final film was “Street Wars,” a low-budget 1992 actiondrama set in South L.A. “It’s kind of a coming-of-age story about a kid trying to decide whether he’s going to become a gangster or lead a normal life, which was basically Jamaa’s choice too,” said Jan-Christopher Horak, director of the UCLA Film & Television Archive. “He loved to tell the story about coming out of the Air Force and then hanging around Compton, where he lived, and a friend of his wanting to set up some kind of crime and him seeing a recruiting office for UCLA and walking in there instead,” said Horak. Fanaka was born Walter Gordon in Jackson, Miss., on Sept. 6, 1942, and moved to Compton with his family when he was 12. After he transferred to UCLA from Compton College, he changed his name to Jamaa Fanaka, which is based on the Swahili words meaning “together we will find success.” He graduated summa cum laude from UCLA in 1973 and earned his master’s from the film school in 1979. Three of Fanaka’s films were screened late last year in “L.A. Rebellion: Creating a New Black Cinema,” a UCLA Film & Television Archive film series featuring movies by African-American and African former students who attended the UCLA film school in the 1970s and early ‘80s. Horak, who was one of the curators of the film series, said Fanaka’s films are “extremely interesting because they navigate a path between basically

City of Los Angeles Business Inclusion Program The City of Los Angeles is striving to increase the participation of small, emerging, veteran, women and minority-owned businesses in City contracts. All City departments utilize the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

Mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office of Economic & Business Policy

Jamaal Wilkes Elected to Basketball Hall of Fame By Mark Medina

Fame. “I’m truly flattered and honored to have my jersey up there with those guys,” Wilkes said. “I’m pinching myself.” In Wilkes’ eight-year stint with the Lakers (1977-85), they won three NBA titles (1980, 1982, 1985). He remains 10th in career points (10,601) and ninth in steals (706) among Lakers. And in what Wilkes said “would certainly be one of the highlights” of his 11-year NBA career, he posted 37 points and 10 rebounds in the Lakers’ title-clinching Game 6 of the 1980 NBA Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers. Wilkes’ consistency earned him the nickname “Silk.” Chick Hearn described his reliable outside shot as the “20foot layup.” Yet Wilkes’ contributions to the “Showtime” teams were often overshadowed by Johnson and AbdulJabbar. For example, Wilkes’ Game 6 effort often stands behind the memory of Johnson, starting at center in place of an injured Abdul-Jabbar, posting 42 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists. “I always put emphasis on winning and team play,” said Wilkes, who also won an NBA title in 1975 with the

Golden State Warriors. “With Golden State, I handled the ball more. With the Lakers and the great point guards, I learned to play without the ball. As a player, I always tried to put the best interest of the team first, and hopefully I could excel within that.” He attributed that mindset to John Wooden’s teachings, including the famed “Pyramid of Success” -maintaining an even keel through success and failures and keeping a humble demeanor. “I’m really feeling Coach John Wooden,” said Wilkes, who won two NCAA titles with UCLA. “If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be here.”

71  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Los Angeles Times

Community/Public Interest

he NBA announced that Jamaal Wilkes will be inducted on Sept. 8 into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. In addition, the Los Angeles Lakers’ has made the decision to retire his No. 52 jersey next season. Wilkes, a member of the Black Business Association, has had plenty of chances to talk about his recent honors with friends and fans. He made a trip to the NCAA Final Four in New Orleans and appeared at Staples Center for a Lakers-Clippers game. He attended an event at a Manhattan Beach hotel commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Lakers’ 1972 championship team. His busy schedule has left Wilkes little time to fully process the news. “I haven’t started doing that yet,” he told The Times. His jersey is scheduled to join those of Wilt Chamberlain (No. 13), Elgin Baylor (22), Gail Goodrich (25), Earvin “Magic” Johnson (32), Kareem AbdulJabbar (33), James Worthy (42) and Jerry West (44) in the Staples Center rafters. All seven of those players are also members of the Basketball Hall of

Remember! Cell Phones n i c i l b u P o G April 2012

he National Do Not Call Registry gives you a choice about whether to receive telemarketing calls at home. Most telemarketers should not call your number once it has been on the registry for 31 days. If they do, you can file a complaint at this Website. You can register your home or mobile phone for free.

T National Do Not Call The Registry R Your registration will n not expire. Telephone numbers placed on the n National Do Not Call N Registry will remain on it permanently due to the Do-Not-Call Improvement Act of 2007, which became law in February Febr 2008.

Scammer Watch Scammers have been making phone calls claiming to represent the National Do Not Call Registry. The calls claim to provide an opportunity to sign up for the Registry. These calls are not coming from the Registry or the Federal Trade Commission, and you

should not respond to these calls. To add your number to the Registry you can call 888-382-1222 from the phone you wish to register. ď &#x192; https://www.donotcall.gov/default.aspx

First Lady Michelle Obama joins students for the spring White House Kitchen Garden planting on the South Grounds. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

