12-Dec by Black Business News Group

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Publisher’s Message Earl “Skip” Cooper, II

s we approach the end of 2012, the Black Business News reflects on some of 2012 highlights and provides a projection for years to come. One major highlight of 2012 was the re-election of President Barack Obama. Now, the nation is poised for four more years of Democratic leadership and the continuation of many of the Obama Administration economic plans. Hopefully, we can move from partisan politics and focus on true economic issues for the good of not only African American businesses, but all businesses and citizens throughout our country. On the labor front, we witnessed continued job growth, throughout the year. During the Obama Administration’s years in office, 4.1 million new jobs were created and millions of existing jobs saved. This didn’t just happen. It’s the result of the Obama Administration’s focus on putting America back to work and constructing an economy that is built to last. However, in the African American communities, underemployment and unemployment remain unacceptably high. With labor outsourcing, technological advancements and outdated skill sets, we might face structural unemployment in the African American communities for many years to come unless WE as African American business can make a paradigm shift. A great concern voiced most

often by everyday citizens as well as business owners is with regard to increased taxes. However, keep in mind that, on a national level, taxes, as a percent of GNP, is roughly 17% while government spending in portion to GNP is nearly 20%. We should not confuse changes in the tax rate with longterm implications of changes in tax law. For the benefit of all Americans, it is our hope that this fiscal cliff will be resolved through non-partisan cooperation and willingness to engage in constructive dialogue. At the beginning of 2012, we were still dealing with the Occupy Wall Street Movement. While this movement might have lost some of its bravo and momentum, it did initiate discussions on the income disparity in our country. A bright spot in 2012 was home values. With market values increasing in many communities and historically low interest rates, our housing market is showing signs of recovery from the financial crisis that started in 2008. However, the dream of homeownership for many is still an impossible dream and foreclosure is still problematic. Another sign of growth is the number of African American contractors currently bidding on work with the approved $68 billion high-speed rail project, scheduled to break ground the first quarter of 2013. In Washington, DC, the National Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) held its annual conference exploring the issues facing minority business owners throughout our country. The Black Business News applauds the outstanding work MBDA (see pages 21-23) has done, under the

leadership of David Hinson, to make a difference in the economic landscape of not only Black-owned businesses, but all business entities which might be classified as “minority”. As you know, owning and operating a business is not just about income and profits. In the African American community, owning a successful business is also about dignity; it’s about creating a strong family foundation; it’s about self-respect.

What’s ahead for 2013? The Black Business News will continue to be a voice to promote the growth and global competitiveness of large, medium and small businesses that are Black-owned. Specifically, we will continue to advocate the issues impacting businesses, including but not limited to access to capital, contracts and new markets. If you are one of our thousands readers that own a business, we want you to know that the Black Business News is here to help you expand your business through timely information that has a direct impact on your bottom line. We hope that you will engage with us and our stakeholders. Working together we can construct an economy that’s built to last! On behalf of all at the Black Business News, we wish you and your loves ones a happy holiday season. 

NOTE: Please contact the Black Business News to advertise in our special January 2013 edition honoring our President Barack H. Obama. Call 1-323-291-9334 or send an email message to mail@ bbala.org.

3  December 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: •

• • •

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Black Business News P.O. Box 43159, Los Angeles, CA 90043 323-291-7819 Fax: 323-298-5064 www.blackbusinessnews.net

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

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Sarah Harris

ENTREPRENEUR EDITOR

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

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

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

PRODUCTION MANAGER

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

Kim Anthony Belinda Foster Narishima Osei

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS LaSandra Stratton • Dean Jones • Linda Ware

GRAPHIC DESIGN Sarah Harris • Phallu Morgan

STORY EDITORS Wanda Flagg ▪ Jennifer Marie Hamilton

PHOTOGRAPHY Ian Foxx ▪ Sabir • Narishima Osei

CONTENT ADMINISTRATOR La Sandra 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.

FEATURES… December 2012

Publisher’s Message

GOVERNMENT… 10 14 18 21

President Obama Meets with Asian Leaders Fun at the White House with Olympians Hurricane Sandy Update MBDA - Doing Business in Africa

Entertainment… 28 30 31

will.i.am’s Tech Factor

37 41

Entrepreneurs of the Year

44 46 50 52 54

New Leader for Sempra Energy

Oprah’s Organics Lenny Kravitz to Play Marvin Gaye

Entrepreneurship… African American Businesses Give Back

BUSINESS…

Lisa Harris on Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling Starbucks Expanding into the world of Teas Small Business Must Have Mobile Apps How to Close that Big Deal

PUBLIC INTEREST/COMMUNITY… 66 69 COLUMNS 63 - Take A Look! 105 - Books to Consider... 106 - Calendar ACTION ALERTS 2 - AEG Supplier Portal

86 - HOLIDAY SHOPPING SPONSORS 06 - Black Business Association

EOY Corporate Giving Suggestions World Bank Climate Change Report Let’s Move! - Meetup

INTERNATIONAL… 74 75

Report on Conflict in Mali Stock Exchange Update SADC and Somalia Africa-based Malaria Vaccine Trial Setback

Cover image - Phallu Morgan 5  December 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

profits, technology and people; •

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

•

Providing training for entrepreneurial professional development;

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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;

•

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. 

Coming Events 2013 February 39th Annual Awards Dinner March 30th Salute to Black Women 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  December 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

President Obama Meets with Asian Leaders in Cambodia

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President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton tour the Wat Pho Royal Monastery. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

n Cambodia, President Obama’s final stop on his trip to Asia, the President met with the leaders of the 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) to deepen our ties with members of the key Asian multilateral organization. ASEAN is the United States’ fourth largest export market, and includes two of our treaty allies, one of our closest security partners, several emerging regional powers. Additionally, its nations are located along some of the world’s most important trading routes and sea lines of communication. While in Phnom Penh, President Obama also attended the East Asia Summit (EAS), a gathering of leaders from ASEAN as well

as six other Asia-Pacific powers. The United States’ economic and security future is inextricably linked to the region, and President Obama used the summit to explore with other Asia-Pacific leaders ways to enhance cooperation on the region’s most pressing challenges, including energy, maritime security, non-proliferation, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response. Before the Summit, President Obama held meetings with Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda of Japan (www.whitehouse.gov/thepress-office/2012/11/20/remarkspresident-obama-and-prime-ministerand noda-japan-bilateral-meeting)

Premier Wen Jiabao of China (www.whitehouse.gov/the-pressoffice/2012/11/20/remarks-president-

obama-and-premier-wen-jiabaobilateral-meeting).

Fact Sheet: East Asia Summit Outcomes The East Asia Summit (EAS) is the region’s premier forum for Asia-Pacific leaders to discuss pressing political and strategic issues. The EAS was launched in 2005 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, bringing together leaders of the 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and six other Asia-Pacific region countries. With the participation of the United States and Russia for the first time in 2011, the EAS now includes all the major regional powers, including U.S. treaty allies see Asian Leaders Meeting on page 11

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President Barack Obama delivers opening remarks at the U.S. – ASEAN Leaders Meeting at Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Nov. 19, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Asian Leaders Meeting from page 10

unimpeded lawful commerce, and freedom of navigation. President Obama encouraged the parties to make progress on a binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea to provide a framework to prevent conflict, manage incidents when they occur, and help resolve disputes. The United States has consistently worked with its partners in the AsiaPacific region to build capacity and promote cooperation on maritime security issues. • At the EAS, President Obama announced the U.S. intention to accede to the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia (RECAAP), the first governmentto-government agreement to promote and enhance cooperation against piracy and see Asian Leaders Meeting on page 12

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Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, Thailand, and the Philippines, as well as India and China. Energy Cooperation: Economic and population growth are fueling energy demand, making energy security an increasingly important issue in the AsiaPacific region. To address this shared concern, President Obama announced the U.S.-Asia Pacific Comprehensive Partnership for a Sustainable Energy Future. This White House initiative will bring together in a comprehensive framework U.S. energy-related cooperation in multilateral and bilateral channels, focusing on providing technical assistance and financing for renewables, energy interconnectivity and markets,

natural gas, and sustainable development. By leveraging U.S. private-sector engagement, technical expertise, and financing, in partnership with Brunei, Indonesia, and other regional leaders, this initiative will tangibly enhance energy security in the Asia-Pacific, setting the path for sustainable development for the 21st century. Maritime Security: EAS members are linked by the region’s maritime spaces, which have enabled the region’s dynamic economic growth and facilitated greater connectivity. Maritime security is a priority issue for EAS countries that recognize that challenges including territorial and maritime disputes, piracy, trafficking in illicit materials and natural disasters can threaten regional peace, stability, and prosperity. President Obama reaffirmed U.S. national interests in the maintenance of peace and stability, respect for international law,

President Barack Obama and Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra toast. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

Asian Leaders Meeting

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from page 11

armed robbery in Asia. • President Obama affirmed that the Expanded ASEAN Seafarers Training (EAST) program, which he announced at the U.S.-ASEAN Leaders Meeting, will be open to participation by all EAS members. • The United States welcomed the creation of the Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum to provide a platform for coordination among EAS countries on a range of maritime issues including marine environment, resource management, piracy, and capacity building. Non-Proliferation: Noting the acute proliferation challenges facing the Asia-Pacific region, President Obama has called on regional leaders to work together and take steps to ensure that the

world’s most dangerous weapons do not fall into the most dangerous hands. Since that successful meeting, the United States has welcomed positive steps made by EAS member states and regional forums toward improving regional cooperation on nonproliferation. These include: • Thailand’s endorsement of the Proliferation Security Initiative, a global effort that aims to stop trafficking of weapons of mass destruction, their delivery systems, and related materials to and from states and non-state actors of proliferation concern; • Vietnam’s [and Burma’s] ratification of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Additional Protocol, which contains measures that increase the IAEA’s ability to verify the non-diversion of declared nuclear material and to provide assurances as to the absence of

undeclared nuclear material and activities in a State; • Japan, Australia, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea and Indonesia contributing to the Peaceful Uses Initiative, a five-year campaign announced by Secretary Clinton in 2010 to increase support for the IAEA’s peaceful uses programs; and • The ASEAN Regional Forum adoption of its first-ever work plan on Nonproliferation and Disarmament, calling for specific workshops and capacity-building projects on nonproliferation, the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and disarmament. President Obama welcomed these developments while acknowledging that much work still remains to be done to counter the spread of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery in the see Asian Leaders Meeting on page 13

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Asian Leaders Meeting from page 12

Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief: The Asia-Pacific experienced major disasters with devastating impacts in 2011, accounting for 80 percent of global economic losses to disasters.. Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief is a core agenda item of the EAS. The United States has a strong record of working with EAS member countries in disaster preparedness and institutional strengthening, and of bringing a unique set of capabilities, skills, and expertise in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. • Since 1995, the United States

Floral gift for President Obama

other EAS leaders in supporting Australia’s Declaration on DrugResistant malaria. • The United States is partnering with Thailand, a regional leader in malaria control, to fight drug resistant malaria in the region. The two-year, $680,000 agreement will support the Thai Ministry of Public Health’s efforts to strengthen malaria control and surveillance, particularly among migrant populations along its borders with Burma and Cambodia where drug-resistant malaria is most prevalent. • The United States partnered with Singapore under the U.S.Singapore Third Country Training Program (TCTP) to co-sponsor a Combating Counterfeit Health Products training course in August. • U.S. participation in activities like the Lower Mekong Initiative (LMI) helps drive regional cooperation to build more effective regional disease responses and facilitate health exchanges. USAID’s Pandemic Influenza and other Emerging Pandemic Threats programs support domestic efforts and cross-border collaboration in line with the goals of the LMI at approximately $12.5 million per year.  www.whitehouse.gov/ blog/2012/11/20/president-obamameets-southeast-asian-leaderscambodia www.whitehouse.gov/the-pressoffice/2012/11/20/fact-sheet-eastasia-summit-outcomes

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region. He called on leaders to: • Reaffirm their support for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in order to maintain peace and stability in the region; • Reaffirm countries’ commitment to the international nonproliferation regime, stressing the importance of full compliance with our obligations under all UNSC Resolutions addressing nonproliferation, particularly those addressing Iran and North Korea; • Support the outcomes of the 2012 Nuclear Security Summit held in Seoul to secure nuclear materials and prevent nuclear terrorism; • Promote transparency and cooperation on safe, secure and peaceful nuclear development in the region, including through implementation of IAEA safeguards and universalizing of the Additional Protocol; and • Promote international biosecurity cooperation and advance the outcomes from the Final Document of the 2011 Review Conference of the Biological Weapons Convention.

has invested more than $95 million in disaster risk reduction efforts in the region. This year, the United States provided an additional $22.7 million for disaster risk reduction programs which save lives at the time of disasters. • President Obama welcomed the support by EAS Leaders for the Rapid Disaster Response (RDR) agreement. The RDR can significantly increase the ability for states to provide and receive swift and effective support in the event of future natural disasters in the region, as well as provide a framework for closer links between regional disaster response authorities; • The President welcomed efforts to expand participation in regional HA/DR exercises, including the BALIKATAN U.S. Philippine exercise that welcomed international participants for the first time this year. The United States also committed to join partner nations next year for the third ARF Disaster Relief Exercise co-hosted by Thailand and South Korea and the inaugural ASEAN-led, ADMM-Plus HADR and Military-Medicine Exercise hosted by Brunei; Health: While technological progress has dramatically increased the movement of people, products, and ideas throughout the Asia-Pacific, it has also facilitated the spread of infectious diseases, some with pandemic potential. The United States has a history of partnering with countries in Asia to support the health and wellbeing of the region. U.S. efforts are premised on building local capacity to improve the regional response to health issues and relying less on outside assistance. • President Obama was joined by the

U.S. Women’s Gymnastic Olympic Team Visits, Has Fun at the White House

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U.S. President Barack Obama jokingly mimics U.S. Olympic gymnast McKayla Maroney’s ‘not impressed’ expression while greeting members of the 2012 U.S. Olympic gymnastics teams in the Oval Office. U.S. President Barack Obama (R) talks with members of the 2012 U.S. Olympic gymnastics teams (L-R) Steven Gluckstein, Savannah Vinsant, Aly Raisman, Gabby Douglas, Steve Penny, USA Gymnastics President, McKayla Maroney, Kyla Ross, & Jordyn Weiber. Getty Images

Olympic Team at White House

Gabby Douglas walks in the colonnade of the White House in Washington, to watch President Barack Obama depart from the South Lawn.

he Fierce Five and other members of the U.S. Olympic gymnastics team got a personal audience with President Barack Obama on Thursday while on tour in Washington. The group met with the president in the Oval Office before huddling together in the chill outside to watch his helicopter lift off. Obama was headed to New York to tour storm damage. The gymnasts missed a White House appearance with the rest of the U.S. Olympic team earlier this

year because of their national tour schedule. The Fierce Five - Gabby Douglas, McKayla Maroney, Kyla Ross, Aly Raisman, and Jordyn Wieber claimed the gold at this summer’s London Games. They signed leotards to give to the president’s daughters, Sasha and Malia, during the visit.  http://abclocal.go.com/wls/ story?section=news/national_ world&id=8889246&rss=rss-wlsarticle-8889246

Members of the 2012 Women’s Olympic Gymnastics team, from left, Jordyn Wieber, Kyla Ross, Gabby Douglas, and Aly Raisman, react to the wind gust caused by the Marine One helicopter, with President Barack Obama aboard, as they watch the departure from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington. Obama had met with the team earlier in private meeting in the Oval Office.

