13 oct by Black Business News Group

Publisher’s Message

Earl “Skip” Cooper, II

Pubisher/Chief Executive Officer

t was a sad state of affairs that a small group of politicians was able to shutdown our federal government and bring our nation to the brink of economic turmoil. Regardless of your party affiliation, those responsible for the shutdown still received their pay checks, unlike the more than 800,000 or so federal employees that were sent home without pay! Now, that the federal politicans have reached a deal to lift the nation's debt ceiling and reopen the federal government, we need to look, in retrospec, at the impact of the shutdown on small and minority businesses. In the private sector, both large and small employers were laying off workers due to the first government shutdown in 17 years. For many small and minority businesses, the U.S. government is their major client. When the government was not paying its vendors and contractors for goods and services during this self-inflicted shutdown, a substantial segment of the business community was crippled. To make matters worse, this shut-down might be the precursory to another economic and financial downturn, equal or greater than the recent recession of 2008 brought on by the mortgage meltdown. However, in California, two elected officials demonstrated their leadership on Capital Hill on

this issue. Democratic U.S. House Representatives Karen Bass and Maxine Waters, both loudly and continously requested a resolution to this debt ceiling compromise and a "back-to-work" solution. On Maxine Waters' website (http:// waters.house.gov), she presented a comprehensive overview of the Republican shutdown that has caused our parks, museums, and federal buildings are closed. At many of the federal government work sites, such as National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA), most of their workforce had been furloughed. However, at some of other federal work sites such as the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), federal employees are returning back to work. In the investment market, many institutional investors and countries are unloading U.S. Treasury notes. Maybe for some, there is a silver lining, with the IRS suspending audits for the duration of the shutdown. The 12 million people who got six-month extensions still

had to file their returns by Oct. 15th, but the agency will not issue tax refunds until the government resumes normal operations. The government closings did not stop the launch on the October 1st online insurance marketplaces established under the Patient Protection& Affordable Care Act (ACA) - health care overhaul – the program at the very heart of the dispute that produced the shutdown. Ironically, it is the President’s signature legislation that Republican House of Representatives are using as a condition for cooperation. Without greater borrowing authority, the U.S. will run out of money to pay its bills. The government will default if it misses meeting its obligations, whether to Social Security recipients at home or interest payment on debt owed to foreign bond holders. Also at our nation’s capital, U.S. House of Representative Maxine Waters continues her fight for diversity and inclusion in the financial sectors. With the coordination of government initiatives for promoting see Publisher's Message on page 4

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Publisher's Message from page 3

diversity and inclusion not only in the workplace, but also as it relates to business and procurement opportunities, we applaud Rep. Waters for her commitment to seeking to have an environment that embodies the excellence of members of the underserved business communities, while also promoting fair and equitable business opportunities for all. Please mark your calendars for the Black Business Association 10th Annual Procurement Exchange Summit and Awards Luncheon on the 14th of November. At this year's Summit, Aubrey Stone, Founder and Chairman of the California Black Chamber of Commerce, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. Mr. Stone has been a mentor, a teacher, a motivator, and most of all a leader dedicated to the economic development and growth of African-American business not only in California, but throughout the nation. Other awardees include:

Rhonda Jackson, Outstanding Entrepreneur Award; Clarence Scott, BBA Member of the Year ; Catherine Clarke, Special Recognition Award; Joe and Evelyn Curtiss, Community Based Business of the Year; Joe Chow, Capacity Building Award (see page 38). The Summit will bring more than 500 minority owned business together to network with purchasers from utility, communication, and financial companies, as well as major corporations and government agencies. The BBA Summit is presented in recognition of the National Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week. For further information, please contact the BBA at 323-291-9334 or visit the BBA website at www.bbala.org. On the 23rd of November, People Choice Staffing, the Black Business Association and Patriots and Paws are hosting the 1st Annual Veteran Pre-Holiday Appreciation Feast at the historic Consolidated Board of Realtists of

Aubrey Stone Southern California site, 3725 Don Felipe in Los Angeles. This event is to honor our military veterans who have risks their lives for our freedom. Additional information can be obtained by calling People Choice Staffing at 951-735-0550 . Please continue to follow the Black Business News as will honor achievements in the Black business community, and deliver news to assist African American business not only to survive, but also to prosper. 

#GETCOVERED H E A LT H C A R E . G O V

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About

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 EDITORS Sarah Harris • Dean L. Jones

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

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.