“All Right, Let’s Plant!” The Fourth Annual White House Kitchen Garden Planting

adishes generally aren’t the top request among kids for an afterschool snack. It’s probably safe to say they probably don’t break into the top 10. Or 200. But there’s something about growing it yourself that creates a special connection. “A lot of times when you grow your own vegetables and fruits, they taste really good. They taste better than a lot of stuff you’ll get in a grocery store -trust me. My kids have done it. They’re not big fans of all vegetables, but if they help to work on it they’re much more excited about trying it out,” First Lady Michelle Obama said in remarks kicking off the fourth planting of the White House Kitchen Garden. Schoolchildren from across the country joined the First Lady in the garden on Monday for a sunny afternoon of spring planting on the South Grounds. “You guys wrote

some really nice letters telling us about stories of the work that you’re doing in your schools, in your communities,” the First Lady said. “Your letters were so wonderful, I thought, why not come and see me at the White House and help me plant my garden? And you made it!” The garden helpers included students from North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Iowa, and Girl Scout Troop 60325 from New York. “It would take us forever to plant this garden if we didn’t have your help, so it’s really special to have you all here,” said Mrs. Obama, who was joined by Senior Policy Advisor for Healthy Food Initiatives and assistant White House Chef Sam Kass, White House Executive Chef Cris Comerford and White House Pastry Chef Bill Yosses, who use the produce for any number of events, including the U.K. State Dinner earlier this month.

The remaining bounty from the first working vegetable garden on White House grounds since Eleanor Roosevelt’s Victory Garden in the 1940s will go to Miriam’s Kitchen, a local organization that serves the homeless. Some 500 pounds of veggies have been donated each fall since the garden’s inception in 2009 and this year’s crop will include the potatoes, spinach, lettuce, radishes, chard, rapini, carrots, bok choy, broccoli, onions and mustard greens that were planted yesterday. “The garden is a good way to start the conversation, because vegetables and fruits are a big part of a healthy diet.” And yesterday the students became a big part of the First Lady’s efforts to get people moving toward healthier lifestyles.  www.whitehouse.gov/ blog/2012/03/27/lets-move-fourthannual-wh-kitchen-garden-planting

73  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

www.letsmove.gov

Community/Public Interest

By Joanna Zhang

First Lady Michelle Obama Marks the Cherry Blossom Festival Centennial

Community/Public Interest

By Matt Compton

First Lady Michelle Obama participates in a centennial tree planting ceremony during the National Cherry Blossom Festival at the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

s of March 27, 2012, it’s been 100 years to the day since First Lady Helen Herron Taft and Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese Ambassador to the United States, planted the first of the 3,000 cherry trees presented from the city of Tokyo to the city of Washington, DC as a symbol of friendship between the United States and Japan. To mark the occasion, First Lady Michelle Obama -- joined by Japanese Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, and William H. Taft IV, the great-grandson of President Taft

-- returned to the Tidal Basin along the Potomac River to plant a new sapling for future generations to enjoy. She told the crowd: “People from both of our nations worked together for years to bring these trees here to Washington. And over the past century, people of all ages from the U.S. and Japan and so many other nations have come to this Tidal Basin each spring to marvel at their beauty. And year after year, even after the coldest, darkest, stormiest winters, these trees have continued to bloom. So on this historic anniversary, we don’t just admire the beauty of these

trees, we also admire their resilience. And in so doing, we are reminded of the extraordinary resilience of the Japanese people. Over the past year, we have all witnessed their courage, unity and grace as they have come together and begun the very hard work of rebuilding their nation.” One hundred years from now, the First Lady said, she hoped, “the First Lady –- or the First Gentleman –- of 2112 will also have the privilege of joining with our friends from Japan, and planting another tree which will bloom for yet another one hundred years and beyond.” 

74  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Building a Grad Nation Report Progress and Challenge in Ending the High School Dropout Epidemic from 72 percent in 2002 to 75 percent in 2008. The report reveals that the number of “dropout factory” high schools fell by 13 percent — from 2,007 in 2002 to 1,746 in 2008. While these schools represent a small fraction of all public high schools in America, they account for about half of all high school dropouts each year. Experts say targeting these high schools for improvement is a critical part of turning around the nation’s dropout rate.

Other highlights of the report:

(www.americaspromise.org/Our-Work/ Grad-Nation/~/media/Files/Our%20 Work/Grad%20Nation/Building%20 a%20Grad%20Nation/Building%20a%20 Grad%20Nation_FullReport_FINAL%20 11-30-10.ashx), released November 30,

2011 by America’s Promise Alliance (www.americaspromise.org), Civic Enterprises (www.civicenterprises. net), and the Everyone Graduates Center at Johns Hopkins University (www.every1graduates.org), shows that we can end the dropout epidemic, even in schools from lower-income, urban and rural districts that many previously thought were hopeless. The report is supported by lead sponsor Target, and includes additional sponsorship from AT&T and Pearson Foundation. The U.S. graduation rate increased

Just as Secretary of State George C. Marshall launched a plan to rebuild Europe after World War II, we must rebuild our broken school system. We are launching a “Civic Marshall Plan,” comprising policymakers, educators, business leaders, community allies, parents and students to address the dropout epidemic by focusing on the dropout factory high schools and their feeder elementary and middle schools. In tune with the call from President Obama and U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan earlier this year to increase the U.S. graduation rate to 90 percent by 2020, we are working to mobilize Americans to quicken the pace. To reach these national goals, the graduation rate must rise by an average of 1.5 percentage points per year over the next decade. The Civic Marshall Plan outlines the benchmarks to ensure the attainment of those goals, and focuses on the strategic deployment of human resources to help school districts and states accelerate improvement.  www.americaspromise.org/Our-Work/ Grad-Nation/Building-a-Grad-Nation. aspx www.americaspromise.org/Our-Work/ Grad-Nation/~/media/Files/Our%20 Work/Grad%20Nation/2011%20 Summit/Reports/GradNation_Update_ March2011.ashx