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President Obama Views New York Hurricane Damage Here are President’ Obamas remarks:

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hank you so much, everybody. I’m going to be relatively brief. I came up here right after the storm, was on the Jersey side, and I promised to everybody that I was speaking on behalf of the country when I said we are going to be here until the rebuilding is complete, and I meant it. So I’m going to come back today, but I’m also going to be coming back in the future to make sure that we have followed through on that commitment. I want to thank the outstanding leadership that’s been provided by state and local officials. Obviously, Governor Cuomo and Mayor Bloomberg have done an outstanding job. To borough president Molinaro, thank you so much for your leadership at a time when the folks here on this island were obviously going through extraordinarily difficult times, the people of Long Island who are going through really tough times. Across the board, what we’ve seen is cooperation and a spirit of service. And for the first responders who are here, the police officers, the firefighters, the EMS folks, the sanitation workers who sometimes don’t get credit but have done heroic work, we are so grateful to you because you exemplify what America is all about. I’m grateful to the Red Cross who has been so responsive not just here, but in disasters around the country. And I want to thank all the volunteers. As we were shaking hands over there, we had folks from every part of the country. We had some Canadians who had come

down to help out. And during difficult times like this, we’re reminded that we’re bound together and we have to look out for each other. And a lot of the things that seem important, the petty differences melt away, and we focus on what binds us together and that we as Americans are going to stand with each other in their hour of need. Now, more specifically, we are now still in the process of recovery. As you can see, as you travel around parts of Staten Island, as we flew over parts of -- other parts of the city and the region that had been impacted, there is still a lot

need that immediate help. That’s FEMA’s primary task. And we’ll be coordinating closely with state and local governments to make sure folks are getting the short-term help. But what we’ve also already heard is that there’s going to be some long-term rebuilding that’s required. You look at this block and you know that this is a community that is deeply rooted. Most of the folks that I met here have been here 20, 30, 50 years. They don’t want to see their community uprooted, but there’s got to be a plan for rebuilding, and that plan is going to have to be coordinated, and they’re going to need resources. So what I’ve committed to doing is to work with the outstanding congressional delegation led by your Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, also working with

President Barack Obama with (l) Mayor Bloomberg and (r) Governor Cuomo

of cleanup to do. People still need emergency help. They still need heat. They still need power. They still need food. They still need shelter. Kids are still trying to figure out where they’re going to school. So there’s a lot of short-term, immediate stuff that has to be dealt with. And we are going to make sure that we stay here as long as people

Governor Christie and the Jersey delegation to try to come up with a game plan for how we’re going to be able to resource the rebuilding process. And I’m confident, as Governor Cuomo said, that we’re going to be able to do it. But it’s going to require everybody focused on getting the see New York Hurricane Damage on page 19

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New York Hurricane Damage from page 18

-- as a father, as a parent -- my heartbreak over what they went through. And they’re still obviously a little shell-shocked. But they came here in part because they wanted to say thank you to all the people who have been supportive of them. They in particular mentioned Lieutenant Kevin Gallagher of the NYPD, who, when they knew that their sons were missing, Lieutenant Gallagher made a point of staying with them and doing everything he could so that ultimately they knew what had happened with their boys and were able to recover their bodies, and has been with them as a source of support ever since. That’s not in the job description of Lieutenant Gallagher. He did that because that’s what so many of our first responders do. They go above and beyond the call of duty to respond to people in need. And so I want to give a shout-out to Lieutenant Gallagher, but I also want to point out, the Moores, even in their grief, asked me to mention Lieutenant Gallagher, and that says something about them as well. And that spirit and sense of togetherness and looking out for one another, that’s what’s going to carry us through this tragedy. It’s not going to be easy. There’s still going to be, believe it or not, some complaints over the next several months. Not everybody is going to be satisfied. I have to tell you the

insurance companies and some of the other private sector folks who are involved in this, we need you to show some heart and some spirit in helping people rebuild as well. But when I hear the story of the Moores and I hear about Lieutenant Gallagher, that’s what makes me confident that we’re going to be able to rebuild. I’m very proud of you, New York. You guys are tough. You bounce back, just as America always bounces back. The same is going to be true this time out. All right, thank you very much, everybody..  http://gothamist.com/2012/11/15/ staten_island_hugs_hello_to_ preside.php#photo-1 www.nationaljournal.com/picturesvideo/what-obama-saw-on-statenisland-today-20121115

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job done. We’re going to have to put some of the turf battles aside. We’re going to have to make sure that everybody is focused on doing the job as opposed to worrying about who is getting the credit or who is getting the contracts or all that stuff that sometimes goes into the rebuilding process. On the federal level, because this is going to be such a big job, I wanted to assign one particular person who would be in charge from our perspective, who would be our point person -- because FEMA basically runs the recovery process, it doesn’t focus on the rebuilding. For that, we’ve got to have all government agencies involved. Janet Napolitano has done a great job with respect to DHS, but we thought it would be good to have a New Yorker who is going to be the point person. And so our outstanding HUD Secretary, Shaun Donovan, who used to be the head of the New York Housing Authority -- so he knows a little bit about New York and building -- is going to be our point person. And he’s going to be working with the mayor, the governor, the borough presidents, the county officials to make sure that we come up with a strong, effective plan. And then, I’ll be working with the members of Congress to do everything we can to get the resources needed to rebuild. And I have every confidence that Shaun is going to be doing a great job, and so people should feel some confidence about that. Let me just close by saying this: I had the opportunity to give some hugs and communicate thoughts and prayers to the Moore family. They lost two young sons during the course of this tragedy. And obviously, I expressed to them

cting Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank will travel to South Africa and Kenya in November/December to advance key elements of the President’s “Strategy Toward SubSaharan Africa,” that will promote economic growth, trade, and investment in the continent. As part of her trip, Acting Secretary Blank will officially launch the “Doing Business in Africa” campaign, an Administration initiative to help

American businesses identify and seize opportunities that will further the United States’ commercial, trade, and investment relationship

Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Acting Secretary Of Commerce To Launch Administration’s ‘Doing Business In Africa’ Campaign On Trip To South Africa, Kenya major economic success story,” said Acting Secretary Blank. “As part of our efforts under the National Export Initiative to support U.S. companies in selling their goods and services to the world, we must do everything possible to ensure we are promoting trade and investment with Africa. The Department of Commerce has an important role to play when it comes to helping American companies understand

with Africa. “As President Obama has said, Africa is a region of growing opportunity and promise, and it has the potential to be the world’s next

the trade and investment opportunities in Africa that will not only support the region’s economic expansion, but will also create jobs

see Business With Africa on page 22

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Acting Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank

in America.” On June 14, 2012, the President issued the U.S. “Strategy Toward Sub-Saharan Africa,” under which the United States will pursue four objectives in the region: 1. strengthening democratic institutions; 2. spurring economic growth, trade and investment; 3. advancing peace and security; and 4. promoting opportunity and development. As part of spurring economic growth, trade and investment, the Strategy specifically calls for the development of a “Doing Business in Africa” campaign. This campaign will leverage the federal government’s trade promotion, financing and strategic communications capabilities to help U.S. businesses identify and seize opportunities in Africa, and to help them overcome any challenges they face to establishing business relationships with Africa. Also part of her trip to South Africa, Dr. Blank will also meet with and promote a multi-sector trade mission being led by the Department of Commerce’s Under Secretary for International Trade, Francisco Sanchez. A delegation comprised of representatives from 15 U.S. firms will join Sanchez

Business With Africa

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from page 21

on stops in Lusaka, Zambia; and Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa. In Kenya, Acting Secretary Blank will meet with heads of state and senior trade officials of the East African Community (www.eac. int), a regional intergovernmental organization that includes Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. The United States has prioritized the promotion of regional economic integration in SubSaharan Africa, and it recognizes that the EAC in particular as a strategic market for trade and investment with significant longterm growth potential. For that reason, the United States is pursuing a Trade and Investment Partnership initiative with the EAC under the President’s Strategy, which will build on the foundations of our already-existing trade and investment relationship with the EAC. Acting Secretary Blank will promote many of the Partnership initiatives on her trip, including

Flag & logo of the East African Community the launch of a new EAC-U.S. Commercial Dialogue. Sub-Saharan Africa presents enormous opportunities to the American private sector. According to the World Bank, its GDP totaled approximately $1.25 trillion in 2011, and six of the 10 fastest growing economies in the world are in Sub-Saharan Africa. U.S. total merchandise exports to SubSaharan Africa tripled between 2001 and 2011. In 2011, U.S. exports to SubSaharan Africa totaled $21.3 billion, while imports were $74.3 billion, an increase from $17.1 billion and

$65 billion in 2010, respectively. Total trade between the U.S. and Sub-Saharan Africa increased by 16% between 2010 and 2011, and in the first half of 2012, U.S. goods exports to Sub-Saharan Africa are up 4.6% over the same period in 2011. The President’s “Strategy Toward Sub-Saharan Africa” seeks to build on this success. For more information on the President’s “Strategy Toward SubSaharan Africa,” please visit www. whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/ docs/africa_strategy_2.pdf.  www.mbda.gov

U.S. Department of Commerce Trade Show Announcements

www.cpm.moscow.com February 26 - March 1, 2013, Expocentre Moscow, Russia, Contact: kim-bang.nguyen@trade.gov

USA Pavilion at INTERMODA 2013 January 15 - 18, Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico The best way to enter Mexico”s Textile and Fashion Market - http://www.intermoda.com.mx Call or email for details.

Paris Book Fair, March 22-25, 2013 (Friday to Monday) We are offering three options: 1. Exhibit at Paris Book Fair 2013, 2. Exhibitor and Catalogue Show, 3. Rights Center. During the show, we will have a partnership with a local bookstore. We will also organize roundtables with local associations & bookstore keepers as well as a get-together. Our role is to promote U.S. titles and publishers to the international audience that attends the Paris Book Fair. If interested please contact Valerie Ferriere at Valerie. Ferriere@trade.gov.

USA Sample Pavilion: COLOMBIATEX 2013 January 22-24, 2013, Plaza Mayor Medellin Convenciones, Medellin, Colombia Largest/Most Comprehensive Textile, Machinery and Material Show For Apparel & Home Goods http://otexa.ita.doc.gov/PDFs/Colombiatex_2013_ sampleshow.pdf COLLECTION PREMIERE MOSCOW (CPM) INTERNATIONAL FASHION TRADE SHOW

Also contact: Bobby Hines, bobby.hines@trade.gov, 213894-4231, FAX: 213-894-8789, Cell: 213-276-3675, 444 S. Flower St, 37th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071

22  December 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

www.medweek.gov

Minority Enterprise Development Week Conference - 30th Anniversary

he National Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week Conference is the Nation’s premier event for minority entrepreneurs and the public and private sectors. The Conference offers a venue for minority-owned firms to access information, tools and resources to grow their businesses both domestically and internationally. Each year, thousands of minorityowned firms across a variety of industries converge upon Washington, DC to connect with public and private sector buyers, explore avenues for business expansion, and develop thriving

partnerships with firms across multiple industry sectors. This is done through networking events, workshops and issue forums, including: • Business-to-business matchmaking sessions with corporate procurement officials and capital providers; • Global networking events with embassy officials from Latin America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East; • The MED Week Awards Program honoring some of the fastest growing minorityowned firms, entrepreneurs and advocates in the country. 

Date December 5-6, 2012 Venue Omni Shoreham Ho te 2500 Calvert Stree l t NW at Connecticut Ave Washington, DC 20 008 Phone: (202) 234-0 700

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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

www.TheArtofBidding.com is dedicated to the art and science of moving goods and services to market. This web site is useful to business managers responsible for their companies’ supply chain activities. This information is sponsored by the Southland Partnership Corporation that serves a wide range of supply chain management issues for large and small enterprises. Southland is in place to enhance supplier inclusion through the increased flow of goods and services by providing current information from initial sourcing all the way through to delivery to public and private sector endusers. Southland shares vital information of purchasing opportunities from production planning, order processing and fulfillment, inventory management, transportation, distribution, and professional service requirements. For some, this information on proposal estimating will be a refresher on how to submit an effective pricing plan, however, for other companies this may be just the information to create that winning response. All buyers seek to make the best investment when selecting outside resources. The supplier selection results from demonstrating efficiencies and generating the highest level of customer satisfaction at the most responsible lowest cost. In general all major buying entities look at the strategic, tactical, and operational functions of prospective suppliers. 24  December 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

26  December 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

will.i.am: Goodbye X Factor, Hello Tech Factor By Mark Halper

Entertainment

ournalists use many a shorthand phrase to succinctly describe Black Eyed Peas front man and professional cool dude will.i.am. They invariably call him pop star, lead singer, rapper,

as fervently as any unknown geek that the future of media lies in the singing, dancing Internet. I’m not breaking any news in telling you this. After all, chip giant Intel Corp. appointed him as its

so to speak*, but it exemplified his enthusiasm for modern technology. His The Time (Dirty Bit) video looks like an ad for computer effects (not to mention debauchery). Now Mr. i. am, if I can call him that, is ratcheting it up, evidenced by a savvy video interview he gave to the BBC in Manhattan (http:// news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/ click_online/9769706.stm) recently in

which he waxes astutely about the future of business and innovation.