Contents

OCTOBER 2013

PUBLISHER'S MESSAGE… 3

Earl "Skip" Cooper, II

GOVERNMENT… 12 14

President Obama Speaks to United Nations

17 20 24

Eitorial: Shutdown is Really a Showdown

Affordable Care Act FAQs

28 30 38 42 48 64

Investing in Women and Girls Improves our Future

Presidents Johnathan and Obana Discus Glonsl Terror Threat President Obama Signs Bill to End Shutdonw Impact of Government Shut Down on Small Business

BUSINESS…

Thompson Leads Search for Next Microsoft Leader Small Business Saturday Coming Soon O'Neal Buys into NBA Team Donald Arnold to Lead Carnival Cruise Lines Special Report: Digital Revolution Coming

PUBLIC INTEREST/COMMUNITY… 69 70 73 COLUMNS 63 - Take A Look! 100 - Books to Consider... 104 - Calendar 106 - Resources ATION ALERTS 34 - AEG Supplier Portal SPONSORS 8 - Black Business Association

Create Your Social Security Account Let's Move - Drink More Water Simone Biles Wins Gymnastic All-Around

INTERNATIONAL… 77

Venture Magazine Listss African Billionaires

Nigeria Building Broadband Infrastructure

Cover image - Phallu Morgan

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Government

President Obama Discusses the Prospects for Progress at the United Nations General Assembly by Matt Compton

President Barack Obama delivers remarks during his address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, N.Y. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

peaking to the United Nations General Assembly on September 23rd, President Obama expressed optimism at the prospects for diplomacy in solving a range of long-simmering conflicts across the globe. "For decades, the United Nations has in fact made a difference -from helping to eradicate disease, to educating children, to brokering peace," he said. "But like every

generation of leaders, we face new and profound challenges, and this body continues to be tested. The question is whether we possess the wisdom and the courage, as nation-states and members of an international community, to squarely meet those challenges; whether the United Nations can meet the tests of our time." Specifically, he focused his remarks on three themes -- the civil war in Syria and the use of

chemical weapons by the Assad regime, the potential for diplomatic engagement with Iran, and a revival of peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians. Discussing Syria, the President said that we've seen progress in recent days. "The Syrian government took a first step by giving an accounting of its stockpiles," he said. "Now there must be a strong Security Council see Obama at United Nations on page 13

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Government

Obama at United Nations from page 12

resolution to verify that the Assad regime is keeping its commitments, and there must be consequences if they fail to do so." The President also told the General Assembly that he has hopes for a diplomatic solution to

step down a long road towards a different relationship, one based on mutual interests and mutual respect." Finally, the President urged the entire international community to rally behind the pursuit of peace between Palestinians and Israelis. "Friends of Israel, including the United States, must recognize that

be served through a two-state solution and a secure Israel. All of us must recognize that peace will be a powerful tool to defeat extremists throughout the region, and embolden those who are prepared to build a better future."  www.whitehouse.gov/ blog/2013/09/24/president-obama-

President Barack Obama delivers remarks during his address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, N.Y. ( www.nydailynews.com by James Warren) Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons -despite decades of mistrust. "I don’t believe this difficult history can be overcome overnight -- the suspicions run too deep," he said. "But I do believe that if we can resolve the issue of Iran’s nuclear program, that can serve as a major

Israel’s security as a Jewish and democratic state depends upon the realization of a Palestinian state, and we should say so clearly," he said. "Arab states, and those who supported the Palestinians, must recognize that stability will only

discusses-prospects-progressunited-nations-general-assembly

Read Full Remarks at: www.whitehouse.gov/the-pressoffice/2013/09/24/remarkspresident-obama-address-unitednations-general-assembly

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Government

Presidents Jonathan and Obama meet, Urge Global Concensus Against Terrorism By Ihuoma Chiedozie, Abuja assured Obama of his commitment to the continuous strengthening of Nigeria’s electoral processes and the country’s democratic institutions. He also applauded Obama’s Power Africa and Youth Leadership Initiatives, noting that both schemes would complement aspects of his administration’s agenda for national transformation. Obama had while welcoming Jonathan to the meeting at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York, described Nigeria as a critical partner of the US in President Barack Obama (r) meets with Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan Africa. prior to the 2013 United Nations General Assembly sessions. (Photo from www. He assured Jonathan osundefender.org) that the US would continue to cooperate with Nigeria in all possible areas, including the resident Goodluck to eradicate terrorism, it would war against domestic and global Jonathan held talks with continue to be embarrassed by terrorism. United States President outrages such as the heinous Jonathan’s delegation to the Barack Obama in New York ahead attack on defenceless shoppers in meeting with Obama included the of the 68th session of the United Nairobi. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, He expressed appreciation for the Prof. Viola Onwuliri, Nigeria’s Nations. Jonathan, at the talks, called for support and assistance Nigeria had Ambassador to the United States, a stronger global consensus and been receiving from the US in the Prof. Adebowale Adefuye, the determination to end the scourge of fight against domestic terrorism. Minister of Petroleum Resources, terrorism as quickly as possible. Jonathan, however, added Mrs. Diezani Allison Madueke, A statement from the Special that Nigeria would welcome and the Governor of Gombe State, Adviser to the President on Media more bilateral collaboration in the Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo. and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, campaign. The US Secretary of State, Mr. disclosed that Jonathan and The President also said that his John Kerry and Obama’s National Obama condemned the recent administration intends to strengthen Security Adviser, Ms. Susan Rice, terrorist attacks in Nairobi, Kenya. Nigeria’s relations with the US in were also present at the talks.  Jonathan said unless the the areas of trade and economic www.punchng.com/news/jonathaninternational community unites and development. meets-obama-urges-globaldeploys its enormous resources In the same vein, Jonathan concensus-against-terrorism