Quote of Note... “ I believe this is a make-orbreak moment for the middle class, and I can’t remember a time when the choice between competing visions of our future has been so unambiguously clear.” President Barack H. Obama

75  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Community/Public Interest

ith one in four U.S. public school students dropping out of high school before graduation, America continues to face a dropout epidemic. Building a Grad Nation: Progress and Challenge in Ending the High School Dropout Epidemic

• More than half of all states — 29 in total — increased their statewide graduation rate from 2002 to 2008. • The state of Tennessee and New York City led the nation by boosting graduation rates 15 percent and 10 percent, respectively. • Most of the decline in dropout factories — 216 of the 261 — occurred in the South. • Four inspiring case studies in Alabama, New York City, Tennessee and Richmond, Indiana.

Civic Marshall Plan to Build a Grad Nation

Leveraging Zambia to Do Business in Africa By Afribiz Editorial Staff

International

ambia is among the top African countries in which it is easier to do business, according to Greg Marchand, CEO of Gizmos Solutions, an IT consulting and engineering firm in Zambia. It is also expected to be one of the fastest growing countries in the world through 2015. For US firms, there is also the bonus of being able to trade in US dollars. Zambia is a land-locked country with around 13 million people. Being land-locked presents challenges for supply chains, as it can be difficult and costly to get freight into the country. Since supply chains are a critical aspect of doing business, Marchand suggests using supply Lusaka, Zambia chains that have been developed Courtesy of Dr. Ferdinand Groeger by others. “Zambia was a colony of England and there’s still a lot of government, as well as economic Africa Development Community ties. South Africa is a huge trading (SADC). Even though Zambia has partner; China is a big trading partner; 13 million people, it has access to a India is a big trading partner,” he market size of over 250 million people says. “So, those supply chains have in SADC. been more established. The more you Besides being a geographically shift between two locations, the more significant hub, Zambia is endowed with efficient you’re going to be. America abundant minerals like copper, land, doesn’t have a lot of trade with Africa and water. China has taken advantage right now and the majority of commerce of this abundance to meet its demand between the United States and Africa is for minerals due to growth in sectors in the oil industry.” like manufacturing. This is indicative of The nature of Zambia’s geographic, its investment in SADC countries – the but land-locked, location also presents largest investments in 2009 were in the a major opportunity, Marchand says, resource-rich countries of Democratic “We (Zambia) are actually surrounded Republic of Congo (~$228 million) and by eight countries and we have a total of Zambia (~$112 million) according to twelve borders to eight countries, which the Ministry of Commerce in China. provides us with a unique opportunity Marchand also notes that the capital to be a trade hub – for people to bring city of Lusaka is considered prime real their products in and maybe add some estate, “Lusaka has been recognized in value.” a recent Citi report as being one of the Zambia is a member of the regional best investment locations for land in economic community – Southern the world. This report basically outlined

where good investors are putting their money and Lusaka is number two on the list…” For US businesses, Marchand points out several opportunities specifically suited to American companies in Zambia and other parts of Africa, “If I look at the IT infrastructure sector, which is [what] I am in, we are in the fastest growing telecommunications market in the world. We have a +20% compound growth rate in cell phone subscribers. Other major G8 countries are building the IT backbone in Africa and that’s going to be something that’s going to be huge down the road…In the power sector, America has not been as much involved as they have been in the oil and gas extractive industry. Thirty percent of Africa has great power and the next 70 percent is going to be built by somebody,” he says. “We’re kind

76  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

see Zambia on page 77

Zambia from page 76

of missing that boat of developing the next generation of people who are into power generation in Africa. There are some long play, uptake opportunities for American companies to do generation and distribution.” Yet there are other sectors growing and attractive to American companies interested in entering Zambia. “There’s also a large opportunity in financial services – insurance as well as primary commercial banking,” Marchand says. “I would say an American firm might not want to come in and do retail, but definitely commercial trade, all sorts of commercial support finance; there

are some very lucrative businesses in Africa and it’s what fuels the growth in the economy and there are ways to mitigate your risk.” Zambia may present great opportunities, but there are still challenges and risks. Marchand advises, “…the first thing you can do is do your homework, do your research, figure out some key contacts, me being one of them; the reason I founded an American Chamber of Commerce in Zambia (http://amchamzambia.org) is to facilitate trade and investment with Zambia and the United States…The commercial services part of the US

Embassy is also a good place to start. I know our economics and political officer (in Zambia) is extremely proactive.” Also, play up the networks in your local area, which may connect you to Africa. For example, a significant number of Africans work and go to school outside of the continent, so university alumni organizations can prove to be useful in exploring business in Africa shares Marchand. The key is to find the network and contacts that can help you navigate and execute successfully in Africa.  www.afribiz.info/content/leveragingzambia-to-do-business-in-africa

77  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

RESOURCES FOR GOING GLOBAL Dear International Executive, May is World Trade Month and it is right around the corner. Are you are aware of the SBA grant program (STEP – State Trade and Export Program) to assist companies with exporting? We hope you can join us for some of the exciting events below. These upcoming U.S. Commercial Service initiatives are designed to connect you to business opportunities around the world. If you have any questions about these initiatives, please contact your local U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist. To find the trade specialist nearest you please visit http://www.buyusa. gov/home/us.html Happy Exporting!