Will.i.am doesn’t just talk hip. He talks biz, too. R&B artist, or something similar. I have a new moniker for the 37-year-old from Los Angeles whose real name is William James Adams. He is the preeminent entertainment/ technology crossover business star. The mass appeal performer of My Humps, I Gotta Feeling, and Boom Boom Pow is as impressive a technology practitioner and ambassador as there is from the entertainment world. He believes

director of creative innovation nearly two years ago. He recently sent a song to Earth from Mars via the Curious rover. He typically infuses his performances with techno flare. You might recall him at the Super Bowl show in 2011 (www. youtube.com/watch?v=xPIiaSnYV5E), cavorting with hundreds of dancers in luminescent outfits trimmed by what I assume were LED lights. I didn’t think it was his shining moment

The headline: will.i.am wants to produce a new reality TV competition called Tech Factor. It would be a science and tech answer to X Factor aimed at discovering the next Steve Jobs. The way to do it: Will says the YouTube hit Gangnam Style is the way to go. “I would like to create a show that’s in pursuit of tomorrow’s Bill Gates,

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see will.i.am on page 29

will.i.am

29  December 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Entertainment

in the world. Why? Because of a i.am is an impressive guy with YouTube click. Not because some progressive ideas. from page 28 network or a broadcaster broke I’ve met him myself, having briefly a Korean act. If a Korean act can chilled with will in Barcelona in early tomorrow’s Steve Jobs, tomorrow’s break all over the world because of 2008, at a mobile phone conference Michael Dells, tomorrow’s Dean YouTube click, not a network, that is where he was an early champion Kamens, tomorrow’s Mark Zuckerbergs,” i.am tells interviewer Richard Taylor, adding that it will be important to add women to the tech pantheon. “Are you finding a lot of buy in from network, from TV broacasters?” Taylor asks. “Nope,” says will, who then points out that Tech Factor could nonetheless trump music shows for popular appeal. ”Somebody won The Voice last year. Where’s their album? Somebody won X Factor last year. Where’s their album? Will’s Black Eyed Peas spin some techno Boom Boom Somebody won American Idol at the 2011 Super Bowl. last year. Where’s their album? Somebody designed an iPhone. a connected world.” of cellphone entertainment. He Did you buy it?” Some more words of wisdom from told me to watch his then new i.am criticizes the old school the crossover artist who playfully “Yes We Can” YouTube video mentality of traditional broadcasters calls himself a “chic geek”: the black-and-white innovative (even though he’s employed as a • “YouTube will be a threat to the pastiche medley set to to the words judge on the British version of The broadcasters when every single of first time presidential candidate Voice, aired by the BBC as a prime home has a smart television. And Obama’s famous campaign speech times show). a smart television is a threat to (www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjXyqcx“Broadcasters, unfortunately, as mYY). cable.” robust as they are, their business • “Tomorrow is about how do you He coolly advised me in all is television, monetizing it with ad impact culture. Because the modesty: “Check it out man, it’s spaces and that’s it,” he says. ”It’s brands are gonna go where the good.” not true innovation. If it was true I did. It was. impacters impact.” innovation, they would have created The video played a part in will.i.am imagines a future Facebook and YouTube and Twitter interactive netcast thriller in which a tumbling down one political era and themselves.” victim calls a viewer for help, a twist ushering in another. He criticizes traditional media for enabled when viewers register their Now will.i. am, born on the Ides rehashing old themes like Spider- phone numbers in cyber systems. of March, wants to help topple the Man and The Three Stooges, “You’re part of the script,” he says. emperors of old media. Not that they noting that, “the newness is going He notes that, unfortunately, aren’t already staggering. They’ll to come from the new platforms.” “None of the people at the networks need to continue finding ways to The way not to do it: Will says are thinking like that. Why? work with visionaries like will.i.am if stop rehashing old themes like Because they’re trying to figure they are to remain standing.  Spider-Man. out how to monetize yesterday www.smartplanet.com/blog/ As a case in point, i.am points instead of new ways to monetize bulletin/william-goodbye-x-factorto the YouTube hit music video content today. That’s the reason Gangnam Style by South Korean why it’s all gonna come from the hello-tech-factor/6017?tag=nl.e660 pop artist PSY. ”He didn’t even sing tech, not the broadcasters, unless Photos: will.i.am, screen grab from BBC. Black Eyed Peas, screen it in English,” an excited will points the broadcasters get visionaries to grab from YouTube. out. “This thing is the biggest thing come to be a part of their thing.”

Oprah Winfrey Plants Seeds to Launch New Organic Food Line by Linda Ware

Entertainment

ne of America’s most A model entrepreneur, she is successful business also a successful actress garnering moguls, Oprah Winfrey, Oscar nominations for her role in made her mark in front of the camera the Color Purple. She produced

seizing the crown as the top daytime talk show host in the USA with her Emmy winning television series, “The Oprah Winfrey Show”.

the hit film “Precious” with Tyler Perry which brought home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress and other multiple nominations.

Her monthly literary publication, O Magazine, continues to rank as one of America’s most celebrated magazine publications. At the launch of OWN network, she branched into producing daily television programming with continued success with other stars lining up to pitch content. Oprah Winfrey is the epitome of an all around gifted, savvy entrepreneur of excellence. She has managed to branch out in various areas of the entertainment industry from acting to hosting to producting with huge success resulting from her national, loyal fan base. The media mogul and highly popular TV personality has now officially announced her official launch as a business woman in the food industry. She is now set to launch her new business ventures entitled “Oprah’s Organics,” “Oprah’s Harvest,” and “Oprah’s Farm.” She is currently involved in the initial phases of planting a fully organic farm to raise nutritious food products on her large acreage of fertile soil in Maui, Hawaii that she owns. Two per cent of foods sold in stores today are labeled as organic. Foods grown organically are attractive to health conscious Americans because they are chemical free. According to studies, there are higher levels of nutrients in organic foods as compared with foods grown with the use of chemical pesticides. As a result, Oprah understands the beneficial aspects of eating organic as a way to promote a healthier lifestyle overall. Keeping in step with her newfound business venture,Oprah is planning to take on organic foods in her daily nutritional plan, a regimen that many fans and health advocates are sure to follow. 

30  December 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Grammy Hitmaker Lenny Kravitz Lands Lead Role as the Legendary Marvin Gaye by Linda Ware

Marvin Gaye

Lenny Kravitz

Lenny Kravitz is acknowledged around the world as one of the most talented singer/ songwriters , record producers and ultimate electric guitarists in the music industry today. Lenny set a new bar of excellence in the Recording Academy with his winning the “Best Male Rock Vocal Performance” award four consecutive years straight . He has been acknowledged with MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS, AMA Awards and other top honorary wins exemplary of his outstanding talent as a true force of original popular content in the music industry today.  31  December 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Entertainment

rammy Award Winning Recording Artist, Lenny Kravitz, made Hollywood headlines in his cross over to film with his hit role in the Hunger Games. As a successful multitalented writer, singer, and overall entertainer, Kravitz was vetted for a major film role that is putting him on the Hollywood frontline for top celebrity buzz. Lenny has been officially vetted to star in the leading role of the upcoming biopic about the life story of Motown Legend, Marvin Gaye. The film will be directed by English film director, Julien Temple (Glastonbury) and will depict the struggles and triumphs of Marvin’s life after Motown during the phase of his life when he suffered from a lack of gigs, drug addiction issues, depression and tax evasion problems in the early 1980s.

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

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

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

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

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

ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

35  December 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

New Kauﬀman Sketchbook Video Tells Entrepreneurs to Get Started by Barbara Pruitt

Released in conjunction with Global Entrepreneurship Week, video encourages startup teams to build something together and oﬀers advice for choosing mentors. Follow the link to view the video - www.kauﬀman.org/sketchbook.aspx.

Entrepreneurs

eoffrey Clapp, who serves as a mentor and advisor to numerous startups in software technology and healthcare IT, provides wide-ranging advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the newest installment of the Kauffman Sketchbook series released today by the Kauffman Foundation on day three of Global Entrepreneurship Week (November 11, 2012). “I think the most important thing is to get out of theory and hype,” Clapp says. “Don’t get caught up in the process and the culture of entrepreneurship. Go be an entrepreneur.” A serial entrepreneur and engineer, Clapp was previously

founder and CTO of Health Hero Network (acquired by Robert Bosch Healthcare) and a senior engineer at Apple. He is an advisor with the Rock Health seed accelerator for digital health startups and was a presenter during the Life Science Venture Summit convened by the Kauffman Foundation in June. During the three-minute animated video, called “Go Be an Entrepreneur,” Clapp stresses the importance of talking to potential customers and creating a team with a common purpose to build something together. Clapp also addresses w h a t

entrepreneurs should expect from advisors and mentors, especially when the business evolves. “Your core business advisors should be helping with recruiting your team, with your business model, with your distribution model and the product market fit, Clapp says. “If they’re not helping you with one of those four things, if they’re not fundamentally the best in one of those things, they’re the wrong people to be working with and it’s okay to say, ‘I want to upgrade my mentor.’” Since it was launched last September to illustrate the insights of influential thought leaders, the Kauffman Sketchbook series has drawn more than 180,000 viewers to YouTube and www.kauffman.org. The pieces also have been featured on a wide range of websites, blogs and social media outlets.  www.kauffman.org/newsroom/ new-kauffman-sketchbooktells-entrepreneurs-toget-started.aspx?utm_ source=Newsletter&utm_ medium=Opticast&utm_ campaign=Ideas_At_ Work_11_14_12

36  December 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Defying Gravity: High-Growth Entrepreneurs Buck the Macroeconomic Factors Challenging Other Companies Rose Levy, Kauﬀman Foundation

With more than 700,000 employees and 30 percent job growth, 2012 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Companies dramatically outpace firms on the S&P Index

the more than 600 American companies named as finalists (www.ey.com/Publication/vwLUAssets/ US_EOY_2012_nominees_and_ j u d g e s / $ F I L E / E O YA _ 2 0 1 2 % 2 0 National%20nominee%20book. pdf) in the 2012 U.S. Ernst &

Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® program are creating jobs, expanding their businesses and planning for growth. Ernst & Young,

in collaboration with the Kauffman Foundation, looked at what these companies are doing right, and in a new paper, “Defying Gravity: High-growth Entrepreneurship in a Slow-growth Economy,” released during the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum®, identify eight reasons why these exceptional companies are bucking the trend and finding success (www.kauffman.org/uploadedfiles/ ey_gravity.pdf). The Entrepreneur Of The Year finalists are spread across all industries, including technology, manufacturing, consumer products and energy. Between 2009 and 2011, these companies, which together employ nearly 700,000 people, achieved 30% job growth (over 150,000 jobs) and 48% revenue growth, dwarfing U.S. figures as well as companies in the Standard & Poor’s index, which had revenue per share growth of only 15.9% over the two-year period from 2009 to 2011. Companies in energy, cleantech and natural resources led in employment growth, at 49% over the period 2009 to 2011, closely followed by technology (42%) and services (33%). “The high-growth companies that win our Entrepreneur Of The Year award have historically proved to be a bellwether for some of the

most disruptive innovations of all time,” says Herb Engert, Strategic Growth Markets Leader, Ernst & Young LLP. “These ambitious stars inspire their teams to address some of the world’s most pressing issues and unmet needs, often creating completely new products or services. They are known for disrupting or creating entirely new industries and creating jobs no matter the state of the overall economy.” “In contrast to the most popular notions about innovative highgrowth companies, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year finalists show that the potential for growth, innovation and job creation are present across the country and in all types of industries,” says Dane Stangler, director of Research & Policy at the Kauffman Foundation. So what are these companies doing right? According to the paper, the eight key reasons these companies are succeeding are because they:

1) Have a unique perspective on risk. A majority of the entrepreneurs indicate they believe entrepreneurs are born, not made. This explains their passion to identify an unmet need in the marketplace and then see Entrepreneur of the Year on page 38

37  December 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Entrepreneurs

esilience, innovation and a unique perspective on risk taking are just three of eight critical factors that separate the very best entrepreneurs from others, according to Ernst & Young LLP, which honored America’s top entrepreneurs at its 26th annual Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® gala in Palm Springs. While the U.S. economy continues to wrestle with persistently high unemployment, slow growth and challenges from other developed and emerging economies,

Entrepreneur of the Year from page 37

set out to solve it, versus their counterparts who either miss the need altogether or see a need and

their passion. More than 40% cite this as their biggest strength.

3) Demonstrate resilience and rapid recovery. Everyone makes mistakes, including successful entrepreneurs. More than 30 percent of the

their existing revenue streams in the short term. Successful entrepreneurs know that their agility and propensity for innovation can make them an attractive investment, acquisition or partnership target.

5) Do what they do best.

Entrepreneurs

2012 World Entrepreneur of the Year Dr. James Mwangi, Equity Bank Limited, Kenya conclude someone else could or should solve it.

2) Communicate their vision and instill passion in great teams. Regardless of their position in the marketplace, these companies overwhelmingly cite people as their leading priority. This is not simply a generalized focus on the workforce. The findings reveal a strong concern for the individual employee among entrepreneurial companies. This is in sharp contrast to well-established global companies, many of which have been more interested recently in implementing efficiency and productivity increases that translate into headcount reductions. In addition, where entrepreneurial companies really differentiate themselves is in their ability to communicate their vision and instill

entrepreneurs acknowledged having made one or more bad decisions or encountering significant difficulty in execution. But while all businesses make bad decisions from time to time, the best entrepreneurs and their teams seem to be more resilient. Encountering obstacles, they are able to set a new course and rapidly recover — perhaps being able to react much more nimbly than their large corporate counterparts and to learn from mistakes to avoid making them again.

4) Embrace innovation. Entrepreneurial companies are the predominant sources of radical innovations. While older and larger companies can also innovate effectively, more established companies tend to resist radical innovation that might displace

High-growth entrepreneurs focus on the things they do best and appropriately partner with other, often larger corporations, to carry out certain infrastructure and technology needs, administrative functions, sales channels, manufacturing and distribution and regulatory compliance. This enables more rapid, flexible and cost-effective scalability as the business grows.

6) Pursue geographic expansion. The majority of the entrepreneurs indicate they are continuing to expand their businesses in domestic (U.S.) markets, while more than 20 percent indicated they are expanding in developed global markets. Many, especially those with revenues greater than $1 see Entrepreneur of the Year on page 39

38  December 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Entrepreneur of the Year

from page 39

billion, indicate they are expanding into emerging global markets.