International

1. IFT Energy, May 9-11, 2012, Environmental Technologies, Santiago, Chile 2. Made in America (Native American Products), May 18-28, 2012, California Lifestyle Products, Germany and Italy 3. Expo de Belleza Internacional Occidente (EBIO), June 3-4, 2012, California Lifestyle Products, Guadalajara, Mexico 4. Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition, June 9-12, 2012, Building and Infrastructure, Guangzhou, China 5. Farnborough International Airshow, July 9-15, 2012, Industrial Machinery and Supplies, Farnborough, United Kingdom 6. California Agricultural Mission to China and Korea, June 9-16, 2012, Food and Agriculture, China and South Korea 7. Expo Hospital Trade Show, June 27-29, 2012, Bio-medical, Santiago, Chile

8. Intersolar-North America, July 10-12, 2012, Environmental Technologies, San Francisco, California USA 9. Taste of California Matchmaking Exhibition, August, 2012, Food and Agriculture, California, USA 10. Hong Kong Food Expo, August 16-20, 2012, Food and Agriculture, Hong Kong, SAR 11. California Grown Promotions, September, 2012, Food and Agriculture, China, South Korea & Southeast Asia 12. Access China 2012: China International Fair for Investment & Trade (CIFIT), September 8-11 2012, Xiamen, China 13. Greenbuilding Brasil 2012, September 11-13, 2012, Building and Infrastructure, Sao Paulo, Brazil ********************************** Event: VITA Global Networking Breakfast - The Do’s and Don’ts When Negotiating International Contracts Location: The Valley Economic Alliance Building - BFG Board Room, 2nd Floor, 5121 Van Nuys Blvd. Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 Date/Time: April 18th, 7:30am Cost: $25 non-members, $20 members Registration: Contact Darcy Winters at dwinters@economicalliance.org or 818-379-7000 x109 ***************************** Event: Overview of Complying with U.S. Export Controls Location: Double Tree Hotel, Ontario, California Date/Time: Thursday, April 19th; 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Cost: $45.00 (includes continental breakfast/lunch) Link to register: http://export.gov/california/ie/eg_article_046139.asp

This seminar will provide an overview of U.S. export controls, export enforcement issues, what happens if you are not in compliance and how to avoid non-compliance happening to you. In addition, you will also learn about: Items and activities subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR); Steps in determining your export control classification number (ECCN)and export licensing requirements; The application and licensing processes; Record keeping requirements, and Export Management Compliance Program (EMCP). There will be a keynote address by Rafael Patiño, Deputy Senior Commercial Officer at the U.S. Embassy – Tel Aviv, Israel who will discuss doing business in Israel /West Bank and related export control issues. ***************************** Event: Exporting - Increase Your Revenues Location: The Westin Bonaventure Hotel, Hollywood Rm. 3rd Fl. – Red Tower Date/Time: Thursday, April 19; 8:00 Registration, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Breakfast & Program Cost: $25 (Hotel parking included) For more information: Contact Global Initiatives Manager Jasmin Sakai-Gonzalez at 213.580.7569 or jgonzalez@ lachamber.com Join us for a special briefing and panel discussion for small-and-medium sized enterprises interested in: exporting; increasing revenues and markets, learning about trade finance, financial management for exports; and legal and logistical issues in global markets. This event will feature Fred P. Hochberg, Chairman and President Ex-Im Bank as the keynote speaker. ***************************** Event: Business Opportunities in Norway and the Nordic Region Including Best Prospects for U.S. see Going Global on page 79

78  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Going Global from page 78

***************************** Event: Asia Business Association Presents Gateway to Growth: Exporting Location: Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, 350 S. Bixel St., Los Angeles, CA 90017 Date/Time: Thursday, April 26, 2012; 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM Register: http://www.aba-la.org/event_ calendar.asp The National Export Initiative (NEI) just celebrated its second anniver-

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?

www.africanrepatriation.com

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 sary and President Obama’s goal of doubling exports by the end of 2014 is on track. Exports increased almost 16% last year to $2.1 trillion. Exporting among Asian American businesses in Los Angeles is up more than 20%. Through the Global Cities Initiative, LA city is the launching pad for a nationwide push for exporting. This ship is sailing and your business should be on it. Over a hot breakfast, meet key individuals who will discuss: Government resources designed to assist exporters; Export licensing requirements and logistics; International markets and how to reach customers globally; Products in high demand and how to fill that need. For more information, contact the ABA at 213.628.1ABA.