7) Secure the right capital at the right time. The entrepreneurs report accessing a wide range of funding sources as they have grown their businesses. Nearly half report raising venture capital, angel investment or private equity. Roughly a third cite the use of personal funds, while another quarter access bank loans. And, 16% received funds from friends and family. Few indicate they have accessed government grants – perhaps due to the risk- reward tradeoff involved in paperwork and compliance, continued volatility in the rules, concerns about government disclosure requirements or simply the length of time it takes for such grants to be completed.

8) Preserve what they’ve built.

“Our Entrepreneur Of The Year finalists and winners have ‘cracked the code’ for achieving extraordinary growth in challenging economic times,” said Bryan Pearce, director, Entrepreneur Of The Year and Venture Capital Advisory Group, Ernst & Young LLP. “Their exemplary way of doing business creates jobs and enriches communities while demonstrating how it is possible to defy the gravitational undertow of

Featured Finalists Charles S. Sanders, Urban Lending Solutions, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2012, Dr. James Mwangi, Equity Bank Limited, Kenya. Urban Lending Solutions: Charles “Chuck” Sanders credits much of his success and leadership ability

to his late father, a man who, with just a sixth-grade education, grew a successful trucking company and taught Chuck the importance of building and fostering relationships and behaving with integrity. Seeing the need for a company like Urban Lending Solutions, which bundles back-room lending operations such as title searches and appraisals for larger financial institutions, Chuck embraced

what he learned from his father and has subsequently doubled the company’s annual sales since 2009. Chuck recognizes that his company’s future is precarious because it is tied directly to the housing market, but he continues to seek opportunities to differentiate the company. He has embraced several key relationships to fill service gaps. For example, he worked with Fiserv to provide

insight on operational efficiency and IT infrastructure. The relationships have paid off: eventually Fiserv purchased a 30% stake, providing a cash infusion that enabled him to expand his business and acquire key talent. Today, Urban Lending Solutions employs 200 people in Chuck’s native Pittsburgh and an additional 600 in Colorado. His leadership style goes back to life lessons he learned from his parents: take care of your family, take care of your community and pass it on. A believer in giving along the way, he has started charities that maintain a high profile in his community. “I’m proud that Urban Lending Solutions is able to create jobs. That’s what everything is about right now — job opportunities and helping people by being a great corporate citizen.” Equity Bank Limited: Dr. James Mwangi has been pivotal in the

Charles Sanders

see Entrepreneur of the Year on page 40

39  December 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Entrepreneurs

Successful entrepreneurs look to preserve those company qualities that made them a market leader. Their four top concerns as they are grow and mature are preserving company culture (52%), attracting and maintaining top talent (44%), protecting and enhancing brand and reputation (38%) and retaining best customers (30%).

economic stagnation.”

Entrepreneur of the Year

transformation of Equity Bank from a failing micro-finance institution to

Africa. The more than seven million accounts represent over half of all bank accounts in Kenya. Regional operations exist in Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda and Tanzania. James has been pivotal in the

a publicly listed commercial bank. He has also driven the bank’s aim to transform the lives and livelihoods of people socially and economically by giving them access to modern, inclusive financial services that maximize their opportunities. The bank is rated the biggest by customer base and African majority owned company in East and Central

bank’s investment in a robust IT platform that can accommodate 35 million accounts, as well as a level four data center – the only one of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa – giving Equity a lead in creating synergy between banking and mobile telephones. Other innovations include Mkesho, the world’s first mobile centric bank

Entrepreneurs

from page 39

account, Orange Money, a mobile money transfer platform for Orange Telecom subscribers, and agency banking. Through strategic capitalization, Equity Bank attracted the single largest capital injection in East & Central Africa’s history (US$180m) from Helios EB. James is also Chairman of Equity Group Foundation, established to scale up the existing CSR initiatives of the Group. In recognition of the diverse nature of socio-economic needs in Africa, the Foundation has identified six program areas; education and leadership development, agriculture, financial literacy & entrepreneurship, health, innovation and environmental sustainability. The Foundation has partnered with the MasterCard Foundation to form the largest Secondary Education and Leadership Scholarship Program in Africa. In FY09-FY10 the bank’s turnover increased by 32% and its assets by 42%.  www.ey.com/US/en/About-us/ Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneur-OfThe-Year

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 City’s electronic marketplace, Los Angeles Business Assistance Virtual Network (www.labavn.org), to post all opportunities subject to advertising. We encourage business owners to register on www.labavn.org to receive notifications of contracting opportunities as well as updates on implementing the program. Visit www.losangelesworks.org for additional information regarding doing business in and with the City of Los Angeles.

Mayor’s Office of Economic & Business Policy 40  December 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

African American Business Owners Give Back from Kim Anthony

These businesses have plowed through significant events in recent history. Events that have negative effects on the economy will usually cripple any start-ups or struggling businesses. The first decade of the twenty-first century has been tumultuous (to say the least). Many of them have braved the Y2K craze of the late 90’s. (No doubt, a few of the businesses were

perhaps spawned by the craze itself.) These people would have passed through and survived one of the worst financial crises in recent American history as well as weathering post-9/11 economic contractions. All of these companies opened before there was a YouTube, Facebook and other social media outlets arguably the top-most used sites for competitive exposure. You Tube didn’t come around until February of 2005. They survived a crippling inflation in the price of gasoline. This would affect travel and companies that depend on them as a vital part of commercial operation. They saw the first AfricanAmerican elected to president of the U.S. They currently face a jittery public infatuated with threats of phantom conspiracists. Conspiracy theories encourage fear in general and impose a less-than-normal hue on outlook. Consumer outlook has a drastic effect on business. 

41  December 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Entrepreneurs

he true measure of wealth in a community is in its ability to produce those willing to “be” the return on the investments that others made before them. Today’s African-American business owners provide this return by garnering a sense of pride and productivity in their communities, giving young people a direct object of aspiration and, more practically, providing a place for (often) disenfranchised people to secure employment. A community with multiple small business owners can actually be seen as a sign of a healthy community. A glance at American history uncovers the reality that business ownership has been a relatively bleak road to wealth for the African American. Today’s aspiring entrepreneur, however, has a road well-lit with the lessons taught from pioneers and recent successes. Another sign of a healthy community is the presence of the past. In other words, the youth and emerging leaders will commemorate those who have pressed through difficult times and beat the odds. Statistics speak louder than ambition most times and the statistics say that a quarter of all businesses fail within the first year of operation. As time progresses, the failure rates increase; by the tenth year in business, nearly three-quarters of businesses have failed. Black-owned businesses will have first-year failure rates of approximately two to five percentage points higher than the national average. The number

grows exponentially as the ten-year mark is reached. Keeping that in mind, we want to highlight a few businesses in the Kansas City area that kept their dream alive, went forward through adversity and made brilliant decisions and stayed alive during difficult times: • Arthur Bryant’s restaurant stands out as one of the oldest and most famous restaurants in Kansas City featuring barbeque cuisine. It was founded in 1930 and has entertained prestigious and common guests alike. • One other barbeque hot spot would be Gate’s Barbeque. It was established in 1946 and continues to thrive as one of the best in Kansas City. • The Call newspaper was established 1919 and has served as an informational and news guide to the black community since then. • Ralph C. Johnson & Company was established in 1971 as a certified public accounting firm. • Unified Tek Corp. was established in 2001 and serves the technology needs of the business community. • Control Environment Products was established in 1991 and is a valued supplier of janitorial, cleaning and medical supplies. • Custom Engineering was founded in 1974 and provides mechanical services.

Debra L. Reed Named Chairman of Sempra Energy

Business

he board of directors of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE) has announced that CEO Debra L. Reed has been elected chairman of the company.

Debra L. Reed Effective December 1, Reed will succeed Donald E. Felsinger, 65, who is retiring at the end of this month after a 40-year career with the company. Reed was named Sempra Energy’s CEO in June of last year. “In her year-and-a-half as CEO, Debbie Reed has helped Sempra Energy become a top performer in

our industry,” Felsinger said. “She has sharpened our strategic focus

and continued to build value for our shareholders. Our board and I believe that Debbie will be most effective in serving our shareholders and customers in the dual role of chairman and CEO.” Reed, 56, has worked for the Sempra Energy companies for 34 years. Prior to her appointment as CEO last year, she was executive vice president of Sempra Energy. Previously, from 2006 to 2010, she served as president and CEO of Sempra Energy’s two largest subsidiaries, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) and Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas). She also was chief operating officer of the two utilities, after initially being appointed president of SDG&E in 2000. Reed first joined the company in 1978 as an energy systems engineer at SoCalGas. In 1988, she became the first female officer appointed at SoCalGas. In 2011 and 2012, Reed was recognized as one of Fortune magazine’s “50 Most Powerful Women in Business.” She also was recognized by Forbes magazine as one of the nation’s most influential female CEOs.

Reed serves on the board and is the immediate past chair of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation. She also is on the board of directors of Halliburton Co. and the Board of Councilors of the University of Southern California Viterbi School of Engineering. Reed is a member of The Trusteeship, an affiliate of the International Women’s Forum. Previously, she served on the boards of directors of Genentech, Dominguez Services Corp. and Avery Dennison Corp. Reed graduated summa cum laude from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. Felsinger has been Sempra Energy’s executive chairman since June of last year. Previously, from 2006 to 2012, he served as chairman and CEO of Sempra Energy and, prior to that, as the company’s president and chief operating officer. Beginning in 1998, Felsinger led Sempra Energy’s expansion into competitive energy markets, helping to build successful businesses in energy-infrastructure development, power generation, commodities trading and liquefied natural gas. Felsinger first joined the company in 1972 as an electrical engineer at SDG&E and rose to become SDG&E’s president and CEO in 1996. Felsinger is a graduate of the Stanford University executive program and also has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Arizona. Sempra Energy, based in San Diego, is a Fortune 500 energy services holding company with 2011 revenues of $10 billion. The Sempra Energy companies’ 17,500 employees serve more than 31 million consumers worldwide. 

44  December 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

www.sempra.com

Bias, Lack of Sponsorship Biggest Barriers for Female Executive Advancement editor@diversity-executive.com

ajor businesses are not doing enough to improve the career progression of talented female executives, in contrast with recent progress in appointing female non-executive board directors, according to a study by MWM Consulting, a

•

Clear commitment by chief executives to address this

inequality, including setting defined targets and developing comprehensive programs to drive progress. Create a supportive ecosystem for women, including targeted recruitment plans; more flexible working practices; enhanced mentoring; better-managed maternity programs; and greater use of technology.

Ensure change is embedded by tackling the underlying mindsets and behaviors that create unconscious gender bias.

Companies participating in the study included AstraZeneca, BP, Coca-Cola, National Grid, RollsRoyce, SABMiller, Unilever and Vodafone. The report also drew on contributions from more than 20 female business leaders in different industries who warned of a competitive risk for businesses where few women pursued fasttrack career paths. The study also revealed that progress in appointing more female non-executive board directors — for example in the U.K., which has benefited from the Davies recommendations on boardroom diversity — has not been matched in executive ranks. Research cited by MWM showed that women comprised just 10% of executive committee membership in nine European countries and 14%in the U.S.A.  Source: MWM

45  December 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Business

board advisory and search firm (www.mwmconsulting.com). The study, involving the human resources directors of more than 70 U.K. and international corporations, identified continuing career barriers for female executives, including unconscious bias at senior management levels, a lack of active sponsorship and a loss of career

momentum for women returning from maternity leave. The report also called for businesses to follow a three-step program to reverse the trend:

•

Business

Siebert Brandford Shank’s Lisa Marie Harris on Breaking the Glass Ceiling in Municipal Finance

Lisa Marie Harris

hroughout her 20 plus year career in finance Lisa Marie Harris has held some of the top government finance positions in the State of California. In March 2012 after achieving the pinnacle of success in the world of public sector finance, Ms. Harris made the switch to the private sector, becoming a senior vice president at Siebert Brandford Shank & Company LLC (www.SBSCO.com) where she heads the San Diego office. The firm is one of the nation’s top government finance firms and also the largest women and minority owned finance firm in the United

States. Lisa Marie Harris earned a BA in economics from the University of California at Berkley and a Masters Degree in Public Policy from the University of Michigan. When she began her career in public sector finance, Lisa Marie Harris was one of few women in the field. “Twenty plus years ago there were few women on Wall Street and in public sector finance,” said Ms. Harris. “That’s become better but there are still challenges facing women and minorities.” At the age of 34 Lisa Marie Harris broke the glass ceiling by becoming

the Assistant Deputy Director of Business and Finance for the San Francisco International Airport. As the CFO of one of the world’s 30 busiest airports she oversaw an annual operating budget of $551 million dollars and a capital budget of $4.1 billion. During her tenure the airport added a 2 million square foot international terminal. Lisa Marie Harris was charged with overseeing the issuance and sale of $2 billion dollars in bonds and commercial paper to fund this critical infrastructure project. Her success at the San Francisco International Airport attracted attention in Sacramento. She was recruited by the California State Treasurer to become the Executive Director of the CA Debt and Investment Advisory Commission (CDIAC). This is the state agency that provides information, education and technical assistance on debt issuance and public investments to local public agencies and public see Lisa Marie Harris on page 47

46  December 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Lisa Marie Harris from page 46

finance professionals. In 2005 Lisa Marie Harris was awarded the Black Business Association’s Special Recognition Award for creating “Tools to Revitalize California Communities”. This educational program informed local public officials and communities about financing tools offered through the State Treasurer’s office and other state entities for economic development. The Tools program’s success can be attributed to a comprehensive marketing plan that she developed which included an annual conference. In 2005, the conference held in conjunction with UCLA attracted over 500 participants. Prior to joining Siebert Brandford Shank, Lisa Marie Harris served

for a most coveted position as an advisor to the Committee on Government Debt Management of GFOA serving a three year term beginning January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2015.

Siebert Brandford Shank & Company LLC Siebert, Brandford Shank & Company (SBSCO), founded in 1996 is the nation’s largest women and minority owned municipal finance firm and has been ranked as one of the nation’s top 10 municipal finance firms by Bond Buyer. In 2011 SBSCO served as a managing underwriter for municipal bonds exceeding $54 billion in aggregate par amount of which it was senior manager on 31 transactions ($5.8 billion) and cosenior manager on 21 transactions ($7.4 billion). The firm is ranked among the top 10 in numerous key infrastructure categories including Airports (4th), Seaports & Marine Terminals (4th), Water & Sewer (6th), Toll Roads, Highways and Streets (6th), Transportation (7th), AMT private activity (8th), Statelevel Issuers (10th), General Purpose & Public Improvements (10th), and Fixed-rate debt.  Butler Associates LLC, Public Relations

The

Suzanne Shank, President/CEO, Partner, Siebert Brandford Shank & Company LLC for seven years as San Diego County’s Chief Deputy Treasurer. Her responsibilities included investing and managing more than $5 billion of public funds. At the time she was the only African American

Black Business News Group Wishes You a Happy, Healthy, & Prosperous

2013

47  December 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Business

woman in the State of California to hold the position of Chief Deputy Treasurer among the state’s 58 counties Treasurer’s Offices. Ms. Harris said that her best decision while in county government was to eliminate Lehman Brothers investment holdings from the county’s holdings. That decision protected San Diego County taxpayers from millions of losses. As a wife and the mother of two children Lisa Marie Harris is familiar with the unique challenges facing women, especially those in high pressure and high visibility public service positions. She has sought to give more women an opportunity to rise among the ranks of public finance professionals. She founded the San Diego chapter of Women in Public Finance (WPF) a prominent national organization with a mission to advance women’s career leadership opportunities. Lisa Marie Harris is a recent past member of the Board of Directors of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). She has served as a member of the GFOA Debt and Treasury and Investment Management Committees, the GFOA Special Review Committee for Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports (CAFR) and the Chair of the Black Caucus of GFOA. She was just recently appointed

GRANTS.GOV LISTINGS The following grant opportunity postings may be found on the Grants.gov Find Opportunities service: DOS Department of State Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs U.S. Embassy Islamabad PAS Grants Program, Modification 8 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=114273

Business

USAID Agency for International Development Afghanistan USAID-Kabul Public Private Innovative Development Initiative, Modification 3 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=129593 USAID Agency for International Development Kazakhstan USAID-Almaty Development Through Regional Cooperation, Modification 5 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=172393 DOT Department of Transportation DOT/Office of Small & Disadvantaged Utilization Notice of Funding Availability for the Small Business Transportation Resource Center Program, Modification 3 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=177273 HHS Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Immunization and Vaccines for Children Program, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178334 DOI Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service

Assessing Management Needs to Enhance Recovery for the Eastern Massasauga, year four Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178353 HHS Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health Population Architecture Using Genomics and Epidemiology (PAGE), Phase II Study Investigators (U01), Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178354 HHS Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health Population Architecture Using Genomics and Epidemiology (PAGE), Phase II, Coordinating Center (U01), Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178355 HHS Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Cooperative Agreement for the Development, Operation, and Evaluation of an Entertainment Education Program, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178356 DOI Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management BLM CA Lassen Land and Trails Trust LLTT Modoc Line, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178357 ED Department of Education Upward Bound Math and Science Program - CFDA 84.047M, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178373

ED Department of Education National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)-Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program-RERCs--Recreational Technologies Exercise Physiology Benefiting Individuals Disabilities, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178393 NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA Headquarters E.2 Leading Edge Aeronautics Research for NASA (LEARN), Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178394 ED Department of Education National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)-Disability Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program-Disability, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178413 USDOT Department of the Treasury Community Development Financial Institutions FY 2012 Bank Enterprise Award Program, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178433 DOI Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service University of California, Davis Species Project, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178453 NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA Headquarters COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT ON ASTROPHYSICS EXPLORER MISSIONS OF OPPORTUNITY, Grant

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GRANTS.GOV LISTINGS from page 48

www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178473 DOI Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management BLM NV Nevada Ecological Site Descriptions State and Transition Models Development, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178474 DOI Department of the Interior National Park Service Estimating grizzly bear use of large ungulate carcasses with GPS telemetry data, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178493

DOI Department of the Interior National Park Service Developing Chesapeake Youth Corps Network, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178496 DOI Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management BLM WY 2012 Challenge Cost Share Program, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178497 DOI Department of the Interior National Park Service Signage and Related Interpretive Media Along the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail in Metro DC, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178513

DOI Department of the Interior National Park Service War of 1812 in Southern Maryland: Traveling Exhibit and Traveling Trunks, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178515 DOI Department of the Interior National Park Service Assisting in Development of Potomac River Segment of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake and Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trails, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178516 DOI Department of the Interior National Park Service Interns CLI/LCS, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178517 DOI Department of the Interior National Park Service Development of LandScope Chesapeake, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178533

Irrigation Water Delivery Metering Project, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178573 DOI Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Mark Processing, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178574 DOI Department of the Interior National Park Service Technology Enhanced Interpretation Development, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178593 DOS Department of State Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Middle East Partnership Initiative Tomorrow’s Leaders Scholarship, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178594 DOI Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service DURHAM DAM, Modification 1 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178613 DOI Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Chumstick Barrier Removal Phase 4, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178633 

DOI Department of the Interior National Park Service Cooperative Agreement for the identification of sites and structures significant in Hispanic heritage, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178553 DOI Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation - Pacific Northwest Region

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Business

DOD Department of Defense Air Force Academy STEM Outreach to K-12 Schools in Southern Colorado, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178494

DOI Department of the Interior National Park Service Heritage Partnerships Program 3D Digital Documentation, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178514

Starbucks Buying Teavana, Eyes Repeat of Coﬀee Success By Lisa Baertlein and Martinne Geller

Business

tarbucks Corp (SBUX.O) said on Wednesday it plans to buy tea store chain Teavana Holdings Inc (TEA.N) for $620 million, aiming to replicate the success it has had with its namesake coffee shops. Teavana has about 300 shopping mall stores that sell loose-leaf, exotic teas. In addition to opening standalone Teavana stores in the United States and abroad, Starbucks will add tea bars that serve prepared drinks in existing Teavana stores, Starbucks Chief Executive Howard Schultz told Reuters. S t a r b u c k s opened its first espresso bar inside a store in 1987, when it had 11 stores selling only whole bean coffee. “We will do something very similar over time with Teavana,” said Schultz, who now oversees about 18,000 Starbucks stores around the world. “We will do for tea what we did for coffee.” The deal marks the third complementary acquisition over the past year from Starbucks, which is

looking for new avenues of growth beyond its core coffee business. On a conference call, Schultz called tea “the opportunity of a lifetime”. Teavana Chief Executive Andy Mack is forecasting 500 total Teavana stores by 2015. The world’s largest coffee shop operator will pay $15.50 per share in cash for Teavana, a 54 percent

United States, Mexico, Canada and Kuwait, jumped 52.5 percent to close at $15.45 on the New York Stock Exchange. “This could be one of the smartest acquisitions that Starbucks has done yet,” said William Blair & Co analyst Sharon Zackfia, who covers both Starbucks and Teavana. “The valuation was great for this kind of fast-growing retailer,” she

premium to the company’s closing price on the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday. Shares of Atlanta-based Teavana, which has stores in the

said, adding that the unit economics at Teavana are “exceptional” and proven across every geography in the United States.

50  December 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

see Teavana on page 51

Teavana from page 50

“That’s rare for an early-stage retailer” and signals that Teavana is addressing unmet demand, she said.

TWO FOR TEA This is not Starbucks’ first venture into the $40 billion-plus global tea market.

Starbucks bought Tazo tea for $8.1 million in 1999. That business now brings in more than $1 billion in annual sales of products such as tea bags and bottled tea drinks through its own shops and the grocery aisles of many retailers. On Friday, Starbucks will open its first Tazo tea store in Seattle. That store will act as a “laboratory” for Teavana, Schultz said. “The two brands will co-exist,” Schultz said, who added that Starbucks will develop a line of “super premium” Teavana branded products for retail sale. The acquisition will take advantage of Starbucks’ existing infrastructure and skills, Schultz said. “There’s no incremental expense other than building new stores and new tea bars,” said Schultz. The Teavana deal comes on the heels of the company’s acquisitions of juice company Evolution

Fresh and La Boulange Bakery. Starbucks bought Evolution Fresh for $30 million in November 2011. It announced the $100 million deal for the bakery in June. Teavana “is a natural fit with Starbucks’ evolving brand portfolio,” Morningstar analyst RJ Hottovy said. News of the Teavana deal was first reported by the Atlanta Business Chronicle. Teavana investors holding about 70 percent of its outstanding shares of common stock have approved the merger agreement, Starbucks and Teavana said in a statement. Starbucks said it expects the deal to close by the end of the year and to add 1 cent per share in earnings in fiscal 2013. Shares of Starbucks fell 2.9 percent to $48.84 on Nasdaq.  (Additional Reporting Brad Dorfman in Chicago; Editing by Leslie Adler, Carol Bishopric, Richard Pullin and Paul Tait)

www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/15/ us-teavana-starbucksidUSBRE8AD1JW20121115

Business

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

Must Have Mobile Apps for Small Business Owners

Business

by Melinda Emerson

s a small business owner these days, you must leverage digital technology to perform as many work duties as possible. If you have brick-andmortar locations and spend a lot of time on the road away from the stores, you need technology. If you have employees or freelancers who work remotely—like from their homes or a local coffee shop–you must have tools to collaborate. You want to be able to engage team members or potential business partners across the globe. Whether you need to manage your business remotely while attending a conference or run your entire business from your cellphone, you must make sure you have the right tools to save time and money. Fortunately, technology enables you to work on the business from wherever you need or want to be.

coffee. •Smart Phone: It doesn’t have to be the most expensive model out there, but you need something that allows you to download the apps you need to remotely manage your business and check your email. •Portable Hot Spot: Free Wi-Fi at your local Starbucks or hotel is great – but they may not be the most secure options for connecting to the web. In many cases your smart phone, tablet or even mp3 player already has the capability to provide wireless internet connectivity. Check with your current provider for options and rates. •Encrypted Data Storage: You may already have USB data drives (thumb drives) that you use to upload and store files and images. Make sure those drives are encrypted, that way if you lose it – any sensitive data will be protected.

Here Are Your Mobile Office Must Haves

There’s an app for that.

•Laptop or Tablet: Make sure you have a mobile computer and an additional device. You’ll need the backup in case the one on location with you crashes, gets stolen or has an accidental run-in with a cup of

With those basic technology components in place, here’s a quick list of productivity tools and apps to jumpstart your use of technology tools in your small business. Dropbox: This tool allows you to securely store and share files with

clients, your team or your staff. By using this app, you can always access your files from any device. Time Trade: You don’t need an assistant to schedule meetings anymore. This tool allows meeting invitees to schedule a meeting based on the best available times you make available. Freshbooks: For sending and managing invoices to clients. Invoices can be customized with your logo. Freshbooks has a huge number of applications that they integrate with including PayPal. Basecamp: This tool is a solid project management and collaboration tool that lets you send messages, store documents, and track tasks related to specific projects. Sugar Sync: Securely back-up your files and access those files from any location. RingCentral: Provides instant-on phone, fax and messaging services, with features including toll-free numbers, dedicated fax lines and multiple extensions. GoToMyPC: Lets you remotely access your personal computer from any web-connected location. see Must Have Mobile Apps on page 53

52  December 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Must Have Mobile Apps from page 52

About the Author: Melinda F. Emerson, known to many as SmallBizLady (https://twitter.com/ smallbizlady) is America’s

#1 small business expert. As CEO of Quintessence Multimedia, Melinda educates entrepreneurs and Fortune 500 companies on subjects including small business startup, business development and social media marketing to fulfill her mission to end small business failure. She writes a weekly column on social media for The New York Times. Forbes Magazine named her #1 woman for entrepreneurs to follow on Twitter. She hosts #SmallBizChat Wednesdays on Twitter 8-9pm ET for emerging entrepreneurs. She also publishes a resource blog http://www. succeedasyourownboss.com. Melinda is also the bestselling author of Become Your Own Boss in 12 months; A Month-by-Month Guide to a Business That Works. Ms. Emerson, @SmallBizLady’s has a new ebook “How to Become a Social Media Ninja: 101 Ways to Knock Out Your Competition Online” in which she is sharing 101 of her best tips that she has used to build the Small Biz Lady brand and her business. http://blog.pgi.com/2012/10/ must-have-mobile-apps-for-smallbusiness-owners www.succeedasyourownboss.com

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Business

Sales Cloud: Every small business needs a Customer Relationship Management system. A great option is Salesforce’s CRM option Sales Cloud. This platform enables you to manage leads, prospects, and customer relationships from your laptop or mobile device. Hootsuite: This tool provides a dashboard that allows you to manage multiple accounts and platforms from one place. With the paid version your team can log in to share content on behalf of your brand. RoboForm: Save, manage and access your log-in information from anywhere. It syncs with your desktop and mobile devices. Evernote: The ultimate tool for managing your notes, web clips, files and images – think of it like virtual post-it notes. Whatever you save can be synched to your desktop, phone, laptop, or tablet. iMeet: This cloud-based video

conferencing tool can be used for face-to-face meetings with capabilities to convene up to 15 people. The best part is there’s no software to download for participants to use the service. EchoSign: For sending contracts and documents that require signatures. Echosign lets you (and the receiver) sign documents electronically. 

Closing the Deal: How to Secure the Deal in 4 Easy Steps from Kim Anthony

Business

re you about to respond to a highstakes request for proposal (RFP)? If you want to improve your chances of successfully closing the deal, here are the steps you need to take. Establish your baseline credibility. A lot of businesses just respond to the prospective client’s request without even introducing themselves and establishing their credibility. They seem to be in such a hurry to secure the deal that they overlook the fact that they need to let the clients know why they should even be considered for the job in the first place. Needless to say, this is definitely not the right way to start a solid business relationship. Let the clients know who you are and why you are qualified to give them the professional help they need. Just don’t go overboard by putting words in their mouths since doing so can be a definite deal breaker. Get to know what the client needs. As soon as you make your pitch, you should change gears and assume the role of an advisor. Start asking the right questions and listen to what your prospects have to say to find out what they really need. Take the time to really understand

the client. You need this to do your job well. Make a recommendation. After carefully analyzing your prospect’s needs, you should be able to come up with a solid recommendation. Be confident enough to articulate your proposal. After all, you are the expert and these people want to hear what you have to say. Feel free to come up with two or three alternative plans of action as well so your prospects can choose one that will best suit their needs.

the tables and let your prospects decide how to move forward. Keep in mind that you are close to sealing the deal so you need to be flexible enough to meet their needs. So, if your prospects need to see some changes regarding the approach that you should take or want you to incorporate certain requests, feel free to discuss these things with them. If they want to negotiate about the price, hear them out and try to work something out. 