***************************** Event: One-on-One Meeting with Commercial Officer Scott Pozil from Taipei, Taiwan Location: Commercial Service, Los Angeles (West) office; 11150 W. Olympic Blvd, Suite 975, Los Angeles, 90064 Date/Time: Friday, April 27; by appointment Cost: no charge Register: Contact Maura Kawai at Maura.Kawai@trade.gov and T: 310 235-7207 Commercial Officer Scott Pozil will be able to advise you on exporting your product and/or service to the Taiwanese market, as well as the Greater China region. U.S. best export prospects include: education, ICT, healthcare,

79  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

see Going Global on page 80

International

Exporters Location: Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce; 350 S. Bixel Street, Los Angeles, CA 90017 Date/Time: Wednesday, April 25, 2012; Registration/Networking 8:00 a.m.; Program 8:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. Cost: $25 Register: https://emenuapps.ita.doc. gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration. jsp?SmartCode=2Q6W Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland form one of the world’s most desirable export markets. Their 25 million people are among the world’s wealthiest. With a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) exceeding $1.4 trillion, they form the 5th largest market in Europe, behind only Germany, France, Italy and the UK. The U.S. Commercial Service, the District Export Council of Southern California, and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce are honored to invite you to a seminar with the U.S. Ambassador to Norway, Barry B. White. Also participating in the seminar will be Ms. Britt Hestenes, Commercial Specialist with the U.S. Commercial Service, U.S.Embassy, Oslo. Ms. Hestenes specializes in the healthcare technologies, franchising, and travel & tourism sectors and provides assistance to U.S. companies in finding distribution partners, representation and franchise arrangements. The program will be hosted by the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. For more information, please contact Julie Anne Hennessy at 310.235.7206 Julieanne.Hennessy@trade.gov.

Going Global from page 79

renewable energy, electronic components (semiconductors), safety and security equipment, publishing, and pet products. ***************************** Event: Foreign Trade Association presents “U.S. - Korea Free Trade Agreement” Location: Reef Restaurant; 880 Harbor Scenic Drive, Long Beach, CA 90802 Date/Time: Tuesday, May 1, 2012; 8:00 a.m. Registration and Continental Breakfast; 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Program Register: http://ftasc.org/index. php?option=com_events&task=view_ month&Itemid=62&year=2012&month =05&day=12 Join us for a look at the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement: New Opportunities for U.S. Exporters and Importers. On March 15 the U.S. entered into a Free Trade Agreement with Korea which means countless new opportunities for U.S. manufacturers, distributors, exporters, and importers to sell their products and/or services to Korean markets, and to U.S. markets alike. Based on the results of the economy-wide model simulations, U.S. exports to Korea are estimated to be $9.7 - $10.9 billion higher once the FTA is fully implemented, while at the same time U.S. imports from Korea are estimated to be $6.4 - $6.9 billion higher. Come listen and ask questions from our panel of experts including representatives from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and industry leaders discuss the benefits and the responsibilities for both Korean companies who want to export to the U.S., and for U.S. companies wanting to export to Korea. Learn some of the legal requirements – rules of origin, required data elements, special terminology, recordkeeping, audit/enforcement procedures, and post entry claims. For more information, please contact the FTA at 818.352.6753.

***************************** Event: 2012 ASIAN BUSINESS SUMMIT - (19th Annual Inland Empire World Trade Conference) Location: Ontario Hilton Hotel, Ontario, CA Date/Time: May 3-5, 2012 Cost: $180.00 (included three day package: reception, breakfast, lunch) Register: www.worldtradeweek2012. com In recent years, the global economy has suffered from financing turmoil. Corporations are facing new challenges in an unprecedented international economic situation. The Business Summit serves the following three types of enterprises, giving priority to small and medium businesses: U.S. business enterprises in pursuit of business opportunities internationally; Enterprises interested in making investments and purchases in the United States and, enterprises in pursuit of business opportunities in the United States. ***************************** Event: 86th Annual World Trade Week Kickoff Breakfast Location: Omni Los Angeles Hotel, Los Angeles, CA Date/Time: Friday, May 4, 2012; 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Cost: $65 Register: http://www.lachamber.com/ index.php?src=directory&view=webpa gedir&srctype=detail&refno=1121&cat egory=global_initiatives Join more that 500 executives and members of the diplomatic corps at the Omni Los Angeles Hotel at the California Plaza to kick off a month-long celebration of world trade in Southern California. This year’s kick off breakfast will feature a keynote address from Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program Senior Fellow, Co-Director and CoFounder Amy Liu. Ms. Liu is a frequent speaker on ideas to advance U.S. economic competitiveness by building a next economy with state, federal, and private sector partners. She also serves as a co-author of select Brookings publications, including ‘Delivering the Next Economy; The States Step Up.” ***************************** Event: Focus on Bulgaria: Ambassadors Business Road Show