Be flexible enough to meet their needs. So many companies fail to secure the deal because they failed to yield to their prospects’ needs. Now that you have gone this far into the discussion, you should turn

54  December 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Small Business’ Recipe for Growth in 2013

Tech Tools:

One Part Staﬃng - Two Parts Technology by Amora McDaniel

Business

ere’s the recipe small business will follow for growth in 2013: Add one part staffing and two parts technology. Payroll company Paychex (www.paychex.com) asked small businesses about their plans for 2013 and found that a majority of them plan to maintain their staffing levels but anticipate growth in their mobile-technology and socialmedia adoption. Only 20 percent of small businesses expect to increase staffing next year, but up to 65 percent surveyed are using mobile technology to get their businesses in gear. Other findings—small businesses are diversifying their use of socialmedia channels. Of the small businesses that use social media: • • • • •

42% use Facebook 41% use LinkedIn 25% use Google + 22% use Twitter 14% use Pinterest

Paychex compiled the full results of their small-business survey findings in the infographics shown here.  http://upstart.bizjournals.com/news/ wire/2012/11/20/small-businessgrowth-game-plan-for-2013.html

Quote of Note... “I’m committed to solving our fiscal challenges,” he said. “But I refuse to accept any approach that isn’t balanced. I am not going to ask students and seniors and middleclass families to pay down the entire deficit while people like me, making over $250,000, aren’t asked to pay a dime more

in taxes. I’m not going to do that.” President Barack H. Obama

56  December 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Beware!! Bionic Mannequins Spy on You as You Shop

Tech Tools:

By Charlie Osborne age, race and gender of shoppers. Almax says that as the mannequins stand at customer level, it can give businesses a better idea of customer trends and how to feature their products accordingly. As an example, one outlet changed their window displays after data suggested men who shopped in the early days of a sale spent more than women. This kind of technology could help stores profile their customers and produce a better, more tailored product range, but it is not without opposition. Christopher Mesnooh, a partner at Parisian law firm Field Fisher Waterhouse, believes that spying on consumers purely for commercial rather than security gains may break U.S. and E.U. privacy regulations. “If you go on Facebook, before you start the registration process, you can see exactly what information they are going to collect and what they’re going to do with it,” Mesnooh told the publication. “If you’re walking into a store, where’s the choice?” Almax isn’t stopping there. The company says it is testing technology which will allow the mannequins to eavesdrop on customer conversations, in order to collect reviews over the model’s clothing.  www.smartplanet.com/blog/ bulletin/bionic-mannequins-spyon-you-as-you-shop/6404?tag=nl. e660&s_cid=e660 Image credit: Almax

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Business

t may not only be obvious ceiling cameras that will be following your movements in retail stores. Mannequins may also be keeping their eye on you. Shoplifting is a major issue worldwide. In the U.K., perfume is the top contender, but fashion and other retail outlets also have their fair share of sticky-fingered

customers. In order to combat this — and profile their customers — some fashion outlets are employing b i o n i c mannequins, designed by Italian firm Almax Spa, that include high-tech c a m e r a s hidden within the model’s eyes. Bloomberg reports that the EyeSee mannequins (www.eyesee. be) are being used to track and collect customer data, and currently “a few dozen” have been employed in stores in Europe and the United States. Each model costs $5,130 and looks stereotypical from the outside, complete with a polystyrene frame and a blank face. Inside, however, a camera embedded in one eye sends data to facial-recognition software which is used by the police to track criminals. In addition, this software logs the

Editorial:

Gratitude

by Emily Tipping, Editorial Director, Premium Incentive Products

Business

ovember has long been my favorite month... This month brings daily reminders of gratitude. Thankfulness. On Facebook, I see people posting about what they’re grateful for, from kids and family to the most recent Bears win. And soon enough they’ll all be sitting down with friends and family around the Thanksgiving table--that holiday that embodies gratitude and thankfulness. At the same time, you who plan incentives and rewards are likely turning your thoughts (if you haven’t already) to gifts to share with your employees, your partners and your customers. Gifts that will express your gratitude to those who’ve helped bring another year of success to your organization. While the economy might have put a stop or slowdown to some business gift programs, many businesses still recognize the value of the practice. These companies like to see employees receiving recognition, and customers getting a thanks-for-your-business - from gift cards to tins of chocolate and cookies, and more. This year, a Parago Inc. survey shows that you don’t even need to go above and beyond. More than two-thirds of workers surveyed (69%) don’t expect end-of-year gifts from their employers. At the same time, these employees are very appreciative of small rewards. More than six in 10 said that a simple $25 gift card would meet their expectations. The survey also found that rewards given at the end of the

Gratitude Symbol

year provide a nice boost to morale. Some 83% of employees said a reward would make them feel either appreciated, motivated to work harder or more loyal to the company. And, 82% said receiving an end-of-year award would mean they had done a good job and worked hard or that their employer appreciates and values them. “This data shows a huge opportunity for employers to foster a loyal environment and maintain a productive workforce, because employees are satisfied with smaller holiday rewards and feel even more appreciated when they receive,” said Juli Spottiswood, President/

CEO of Parago. You can make a meaningful difference in how your employees feel about their work, how your partners and your customers feel about doing business with you, through this simple act of recognition. It’s a win-win situation, isn’t it? There’s no reason not to spread the gratitude around. With so much thankfulness in the air, be sure you’re ready to recognize and reward all the players who’ve made your business a success this year.  www.PIPmag.com

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Tech Tools:

New Self-Publishing Company Opens Door for Aspiring Authors

imon & Schuster, Inc., and Author Solutions, Inc. (ASI) have announced the launch of Archway Publishing, a new self-publishing service with a focus on fiction, non- fiction, business and children’s categories. “Through Archway Publishing, Simon & Schuster is pleased to be part of the rapidly expanding selfpublishing segment of our industry,” said Carolyn Reidy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Simon & Schuster. “Self-publishing has become a viable and popular route to publication for many authors, and increasingly a source of content for traditional publishers,

• Concierge Service – A Authors will have the option t work with a dedicated to publishing guide who will coordinate each step of the bo production process. book B • Bookseller’s Catalog – Archway titles will be included in Edelweiss, the leading, industry-

wide online catalog available to major retailers, wholesalers, libraries, bloggers and thousands of industry professionals. • Archway Speakers Bureau – The Archway Speaker’s Bureau, powered by Speakerfile, helps authors connect to a world of potential speaking opportunities and establish themselves as a credible voice in their field. • Premier Video Production and Distribution – Archway authors will have the opportunity to create high-quality videos and book trailers for distribution to major online video networks. “The collaboration between Simon & Schuster and Author Solutions brings an entirely new level of expertise, experience and opportunity to the marketplace. It truly is the best time in history to be an author,” said Author Solutions’ CEO Kevin Weiss. For more information about Archway Publishing or to begin publishing a book today, please visit: www.archwaypublishing. com.  www.bookbusinessmag.com/ article/simon-schuster-authorsolutions-launch-archwaypublishing/1

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Business

including Simon & Schuster Schuster. We’re excited that we’ll be able to help more authors find their own path

to publication and at the same time create a more direct connection to those selfpublished authors ready to make the leap to traditional publishing.” According to Bowker, selfpublishing is one of the fastest growing sectors in the publishing industry, with 211,269 self-published titles (based on ISBNs) released last year alone, up more than 60% from 133,036 titles in 2010. Through ASI, a leading provider of professional self-publishing services, Archway selfis offering o the premier publishing solution for authors interested in solu achieving their publishing goals ach and reaching their audiences through self-publishing. thro Archway Publishing will offer a A wide wid range of editorial, design, distribution and marketing dis services, provided by Author se Solutions So to help authors create the th highest quality self-published b books. In addition, the following s services will be Archway P Publishing exclusives:

Celebrate Christmas & New Years 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. lostphotosapp.com

www.intsig.com INTSIG

has

developed

www.flintmo.com Flint Mobile Pay takes the hassle out of mobile credit card processing – there’s no extra hardware and no merchant account needed. All you need is your phone. The app securely scans the card number instead of relying on a card reader accessory. Flint also offers customizable receipts and other tools including integrated Facebook marketing so you can increase engagement with your customers. Especially good for people who do business outside a storefront or countertop setting. Why you’ll like it: Easy Credit Card Processing: Built for doing business on-the-go without any extra hardware. The app automatically scans the card number using the camera. Get Started in Minutes: 1. Download the free Flint app. 2. Sign up to activate your Flint account. 3. Start accepting credit card payments. Low Transaction Fees: 1.95% +$ 0.20 per transaction for debit cards. 2.95%+$0.20 per

transaction for credit cards. Supports VISA and MasterCard Debit and Credit cards (approximately 90% of all card payment transactions). Get Paid Quickly: Funds are generally deposited to your account within two business days by our industry leading banking partner. Deposits to pre-paid card accounts are not supported at this time. Transaction Detail and Void tool: Double click on a transaction line item from history on mobile or online to see detailed breakdown of charge (base price, sales tax, tips, and applicable transaction fees). Integrated button to void a charge if needed. Safe & Secure: Flint has integrated with leading financial services and infrastructure companies to provide a secure and reliable experience. Information is protected in accordance with PCI and industry guidelines. iPhone5 Friendly: Since there’s no dongle, there’s no need to worry about the headset jack being located on the bottom of the new iPhone. If you’re any small business that operates outside of a typical storefront environment, Flint is the ideal way to accept credit card payments.  Submitted by LaSandra Stratton, Chief Content Administrator of the Black Business News.

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Business

Lost Photos (compatible with both bot MAC and PC an computers) er mines your eyo mail and m recovers re any and a all phoa tos that t you’ve sent or received. So, when recei ed So hen you o can’t locate that “can’t loose” photo, try the Lost Photos app. Lost Photos has a very sleek and functional graphical user interface, and being able to share discovered photos via Facebook, Twitter, and email from within the application is really smart... Cost: $2.99

portfolio of applications comprising CamCard, CamScanner and CamDictionary as well as Contacts Kit, enabling users to access and manage digitized information anytime and anywhere more effectively. All applications can be used across different platforms including iOS, Android, BlackBerry, Windows Phone with support for multiple languages. CamCard – Professional Business Card Reader, one of our killing applications is selected and pre-installed in most of the business oriented handsets. Furthermore, INTSIG provides customized enterprise solutions such as business card scanning, document scanning and management, business contact management, expense management and so on.

Charitable Giving Suggestions It’s That Time of Year

he Black Business News is following our tradition of providing a few brief profiles of organizations org that would b e n e f i t from your business, a n d personal, charitable donations (see Black (s Business N e w s November N 2012 for the 20 prior list of giving opportunities). These donations become part of the deductions that help to reduce our 2012 tax requirement. The benefits of acts of charity go way beyond a reduction in our local and federal tax burdens. Being part of the revilization of our nation and people around the world through giving is simply good citizenship.

Community/Public Interest

GIVING IS NOT A BURDEN, IT IS A PRIVILEGE.

Save Africa’s Children

ince 2002 Save Africa’s Children (SAC) has provided direct support and care to orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS, poverty and war throughout SubSaharan Africa and the Caribbean. SAC partners with individuals, churches, grassroots organizations, government and corporate sectors, endeavoring to build a dynamic, diverse movement to restore hope and a future for Africa’s children. Visit the SAC website at www. saveafricaschildren.org to read about the many service programs supported by SAC. Here is one example of how your donations will

be applied in the service of children. Zimbabwe: Marirangwe Primary School: In 2008, when the nation of Zimbabwe was experiencing food shortages Marirangwe Preschool Center was founded. Child Resource Institute (CRIZ) saw the necessity in implementing a pre-school program in poverty stricken communities where many children were not receiving the required amounts of nutrition. The pre-school would provide early childhood education opportunities and ensure that each child receive proper meals during the day. With support from Save Africa’s Children (SAC), the organization developed Marirangwe Primary School. CRIZ hired teachers for the vulnerable children enrolled in the program. At the time, the school was housed in a barn and

sometimes in the homes of caretakers. S A C provided a grant of $5,000.00 to assist Bishop Charles Blake with the construction of a pre-school center. The building was completed in 2010 and officially opened in March of 2011. In August of 2011, on the annual delegation trip to Africa, Bishop Charles E. Blake, Founder/CEO, donated an additional $3,000.00 to the program which was used to install a toilet (bathroom) and to install security bars on the windows see Charitable Giving on page 67

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Charitable Giving from page 66

and doors. Marirangwe has been recognized by the Ministry of Education as the most developing school in the Mashonaland East Province of Zimbabwe. Although the preschool was initially created only for orphaned and vulnerable children, its reputation for high academic standards allowed the school to open its door to children from all economic backgrounds. CRIZ (Child R e s o u r c e I n s t i t u t e Zimbabwe www.icrichild.org/ zimbabwe) is a

WaterAid America

aterAid transforms lives by improving access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation in the world’s poorest communities. We work with partners and influence decision-makers to maximize our impact. We work with local partners, who understand local issues, and provide them with the skills and support to help communities set up and manage practical and sustainable projects that meet their real needs. We also work locally and internationally to change policy and practice and ensure that water, hygiene and sanitation’s vital role in

wherever women lack access to safe and adequate sanitation. Sandimhia Renato, 18, from Mozambique, walks 15 minutes every day to answer the call of nature in the bush. “Sometimes when I go, I feel ashamed and go back without defecating. Sometimes I wait until dark to go there so no one can see me. I will be very concerned about Diani, my daughter, going to the bush because it is so far from here. At night it is very dangerous. People get killed. A woman and a boy were killed with knives. One woman I know of has been raped,” stated Renato. The survey also disclosed that poor hygiene has serious implications on health. “Every day, over 1,000 African mothers lose a child to diarrhoeal diseases caused by a lack of adequate sanitation and clean water,” stated Water Aid. “Lack see Charitable Giving on page 68