Location: Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce; 350 S. Bixel Street, Los Angeles, CA 90017 Date/Time: Tuesday, May 15, 2012; 8:30 a.m. Registration/Networking; 9:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. Program Cost: $30 Register: https://emenuapps.ita.doc. gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration. jsp?SmartCode=2Q7W The goal of the Ambassadors Business Road Show is to promote trade and investment between the United States and Bulgaria. For LA companies, there are large potential opportunities in Bulgaria even though it is a small country. The European Union will spend billions of Euro by the end of 2013 to support the development of Bulgaria’s infrastructure and the modernization of its healthcare and education systems. Following 2013, Bulgaria will remain a target for resources under the 2014-2020 program Connecting Europe Facility to upgrade Europe’s transportation, energy, and digitial infrastructure. One of the major opportunities to highlight is a project to build a new 50 million Euro tech park/business incubator in Sofia. For more information, please contact Julie Anne Hennessy at julieanne.hennessy@trade.gov and 310.235.7206 or Yuri Arthur at yuri.arthur@trade.gov and 310.235.7271. ***************************** Event: Afghanistan Opportunities for U.S. Businesses Location: Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, 350 S. Bixel Street, Los Angeles, CA 90017 Date/Time: Thursday, May 17, 2012; 8:30 Registration/Networking ; 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. ; One-on-one meetings with SCO Koenig 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Register: https://emenuapps.ita.doc. gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration. jsp?SmartCode=2Q81 This one day outreach program will provide participants with a general overview of market opportunities and investment targets. It will also give information on the services the U.S. Government, specifically the U.S. Commercial Service and the Iraq & Afghanistan Investment & Reconstruction Task force, can provide to compa-

80  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

see Going Global on page 81

Going Global from page 80

nies to facilitate business opportunities and market entry. Other topics to be covered include financing options and GoIRA investment laws and regulations. There will be discussion of private sector success stories and service providers that will offer the audience a non-government perspective on doing business in Afghanistan. This event is also aimed at creating interest in attending our investment conference to be held in Heart this coming September. The target audience is companies in any sector but with special emphasis in energy, women entrepreneurs, food packaging and processing, and light manufacturing. Senior Commercial Officer Walt Koenig in Kabul will be a presenter and will also be available for 20-minute one-onone meetings in the afternoon. Those interested in meeting with SCO Koenig, can indicate their interest and preferred time on the registration form. For more information, please contact Julie Anne Hennessy at julieanne.hennessy@ trade.gov and 310.235.7206 and Rachid Sayoty at rachid.sayouty@trade. gov and 213.894.4022. ***************************** Event: MexPort Location: 8863 Siempre Viva Rd., San Diego, CA 92154 Date/Time: May 17, 2012 Register: http://www.mexport.org MEXPORT Trade show organized by the Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce is a vehicle for U.S. companies wishing to tap into the Baja California, Mexico marketplace by supplying the maquiladora (assembly plants) or providing general services and products to the Mexican market. International Trade Specialists from the U.S. Commercial Service, San Diego office will be at the show counseling companies on site and assisting with matchmaking as needed. For more information, please contact the Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce at 619.661.6111 and mexport@otaymesa.org. *****************************

Event: The 86th Annual World Trade Week & International Trade Delegates Luncheon and Trade Fair Location: The Westin Bonaventure, 404 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071 Date/Time: Tuesday, May 22, 2012; Trade Fair: 11:00 a.m. Luncheon: 12:00 Noon Cost: $60 Register: http://ftasc.org/index. php?option=com_events&task=view_ month&Itemid=62&year=2012&month =05&day=09 Keynote Speaker Peter A. Friedmann will discuss “Amazing things can happen in this Election Year: How each member of the Southern California International Trade Community can benefit (or not).” Mr. Friedman is a “A real Washington DC insider” [The Journal of Commerce]; “It’s no surprise that Peter A. Friedmann’s email address is “OurManInDC.” “That handily sums up the role he plays on behalf of industry associations, individual companies, and local government agencies that depend on transportation and international trade”. [DC Velocity, Feb. 2011] In addition to his work on behalf of the trade community, Peter sits on the finance committees of several Senators and Congresspersons, and as Treasurer of several Political Action Committees, providing the closest possible view of the political process during this election year. He serves as Counsel to the Pacific Coast Council of Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders and is Executive Director of the Agriculture Transportation Coalition, the principle voice of agriculture exporters in US transportation policy. Mr. Friedman’s remarks will be followed by the presentation of the Marjorie M. Shostak Distinguished Service Award **************************** Commercial News USA Offers Buy 2, Get 1 Free Promotion

Commercial News USA, the official export promotion magazine of the U.S. Department of Commerce, offers exporters an affordable way to promote their products and services in 178 countries worldwide. Commercial News USA, the official export promotion magazine of the U.S. Department of Commerce, offers exporters an inexpensive way to promote their products and services in 178 countries worldwide. In addition to free Portuguese translation, you can take advantage of a special offer: Buy two ads and get the third ad for free (Based on one-time rates. This does not include the Showcase section). Commercial News USA reaches more than a quarter million buyers worldwide. Reserve your space in the next issue today. For more information, contact your U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist, or call 1-800581-8533 x 822, or visit http://www. thinkglobal.us/499, or send e-mail to advertise@thinkglobal.us ********************************** Read the New Online Edition of Commercial News USA Commercial News USA, the official export promotion magazine of the U.S. Department of Commerce, has launched a new interactive PDF edition. The new edition is available for free at http:// cnusa.thinkglobal.us Commercial News USA offers exporters an affordable way to promote their products and services in 178 countries worldwide. Commercial News USA reaches more than a quartermillion buyers worldwide. Reserve your space in the next issue today. For more information, call 1-800-581-8533 x 822, visit http://www.thinkglobal.us, or e-mail advertise@thinkglobal.us

********************************** 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. 

81  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

ICS Leads Business Opportunities Exploration to

EXPO JAMAICA 2012, APRIL 25-30 Small businesses seeking new markets and products can meet with Jamaican manufacturers and exporters in the mega-trade exposition bringing Brand Jamaica to the World. Institute of Caribbean Studies, Washington DC

www.icsdc.org

International

What is an ICS Business Opportunities Exploration? Similar to a trade mission, such as those led by the Department of Commerce, or organized by a State or City Department of Economic Affairs or International Trade Division, yet different; the ICS Business Opportunities (BizOpps) Exploration is designed to let you the small business owner explore how to do international business at an accommodating pace and level. The group size is limited to 25 to allow for more interaction between the participants as well as more opportunity for participants to receive individualized attention on the ground in the host country.

have one-on-one business meetings tailored to their individual needs. Participants will learn about doing business in the Jamaica through ICS designed BizOpps Seminar, and gain exposure to the social and business cultures, through experiencing Meet at Home Dinners on the ground.

Why participate in ICS Biz Opps Exploration? An ICS BizOpps Exploration puts you the Small Business Owner (1-200) employees on the map. This allows you to showcase your capabilities and abilities. They help to open doors and develop long-term trade and investment opportunities. They build

credibility for exporters looking to position themselves in foreign markets. They build confidence in you the small business owner looking to go international. An ICS BizOpps Exploration offers you: • access to key business leaders and decision-makers; • greater confidence in international market place; • unparalleled networking opportunities with the local business community; • one-on-one business meetings with potential partners; and, • the opportunity to initiate, develop or complete deals. 

What does a ICS BizOpps Exploration Entail? Participants visit one country, spending an average of 4 days. The exploration will generally include a structured program of business briefings, plenary sessions, possible site visits, and effective networking events. Participants will be introduced to potential partners in the host country; and as Registered Buyers to EXPO Jamaica 2012, will 82  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

BRICS Africa Export Import Forum

agencies, Councils and Authorities, BRICS and Africa country Chambers of Commerce, BRICS country and African communications companies and media, banking and trade finance services, credit guarantee services, customs, clearing, verification and audit services, technology providers, training companies, packaging, security, and materials handling companies, relocation services, and companies facilitating the transit of freight and intermodal logistics including forwarders, terminals, shipping lines, rail networks, air cargo and road transport agents and operators and courier companies. The Forum, in addition, comprises a Programme of educational workshops, a Programme of BRICS country Opportunity Presentations and a VIP Cocktail networking function. South African Trade Promotions (SATP), together with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry –

Johannesburg (JCCI) have been extended generous encouragement and support from the Brazilian, Chinese and Russian Embassies as well as the Indian High Commission. In addition the event is also endorsed and supported by the Tripartite of regional economic communities (26 African Countries) and numerous BRIC countries, regional and local Associations. I am happy to discuss how to best leverage your corporate participation and look forward to this opportunity.  Yours sincerely Saki Magoxo

BRICS Africa Portfolio South African Trade Promotions (Pty) Ltd

Tel: +27 (0) 11 783 7250 Cell: +27 (0) 83 735 7213 Fax: +27 (0) 11 783 7269

www.bricsafricab2b.com

83  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

International

he BRICS Africa Export Import Forum has recently been globally announced. The Forum will be co-located with Africa’s most visited trade events, the Southern African International Trade Exhibition (SAITEX) and Africa’s Big Seven (AB7) at the Gallagher Convention Centre July 15-17 this year. The Forum, in support of intra BRIC Africa trade and investment promotion and engagement, is an event that shares the same Visitor profile as SAITEX and AB7. These are exporters, importers, retail buyers, traders, distributers and service buyers and decision-makers from South Africa, BRIC and African countries. The co-location of the BRICS Africa Export Import Forum with SAITEX and AB7 will benefit all participants. With 785 exhibitors and 14,659 visitors from over 50 countries to the combined events in 2011, these well-proven international trade shows provide a solid basis for growth of the services sector. The Forum now offers a dedicated exhibition platform and opportunity for facility owners and service suppliers to engage this market to be significantly expanded given R1.2 million in Media Support for the Forum. Exhibitors invited span the services supply chain and include export / import consulting services, export promotion agencies, investment

International

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

www.exim.gov • $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

84  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbusinessnews.net

Africa Agri-Business Initiative

he National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) is looking for people and companies with expertise in agriculture (farming) willing to apply those skills to nations on the African continent. A major focus is on cotton as we center on overcoming the great obstacles put in place through the Third Country Fabric Exemption (AGOA) which has allowed exploitation of African cotton farmers to the benefit of Chinese and Indian cotton. Much of this cotton may very well be “conflict cotton” via Chinese prisoners performing slave labor. Most cotton farmers in Africa are now out of business and we want to resurrect this important sector. People interested in the initiative should contact Charles DeBow at cdebow@nationalbcc.org. 

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

We are pleased to inform you that

Gathers Strategies, Inc. has expanded to new offices.

Effective Monday, April 2, 2012 our new location will be in the heart of Downtown LA at

City National Plaza. Our address will be:

Gathers Strategies, Inc. 515 South Flower Street, 36th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90071 USA Phone: 213-236-3554 Fax: 213-236-3501 Please stay in touch! www.gathersstrategies.com Follow us on Twitter @gathersstrat

We appreciate your friendship and support and look forward to our continued association with you.