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Community/Public Interest

non-governmental organization which operates pre-school sites that serve orphans and vulnerable children with quality childcare based on six best practices from around the world. www.saveafricaschildren. org

reducing poverty is recognized. World Toilet Day (November 19, 2012) provided a means of highlighting one critical and challenging aspect of the need for continuing support of water-related hygiene and sanitation programs. About 70% of African women lack a safe toilet, which has increased their risk to illness, shame, harassment and violence, according to a survey conducted by Water Aid. It stated that seven in ten women in sub-Saharan Africa have no access to a safe toilet, threatening their health and exposing them to shame, fear and even violence. The report released ahead of World Toilet Day, revealed that one in five women had first or second-hand experience of verbal harassment and intimidation or had been threatened or physically assaulted in the last year while visiting the toilet. Water Aid chief executive officer Barbara Frost stated that anecdotal evidence from many African countries suggested that the scale of the problem might be very large. “When women don’t have a safe, secure and private place to go to the toilet they are exposed and put in a vulnerable position and when they relieve themselves in the open, they risk harassment. Women are reluctant to talk about it or complain,

but the world cannot continue to ignore this,” Frost stated. “This World Toilet Day, Water Aid is joining the call of hundreds of organisations around the world, for governments to keep the promises they have made to get adequate sanitation and safe water to the world’s poorest people”. Other studies from Uganda and Kenya show that such experiences of fear, indignity and violence appear to be common in Africa

Charitable Giving from page 67

of decent sanitation also affects productivity and livelihoods. Women and girls living in sub-Saharan Africa without toilet facilities spend 20 billion hours each year finding a place to go in the open.” www. wateraidamerica.org

Innovate Salone

Community/Public Interest

ow do you transform societies where development and innovation are part of an intrinsic cultural fabric? How can you transform individuals from the passive role of users of technological advancements to active makers of the technology and solutions that will impact their nation? We believe the answer lies in the youth and by instilling in them passion for the ingenuity and the diligence, required for innovation. This is exactly what Innovate Salone has done and is continuing to do. Innovate Salone is about the Now and Future of Sierra Leone. We challenge Sierra Leonean youths to design the solutions to complex problems in their local and national communities. In the first year of implementation, Innovate Salone supported and mentored over 300 secondary students, students that are successfully developing prototypes including a locally fabricated FM radio station from recycled and used electronic and metals. Over 70 applications that proposed technological and educational solutions in areas such as Health, Energy and Education were submitted from seven districts in Sierra Leone. What Innovate Salone has demonstrated is that the youth are anxious for more ways to be at the forefront of the development of their country - whether that be through designing innovative technology

with limited resources or changing educational mediums. There is a supply of bright, motivated and diligent youth ready to accept the challenge of building Sierra Leone into an Innovative Nation. But these youth need help and support to meet that challenge. Innovate Salone 2013 wants to empower more youths and support even more innovative solutions. We are looking for funds to support: • H a l f - a - d a y hackathons: to introduce the concept of design thinking and problem solving processes using local and readily available materials; • P r o t o t y p e Development: We want to support youths to develop tangible prototypes for solutions relevant to their communities; • Creating a network of supportive mentors: to assist each team with the development of their prototype; • Summer Innovation Camp: culminating 3-day event of Innovate Salone, which brings together finalist teams so that they can share their inventions and develop their critical thinking and collaboration skills. To put your donation into perspective: • $10 will provide transportation for 1 maker who attends the Summer Innovation Camp • $50 will pay for feeding for 2 makers at the Summer Innovation Camp • $250 will be a monthly stipend for 1 Innovate Salone Fellow

• $500 will provide a Finalist Award to support 1 team of makers in developing a prototype of their invention • $1000 will help support 1 winning team of makers to develop prototypes for a year Support other Innovate Competitions across the world: Other groups working in collaboration with Innovate Salone have understood the importance of our work. We want to help them start Innovate in their communities from Detroit, to Kingston and Lusaka. www.crowdrise.com/ InnovateSalone 

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World Bank Chief: Climate Change Will be ‘Devastating’ By Charlie Osborne

by the World Bank (www.worldbank. org), prompted the call for action — which says that although climate

“devastating” consequences of climate change. The Financial Times reports that the World Bank president believes the risk of climate change and accompanying rise in temperature could result in a world of floods, sea level rises, crop damage and food shortages, water scarcity, as well as other unforeseen consequences. The findings of a recent report “Turn Down the Heat” analyzing a world 4 degrees hotter, published

change will affect every nation, the poorest will suffer. “A 4 degree warmer world can, and must be, avoided –- we need to hold warming below 2 degrees,” said Kim. “Lack of action on climate change threatens to make the world our children inherit a completely different world than we are living in today. Climate change is one of the single biggest challenges facing development, and we need to assume the moral responsibility

to take action on behalf of future generations, especially the poorest.” Dr. Kim hopes the report will “shock us into action”. As global warming is increased by the burning of fossil fuels — including coal, oil and gas — we may not be seeing the full effects yet, but the World Bank can foresee a future where devastating natural disasters become commonplace. see Climate Change on page 70

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Community/Public Interest

The World Bank president Jim Yong Kim has called for urgent measures to combat the

Climate Change from page 69

Community/Public Interest

As an example, heat waves like the one in Russia two years ago which led to thousands of deaths and an estimate $15bn of economic damage “are likely to become the new normal summer in a 4°C world”, according to the study. If temperatures rise by more than 2 degrees, it is believed by many scientists that this alone will trigger dangerous consequences.

The International Energy Agency recently said that without a worldwide agreement to slow this process and cut carbon emissions, the threat would be “locked in” by 2017. The world’s temperature has risen 0.8 degrees from preindustrial levels, but with smarter use of fossil fuels and energy conservation techniques, the World Bank believes that levels can be held below 2 degrees. “The world must tackle the

problem of climate change more aggressively,” Kim said. “Greater adaptation and mitigation efforts are essential and solutions exist. We need a global response equal to the scale of the climate problem, a response that puts us on a new path of climate smart development and shared prosperity. But time is very short.”  www.smartplanet.com/blog/ bulletin/world-bank-chiefclimate-change-will-be8216devastating/6032?tag=nl.e660

First Lady Michelle Obama with Lets Move! Program Winners

Let’s Move! Meetup

eetup is the world’s largest network of local groups. Meetup makes it easy for anyone to organize a local group or find one of the thousands already meeting up face-to-face. More than 9,000 groups get together in local communities each day, each one with the goal of improving themselves or their communities. Meetup’s mission is to revitalize local community and help people around the world self-organize. Meetup believes that people can

Let’s Move! has a national goal of solving the problem of childhood obesity within a generation. We want to spark face-to-face meetings and activities to find local solutions. A Let’s Move! Meetup is flexible -- i.e. a discussion, a physical activity in the park or a healthy cooking class -- just be sure to include the details in the event notes. It’s going to take all of us to tackle the challenge, so Let’s Move! to end the epidemic of childhood obesity together.

Start a Let’s Move! Meetup Folks like Let’s Move!, Foursquare,

Etsy, Mashable and others have sparked hundreds of Meetups in just a few weeks. It’s easier than you’d think, but there are some tricks that will make you more successful (http://meetupeverywhere.tumblr. com). We’ve assembled examples on setup (http://meetupeverywhere. t u m b l r. c o m / t a g g e d / s e t u p ) , getting the word out (http:// meetupeverywhere.tumblr.com/ tagged/promote) and how to cultivate and celebrate (http:// meetupeverywhere.tumblr.com/ tagged/engagement). Riff on them, do it better… if you put together something awesome, Meetup will highlight you too! The most important step is to get started, so have fun and be sure to holler with any questions!  www.meetup.com/Lets-Move

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Community/Public Interest

change their personal world, or the whole world, by organizing themselves into groups that are powerful enough to make a difference.

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

FARMERSFIELD.COM

Africa Confidential on Conflict in Mali www.africa-confidential.com

International

o one could accuse West Africa of rushing into a war in northern Mali. It is eight months since the putsch by dissident soldiers in Bamako against President Amadou Toumani Touré and the subsequent takeover of the north by jihadist militias. It was not until 11 November that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) met in Abuja, Nigeria and finally agreed to send in troops: 3,300 from Nigeria, Niger, Senegal and Burkina Faso. They will fight beside the 5,000 Malian soldiers who will lead the campaign to reconquer the three northern provinces: Timbuktu, Gao and Kidal. France, Britain and Germany are offering 200 military trainers and air support. Neighbouring Algeria and

Mauritania won’t join the campaign but have promised not to obstruct it and may help with logistics. The military plan has been accepted by ECOWAS and the

Peace and Security Council of the African Union. This week, the Chairwoman of the AU Commission, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, is in Paris meeting top officials at the same time as Niger’s President, Mahamadou Issoufou, who has already toured Europe to alert governments to the growing security threats in the Sahel. Next stop is the United Nations Security Council, which asked to see the detailed plan by 26 November. It is also expected to back it unanimously and offer finance. France wants the soldiers to move as soon as possible, Britain and the United States argue for better if lengthier preparation. Military action is unlikely before January at the earliest.  www.africa-confidential.com 74  December 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

SADC to Explore Ways of Linking Stock Exchanges

Zimbabwe Stock Exchange

Mauritius, Bolsa de Valores de Mozambique, Namibian Stock Exchange, South Africa`s JSE Ltd, Swaziland Stock Exchange, Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange of Tanzania, Zambia`s Lusaka Stock Exchange, and the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange. “Stock exchanges have their roles cut out in each of our economies to augment our governments` efforts to grow national economies for the greater good and as part of the SADC region`s struggle for growth to escape poverty,” said Mrs Nkanza. “They are the channel for longterm risk capital, which is urgently needed for the region`s businesses, infrastructure providers and even governments. They also encourage saving and investment. “CoSSE members are working closely together to support SADC

initiatives and to make individual markets even more effective”. CoSSE was set up in 1997 as a collective body of the stock exchanges in SADC. It promotes co-operation and collaboration between member stock exchanges and is resourced by a secretariat, supported by the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). SADC defines CoSSE`s role in the Finance and Investment Protocol and other policy documents and CoSSE has links to ministerial and senior treasury bodies which works with the Committee of Insurance, Securities and Non-Banking Financial Authorities and the Committee of Central Bank Governors. The Herald/All Africa Global Media see SADC Stock Exchanges on page 76

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International

he Committee of Southern Africa Stock Exchanges (CoSSE) says it will explore technological ways of linking trading and order systems of Southern African Development Community (SADC) stock markets, Committee Chairperson Mrs. Beatrice Nkanza has said. This would help to increase the effectiveness of SADC`s (www. sadc.int) 10 stock exchanges. Mrs. Nkanza, who is also the Chief Executive of Lusaka Stock Exchange, said the committee was working closely with various SADC institutions to support development of regional systems, including payment and was expected to boost visibility of trading data and enhance its joint website. CoSSE members are Botswana Stock Exchange, Malawi Stock Exchange, Stock Exchange of

SADC Stock Exchanges from page 75

War-torn Somalia to Launch Stock Exchange

ar-torn Somalia is setting up a stock market to raise cash for fledging businesses, as the Horn of Africa nation seeks to rebuild from over two decades of conflict. “This will bring back confidence to the Somali people and show the international business community that Somalia is ready for business,” said Idd Mohamed, a Somali diplomat and deputy representative to the United Nations. “We have done much of the paperwork, and we hope that it will be operational in the next five to seven months,” he told AFP.

The proposed stock exchange would initially operate out of Nairobi, Kenya since Somalia is currently riven between rival clans, government troops, Islamist insurgents, pirates and some 17,000 African Union soldiers. Peter Mwangi, who heads Nairobi`s stock exchange, signed an agreement Wednesday with Mohamed to pave the way for the establishment of the new exchange. The agreement tasks the Nairobi stock exchange with providing for the “technical development” of the future Somali bourse. According to the World Bank, Somalia has seen significant private investment in commercial ventures, largely funded by remittances from Somalis living abroad. Noting that Somalia receives

African Stock Exchanges • Bolsa de Valores of Cape Verde - www.bvc.cv (in Portuguese) • Bond Exchange of South Africa - www.bondexchange. co.za • Botswana Stock Exchange www.bse.co.bw • Bourse Regionale des Valeurs Mobilieres - UEMOA (Abidjan, Ivory Coast) - www.brvm.org • Casablanca Stock Exchange (Morocco) - www.casablancabourse.com/bourseweb/index. aspx • Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (Tanzania) - www. dse.co.tz • Douala Stock Exchange (Cameroon) - www.douala-stockexchange.com/index_us.php • The Egyptian Exchange - www. egx.com.eg/English/homepage. aspx • Ethiopia Commodity Exchange - www.ecx.com.et

• Ghana Stock Exchange - www. gse.com.gh • Johannesburg Stock Exchange (South Africa) www.jse.co.za/ Home.aspx • Khartoum Stock Exchange (Sudan, in Arabic) - www.kse. com.sd • Libyan Stock Market - www. lsm.ly/_layouts/membership/ login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fEnglis h%2fPages%2fdefault.aspx • Lusaka Stock Exchange (Zambia) - www.luse.co.zm • Nairobi Stock Exchange (Kenya) - www.luse.co.zm • Malawi Stock Exchange - www. mse.co.mw • Mozambique Stock Exchange (in Portuguese) - www. bolsadevalores.co.mz • Namibian Stock Exchange -

up to $2 billion annually from the diaspora, Mohamed said that “with a well-built financial institution, the money will go a long way to improve the country`s economy.” He said the exchange would serve as a bridge between Somalis and the world. “It will be open for investors from everywhere, local or international,” he said. AFP (Agence France Presse)

www.nsx.com.na • Nigerian Stock Exchange www.nse.com.ng/Pages/default.

aspx • Stock Exchange of Mauritius www.stockexchangeofmauritius. com • Swaziland Stock Exchange www.ssx.org.sz • Tunisia Stock Exchange - www. bvmt.com.tn • Uganda Securities Exchange www.use.or.ug Read the last issue of The Exchange Magazine www.nse.co.ke/media-center/ecommunique/exchange-magazine/ category/50-free-version.html)

76  December 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Hurricane Sandy Update Council Of African Imams Masjid Aqsa 2136 8th Avenue New York, NY 10026 http://africanservices.org For Immediate Release

African Community Organizes Assistance to the Victims of Hurricane Sandy

Thank You African Services Committee is a non-profit organization founded in 1981 and dedicated to improving the health and self-sufficiency of the African community in New York City and beyond. African Services provides health, housing, legal, educational, and social services to over 10,000 newcomers each year with programs that focus on HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and support. For more information contact Bakary Tandia at (212) 222-3882 ext 2110 or Bakaryt@ africanservices.org. Additional contact persons are: Imam Souleymane Konate 1-917-4026636, Ramatu Ahmed 1-347-323-7327 and Seydina Senghor 1-917-297-8275.