Shop, Eat, Relax in

Little Ethiopia

Lagos Black Heritage Festival 2012 April 2-9, 2012 Lagos-Badagry www.lagosblackheritagefestival.com/2012

Experience Africa in America

Culture, Retail, Entertainment Fairfax Boulevard

between Pico & Olympic, Los Angeles

85  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbusinessnews.net

International

between Crenshaw & Leimert Blvds. 43rd Street-43rd Place, Los Angeles

The African Network (TAN)

6th Annual Entrepreneurship Conference May 18-19, 2012 Hilton Hotel, San Jose, CA

International

he 6th Annual Entrepreneurship Conference hosted by The African Network (TAN) will promote technology and entrepreneurship among African and American entrepreneurs doing business in Africa and the USA. The conference will be held Friday, May 18 and Saturday, May 19, 2012 at the Hilton Hotel, San Jose, California. TANCon 2012 (www.tanconf.org) early bird registration will last untill April 1, 2012. TANCon 2012 will showcase leading African and US investment experts, entrepreneurs, global innovators and policymakers such as biotech entrepreneur Daniel Laser, CEO of Wave 80 Biosciences; Teresa Clarke, former MD of Goldman Sachs and now Chairman and Founder of Africa. com; Niall O’Cathasaigh, Partner, Manocap Private Equity Company based in Sierra Leone; Bridgette Sexton, Manager of the Google Global Entrepreneurship group; social entrepreneur Chid Liberty of Liberty and Justice, Liberia and Teresa Cox of the USA Department of Trade and Commerce. There will be several panel discussions, including an “Investment Policy in Africa” panel, where information, expertise, experiences and international opportunities will be shared with attendees. According to TAN President and CEO, Dr. Paschal Iwuh, “the main difference between the 2012 conference and previous years will be the addition of

Entrepreneurship Workshops. These workshops, which are described on the conference website (www.tanconf.org), will aim to provide tangible benefits to conference attendees, particularly start-up and existing entrepreneurs”. The TAN Entrepreneurship Conference workshops will include a session on evaluation of 1-page business plans towards attracting funding, as well as a session on professional mentorship for start-up and existing entrepreneurs. TANCon 2012 has confirmed notable venture capitalists, angel investors and social entrepreneurs (incubators) who will be judges as well as mentors at these workshops. Michael Wray of the

Santa Clara University GSBI Program, Ken Brown, Managing Director of Lionchase Venture Capital firm, Naeem Zafar of University of California Lester Center for Entrepreneurship, Berkeley HAAS School of Business, and Tara Lynn-Gray of Yadari Enterprises will be some of the participants at these workshops. The workshops and discussion panels are aimed at providing more value to attendees of TANCon 2012. For more detailed inforamation contact the TANCon 2012 Organizing Committee by email at events@ theafricannetwork.org or visit the website at www.tanconf.org. 

86  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Continental Africa Chamber of Commerce USA

ACCESS 2012 International Trade Forum

in Collaboration with U.S. Department of Commerce Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (Office of Trade and Investment) Cook County Planning and Development Department City of Chicago and Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce

April 24-25, 2012

Glendale, Arizona Thunderbird School of Global Management Business Opportunities in Africa, the Middle East and South Asia

Cordially invite you to the 7th US-Africa Trade & Investment Forum, Conference and Exposition

Africa - The Next World Market May 16-18, 2012, Chicago, IL This historic event will take place during the G-8 Summit to be hosted in Chicago May 2012, where four African Presidents will be in attendance. Africa offers great potential for American businesses and investors. The Forum will provide a dynamic platform that:

This Forum provides an important opportunity for US companies to understand and engage business interests across the vast and diverse markets of a new Africa.

California State Trade and Export Promotion-STEP - a network to facilitate successful exports: http://www.californiastep.com/ trade-events/industry Bobby Hines DownTown Los Angeles Export Office 444 S. Flower St, 37th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90071 bobby.hines@trade.gov Ph: 213-894-4231 Cell: 213-276-3675

Join us! For more information, please contact us at: www.continentalacc.org Email: info@continentalacc.org 1-312-987-1892 tel 1-312-987-1893 fax 28 E. Jackson Boulevard Suite #600, Chicago, IL 60604 87  April 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

International

•Presents to American corporate and public-policy makers the wide array of investment opportunities in Africa; •Discusses the ways in which these opportunities can be realized; •Meets participants’ strategic interests by creating networking opportunities and an avenue for the development of bilateral investment possibilities; •Provides one-on-one negotiation opportunities; •Encourages American companies to exhibit their products and services; and •Invites African businesses to exhibit their products under AGOA

t ACCESS you can hold private one-on-one meetings with trade experts to get the answers you need for your business. Sign up for the conference to meet with Senior Commercial Officers from the U.S. embassies and consulates in the ANESA (Africa, Near East and South Asia) markets. The one-onone appointments are first come, firstserved and are expected to become fully booked. Registration information: http:// export.gov/arizona/access2012/index. asp. 

Thursday Blues at

Uncle Darrow‛s High Noon-2pm Every Thursday

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

“LA Times Magazine favorite cajun food”

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