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International

New York, NY- November 20, 2012 - Under the leadership of the Council of African Imams, and in partnership with African Services Committee, the African community is collecting donations to provide assistance to the victims of Hurricane Sandy in New York City. On this occasion the Council is appealing to all African religious institutions, organizations as well as individuals for their contributions. All donations should be directed to Imam Souleymane Konate. Checks should be made payable to the Council of African Imams. The Council is also collecting blankets, clothing, batteries, and cleaning materials. All collected funds and materials will be donated to The Mayor’s Fund for New York City Hurricane Relief. In times of hardship we, as Africans should join efforts with our fellows New Yorkers to face the challenges to be confronted. “Whenever our community had experienced tragedies, the response of New Yorkers has always been overwhelming,” pointed out Imam Souleymane Konate, Secretary General of the Council. Therefore, we urge you to make donations. The community counts on your generosity in this humanitarian endeavor. All checks can be mailed and/or donations can be dropped off at the Council of African Imams at the following address: 2136 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10026

Setback for First Malaria Vaccine in African Trial

International

or Mosquirix, is potentially useful, but “not the complete solution”. “The slightly lower than expected efficacy will ... affect the costbenefit analysis that health providers and funders will have to undertake before deciding whether the vaccine represents the best use of limited financial resources,” she said.

he world’s first potential said on Friday. malaria vaccine proved only That efficacy rate a year after NOT GIVING UP 30% effective in African vaccination is less than half the 65 Despite the setback, Britain’s babies in a crucial trial, calling percent in an earlier trial in babies top drugmaker said it would push into question whether it can be a which analyzed protection rates useful weapon in the fight against the deadly disease. The surprisingly poor result for the vaccine, which GlaxoSmithKline has been developing for three decades, leaves several years of work ahead before a protective malaria shot could be ready for countries that desperately need one. Malaria, a mosquitoborne parasitic disease, kills hundreds of thousands a year, mainly babies in Africa, and scientists say an effective vaccine is key to hopes to eradicate it. A young girl with malaria rests in the inpatient ward of the Malualkon Philanthropist Bill Primary Health Care Center in Malualkon, in the South Sudanese state of Gates, who helped Northern Bahr el Ghazal, June 1, 2012. Credit: Reuters/Adriane Ohanesian fund the GSK vaccine’s ahead with developing RTS,S and development, said further research after six months. It is also a lot less GSK Chief Executive Andrew Witty was now needed to see whether than the 50% rate seen in five to 17 said it could be an important tool in and how it might be used. month-olds. fighting malaria. “The efficacy came back lower Vaccinating babies, rather than “We’ve been at this for 30 years, than we had hoped, but developing toddlers, is the preferred option, and we’re certainly not going to a vaccine against a parasite is a since the new vaccine could then give up now,” he told reporters on a very hard thing to do,” he said in a be added to other routine infant conference call. statement. immunizations. A separate program GSK does not expect to make any Results from the final-stage trial for older children would involve a lot profit from the vaccine, which would with 6,537 babies aged six to 12 of extra costs. only be sold in poor countries. weeks showed the vaccine provided Eleanor Riley, a professor Witty reiterated a promise that if “modest protection”, reducing of immunology at the London RTS,S is ultimately approved for episodes of the disease by 30 School of Hygiene and Tropical market, it would be priced at cost of percent compared to immunization Medicine said the results showed with a control vaccine, researchers that GSK’s vaccine, called RTS,S see Malaria Trial on page 79 78  December 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Malaria Trial from page 78

manufacture plus a 5% margin, and the margin would be reinvested by GSK in malaria research. Given the target market, it is governments and international groups that will fund the vaccine’s roll-out, and they now need more positive data before deciding

seven countries, were presented at a medical meeting in Cape Town and published online by the New England Journal of Medicine. Witty said he would have liked to have seen efficacy rates of around 50% in infants, but stressed that more data would become available before the trial ends in 2014 which may throw more light on why rates of success are so variable. “It may open up a more customized

whether it is worth buying. “We will have to have more information to give us a clearer idea as to how useful this vaccine will be,” said Seth Berkley, CEO of the GAVI Alliance, which funds bulk-buy vaccination programs for poorer nations. In particular, Berkley told Reuters he wanted to see longer-term data, including the effect of booster shots, and an analysis of how the vaccine performed in different settings. Details of the malaria trial, which is Africa’s largest ever clinical trial involving almost 15,500 children in 79  December 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

International

approach to how this potential vaccine gets used,” he said. Malaria is caused by a parasite carried in the saliva of mosquitoes. It is endemic in more than 100 countries worldwide and infected around 216 million people in 2010, killing around 655,000 of them, according to the World Health Organisation. Control measures such as insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor spraying and anti-malaria drugs have helped cut cases and deaths significantly in recent years, but scientists say it will take an effective vaccine and many more years work to wipe out malaria. Scientists around the world are working on other potential malaria vaccines but RTS,S is by far the furthest ahead in development. 

RESOURCES FOR GOING GLOBAL Dear International Executive,

f 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

************************* Webinar: The Logistics of Doing Business in Canada Location: Your Computer Date/Time: November 14; 1:00pm – 2:30pm (Central) Learn More/Register: http://build. export.gov/build/groups/public/@ eg_us_mn/documents/webcontent/ eg_us_mn_053146.pdf Purpose: These webinars have been designed to help businesses strengthen the skills necessary to effectively do business in Canada. November 14th: Canada Trade Regulations & Standards The above programs will feature industry experts from government, associations, and private industry. Webinar: Export Working Capital Financing Alternatives with Ex-Im Bank Support Location: Your Computer Date/Time: November 13, 2012/1:303:00 PM ET Cost: $15.00 Register: https://emenuapps.ita.doc. gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration. jsp?SmartCode=3Q1K Purpose: The U.S. Commercial Service in collaboration with the Ex-Im Bank is offering a unique webinar for U.S. businesses. The Export-Import Bank of the United States assists small business exporters limited by working capital shortfalls - and their lenders - to line up the financing necessary to purchase finished products, pay

for raw materials, supplies, labor and overhead, and to issue standby letters of credit at times required as performance, advance payment, and bid bonds. This webinar, for businesses and lenders, will introduce the Ex-Im Bank programs that address export working capital needs: Working Capital Guarantee Program, Short Term Export Credit Insurance with Assignment of Proceed and Global Credit Express Program. For more information, please contact Anthony.Sargis@trade.gov. Event: 3C Trade Mission to India and Sri Lanka Location: Chennai, Cochin (India) and Colombo (Sri Lanka) Date/Time: February 3-8, 2013 Learn More/Register: http://export. gov/india/tradeevents/eg_in_052159. asp South India and Sri Lanka offer booming opportunities for U.S. companies in the architecture, infrastructure, hospitality, healthcare, environment and IT sectors. Join the Multi-Sector “3C” Trade Mission to Chennai, Cochin and Colombo to conduct one-on-one meetings with prescreened potential business partners, participate in networking events and briefings and gain first-hand knowledge from site visits. Learn how to succeed in markets that are growing at 6.5% (India) and 7.2% (Sri Lanka) and make contacts to land business deals. For more information or to apply for this trade mission, the first-ever U.S. Department of Commerce joint mission to India and Sri Lanka, please contact aileen.nandi@trade.gov. Event: 7th Annual Hot Market Watch Conference: Selling to India, Indonesia, Russia & South Korea Location: Cincinnati, OH Date/Time: April 4, 2013 (Networking Reception April 3) Learn More/Register: http://www. HotMarketWatch.com

Cost: Early Bird Rate $70 until December 14 (after: $90) RFPs: Accepting presenter proposals until November 30, 2012 The “Hot Market Watch” Conference is an annual event organized by the U.S. Commercial Service in Cincinnati. This year’s conference will focus on the “hot markets” of India, Indonesia, Russia & South Korea, and will provide market updates, tools, & resources for U.S. companies interested in selling to or expanding further into these countries & regions. There will also be an evening networking reception the night before (April 3) and is included with conference registration. Presenters will include our U.S. Department of Commerce Senior Commercial Officers from the U.S Commercial Service: David Gossack (Indonesia); Judy Reinke (India); John McCaslin (Russia); and Jim Sullivan (South Korea). In addition to plenary sessions, there will be several break-out sessions to choose from! Selected topics for each country/region include: market overviews; corporate perspectives; economic outlooks; customs, tariffs & logistics; financial considerations; legal considerations; taxation/accounting; and more. Now accepting “Requests for Proposals (RFPs)” for our selected topics – Fillable form on event website. For more information, please contact: M a r c i a . B r a n d s t a d t @ t r a d e . g o v, telephone: 513-684-2944. Join the USA Product Showcase for Just $499 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. Now, you can advertise in the USA Product Showcase section of the magazine for just $499. Commercial News USA reaches more see Going Global on page 81

80  December 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Going Global from page 80

than a quarter-million buyers worldwide in print and 23,000 per month online. Reserve your space in the next issue today. For more information, call 1-800-581-8533 x 822, go online to http://www.thinkglobal.us, or send e-mail to export@thinkglobal.us. Follow Commercial News USA on LinkedIn and Twitter @comnewsusa

Fashion, Food and Aerospace To Be Focus of Three Live Virtual Events in the California Export Expo California companies have a unique opportunity to promote their products and services in the California Export Expo, a state-of-the-art online trade show and conference center. The California Export Expo, developed in partnership with the California Center for International Trade Development at El Camino College and SBA’s State Trade and Export Promotion program, offers California exporters the opportunity to promote their products

index.asp.

Read the Digital Edition of Commercial News USA The Sept-Oct edition of Commercial News USA, the official export promotion magazine of the U.S. Department of Commerce is now available online. Commercial News USA offers exporters an affordable way to promote their products and services in 178 countries worldwide. This issue features special sections including exporters from the states of Alabama, California and Louisiana. To read the digital edition, to http://cnusa. thinkglobal.us/title/11434

Interested in a Career in International Affairs, Foreign Relations, Trade Promotion and Commercial Diplomacy? The U.S. Commercial Service is looking for dedicated professionals to add to its complement of nearly 250 Foreign Service Officers serving in Embassies and Consulates around the globe. The U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce is pleased to announce that it will take applications for Foreign Service Officers starting August 2012 and will hold the Foreign Service Officer Assessment in Winter 2012/2013. The competitive assessment process selects the next generation of commercial diplomats to serve in the US Embassies and Consulates abroad. We are looking to recruit a diverse and well-qualified pool of candidates able to represent the U.S. Government and our country’s international trade and investment interests. To read a detailed description of the position and application process, express your interest and sign up to receive alerts, please visit http:// simplesend.com/simple/t.asp?S=221& ID=55171&NL=5996&N=69348&SI=2 676111&URL=http://www.trade.gov/cs/ employment.asp or e-mail CSCareers@ trade.gov.

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/usoffices/

Your privacy is important to us. Please note that we do not share our lists with parties outside of the U.S. Department of Commerce. You may review our privacy policy at http://www. commerce.gov/Privacy/index.htm ****************************

www.zambiausachamber.org

81  December 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

International

Commercial News USA Offers Free Chinese Translation 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 Chinese translation, you can take advantage of a special offer: Buy two ads and get the third ad for free (Based on one-time rates. Does not include Showcase section). Commercial News USA reaches more than a quarter million buyers worldwide. Reserve your space in the next issue today. For more information, call 1-800581-8533 x 822, go online to http:// www.thinkglobal.us, or send e-mail to export@thinkglobal.us. Follow Commercial News USA on LinkedIn and Twitter @comnewsusa.

online for an entire year. Presenters will include industry experts from the U.S. Commercial Service. Participating companies will receive a booth and 10 minutes for a live streaming presentation to international buyers. For more information, visit http:// www.CalExportExpo.com

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You are invited to the U.S. Export-Import Opportunities for African Consumable Products 2013 Trade Show in Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America, for a four day international trade event designed to promote business between Africa and the Americas through AGOA and to attract Foreign Direct Investors through Bureau of African Affairs. 4-Day Buyers-Sellers Meeting U.S. Export-Import Opportunities for African Consumable Products 2013 Trade Show will provide you with up-to-day market intelligence and assist you to develop international trading practice strategies for exporting your products and services into new markets around the globe. You will also have the opportunity to meeting directly with buyers and sellers from Central America, Canada, South America, Europe and the Middle East. www. useximafricaevents.com/buyers-sellers-registration-form. 3-Day Conference & 4-Day Exhibition The event will feature international business leaders from the private sectors, African countries commercial service diplomats posted at their embassies in the United States and high ranking government officials from both continents. Professional and well-experienced Trade Finance, Banks, African Union member countries, Trade Promotion organizations, buyers and sellers, equipment manufacturers, customs, agricultural and food products processors, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, agricultural and food products Quality Assurance organizations will keep you informed on latest and future developments that will impact where-and how-to develop new business opportunities and export strategies abroad. This event will also provide unlimited opportunities to network with industry experts in international business, government officials and other international buyers and sellers. Exhibiting at the U.S. Export-Import Opportunities for African Consumable Products 2013 event will help your company earn Priority and profitable Investment that determine the order in which booth and hotel reservations are made for the U.S. Export-Import Opportunities for African Consumable Products expo marketplace. www.useximafricaevents.com/exhibitorregistration. Exhibitor Registration Save time and money by registering in advance! Exhibit attendance is FREE for U.S residents through June12, 2013. Beginning June 13, 2013 the cost to attend the exhibits is $20 per day if you register online. On-site registration will be $50 per day. 3 WAYS TO REGISTER: 1.ONLINE: Select the appropriate link below to access your online registration form. 2.FAX: Download registration form and fax to: +1.410.383.9978. 3.MAIL: Download registration form and mail to: ATTENTION: NIKKI ROBAK, Navigroup, Inc., U.S. Export – Import Opportunities for African Consumable Products 2013, 1721 Pennsylvania Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21217 For all details or assistance please contact us through our Contact Us page or through the “Live Chat” window on start menu task on the bottom right corner of your screen while you are on our website. 83  December 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

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

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