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Government

President Obama Nominates Dr. Janet Yellen as Fed Chair

President Barack Obama talks with Janet Yellen and Ben Bernanke in the Oval Office before he announced her as his nominee for Chairwoman of the Federal Reserve, to replace Bernanke. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

resident Obama nominated Dr. Janet Yellen to succeed Ben Bernanke as Chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve. Dr. Yellen has served in leadership positions at the Fed for more than a decade, including the last three years as Vice Chair. She also served previously as the

Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, and was a leading researcher in monetary economics at Harvard and Berkely. In government, Dr. Yellen has been known for her sound judgment and ability to build consensus. As an academic, she made critical contributions to understanding

how monetary policy can make a difference for jobs, growth and the lives of ordinary people. 505 economists from more than 211 colleges and universities— including some of the country’s leading monetary economists— have signed a letter endorsing her for Fed Chair. If confirmed by the Senate, Dr. Yellin would be the first woman to hold the position of Chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve.  www.whitehouse.gov/ blog/2013/10/09/president-obamanominates-dr-janet-yellen-fed-chair

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

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ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

Government

Shutdown is Really a Showdown

id you happen to see Jimmy Kimmel’s interesting skit recently, where he asked people on the street whether they preferred “Obamacare” or the “Affordable Care Act”? Far too many people chose the “Affordable Care Act” over “Obamacare” without realizing that they are one and the same law. Even worse, several of Kimmel’s interviewees r e j e c t e d “Obamacare” after having already endorsed major pieces of it! Some of this cluelessness is no doubt because of propaganda. Some of it is no doubt because of partisan dislike of the president. But we must not shy away from the truth that too much of this is still about race. This shutdown over the

Affordable Care Act is not just about John Boehner’s weak leadership. It’s not just about Ted Cruz’s misinterpretation of “Green

Eggs and Ham,” or even his rude and crude attempt to jump to the front of the 2016 GOP presidential contenders in Iowa. It’s not just

about personalities, and positioning, and day-to-day politics. This shutdown is also a showdown. Its roots run deep — all the way back to John Calhoun, to the Confederacy, to nullification. This shutdown is about the fear that drives the Republican Party’s hatred for Barack Obama. Democracy Corps’ (www.democracycorps. com) just-released study on the core groups of the GOP does make this relevant point: “Obama is big government — but much bigger.They believe he is building dependent minorities that will give the Democrats a governing majority.” This shutdown is about race. Consider another Democracy Corps conclusion: “They are very conscious of being white in a country that is increasingly minority — as Democrats use government to build dependency and therefore also their support with minorities. The race issue is very much alive.” see Shutdown is Showdown on page 18

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Government

Shutdown is a Showdown from page 17

he SelectUSA 2013 Investment Summit is a first-of-its-kind, national-level engagement intended to connect businesses and investors from around the world with U.S. economic development organizations at the state, regional, and local levels. The SelectUSA 2013 Investment Summit is being hosted by the U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, and SelectUSA, as part of a U.S. government-wide initiative to promote direct investment in the United States. Who Should Attend • International and domestic businesses and investors • U.S. economic development professionals • Representatives from U.S. state and local governments • Advisors, specialists and companies serving economic developers • Entrepreneurs and academics Why You Should Attend The inaugural SelectUSA 2013 Investment Summit will be an unprecedented two-day event focused on investment in the United States. The Summit will bring together top-level corporate executives and investors from the U.S. and around the world, economic development organizations and representatives from across the country, senior White House and Administration officials, subject matter experts and service providers. Participants will benefit from unique networking opportunities; one-on-one meetings; moderated panels; discussions on the latest information on all aspects of investment; and, available resources in the U.S. Networking • Directly connect with State Economic Development Organizations on current investment projects • Have one on one meetings with agency representatives to answer general questions on both policy and regulations • Interact with other investors from around the world • Learn from industry experts who have brought operations to the United States For more information please contact:

Sean Wilkerson selectusasummit@trade.gov +1 202-482-4078

SELECTUSA http://selectusa.commerce.gov

Half a century ago, George Wallace stood in a schoolhouse door in Alabama, to try to deny entry to African-American students. He failed. The American people were better than that. Today, almost all Republican governors are standing in the hospital door, barring entrance to poor and working people — a huge percentage of whom are AfricanAmerican and Latino — for health care through Medicaid expansion. T h e New York Times ran the census numbers a few days ago. Here’s the money quote on who will be excluded: “ . . . two-thirds of the poor blacks and single mothers and more than half of the low-wage workers who do not have insurance. . . . Because they live in states largely controlled by Republicans that have declined to participate in a vast expansion of Medicaid, the medical insurance program for the poor, they are among the 8 million Americans who are impoverished, uninsured and ineligible for help.” These GOP governors are using a loophole created by the Roberts Supreme Court, which managed to sneak in a “state’s rights” loophole to weaken the Affordable Care Act, even as the court judged the overall law constitutional. This loophole allowed Republican governors in half the states to mistreat their own constituents by denying Medicaid to millions of politically voiceless people who need the health care. It’s not just a coincidence that a disproportionate share of African

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Government

Shutdown is a Showdown from page 18

Americans who need Medicaid, and working poor people who need Medicaid, live in those states. It’s not just a coincidence that Arkansas, that rare Southern state with a Democratic governor, is the only state from the Old Confederacy that is not denying Medicaid expansion. Don’t just take my word for it. Listen to the words of analyst Michael Lind in Salon: “Right now most conservative white local notables in the South and elsewhere in the country don’t want black and L a t i n o support. They would rather disenfranchise blacks and Latinos than compete for their votes. And they would rather dismantle the federal government than surrender their local power and privilege.” Unfortunately, for Boehner, Cruz, the GOP governors, and the Tea Party, they are standing in the way of history. Like their predecessor, Gov. George Wallace, they are trying to deny innocent and needy Americans access to a universal right that the rest of the civilized world has already agreed upon. So if we stick together in this fight, the odds are that the Calhounites and Cruzies will fail in their quest to roll back progress. The odds are that they will fail in their short-term goal of shutting down the government, and in their longer-term quest to destroy the Affordable Care Act. This is not just a shutdown, it’s a showdown. And our future’s at stake. Keep Hope Alive!  www.rainbowpush.org

hroughout October, SBA (www.sba.gov) and Small Business Majority (www.smallbusinessmajority.org) will hold a weekly Affordable Care Act 101 webinar. During each presentation, small business owners can learn about the law and what it means for their company and employees. Thursday, October 3 at 2:00 PM ET: Register at: https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/s/registrations/new?cid=b4w6dxl2dw3y Thursday, October 10 at 2:00 PM ET: Register at: https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/s/registrations/new?cid=t0q7a76o5odm Thursday, October 17 at 2:00 PM ET: Register at: https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/s/registrations/new?cid=krhmv2lx6sit Thursday, October 24 at 2:00 PM ET: Register at: https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/s/registrations/new?cid=kprr8hfsl0cd Thursday, October 31 at 2:00 PM ET: Register at: https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/s/registrations/new?cid=87ubdx2wool7

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THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON

OCTOBER 17, 2013

To the dedicated and hard-working employees of the United States Government: Two and a half weeks ago, on the day that much of our Government shut down, I wrote you to express my appreciation for the work you do on behalf of the American people every day, and to convey my commitment to getting you back on the job as quickly as possible. Today, I am writing to simply say: Thank you for your service. Whether you have been working without pay, or you were forced to stay home without pay, I know it has been a frustrating and stressful few weeks for you and your families. It should never have happened. You should never have been treated this way. So I hope it comes as some solace that you will be paid in full for what you should have earned since the shutdown began. I want to remind you, again, that the public service you performﾋ葉he role you play in the life of our countryit is important. It matters. You defend our country overseas and deliver the benefits our troops have earned when they come home. You help folks after a storm. You guard our borders and protect our civil rights. You keep our food and our work places safe, and protect the air we breathe and the water we drink. You help businesses expand and enter new markets. You push the very boundaries of science and space, and guide hundreds of thousands of people each day through the glory of America's natural wonders. I know that some of your efforts and hard work have been halted or harmed by the shutdown. But know that the Government is open for business again, let us throw ourselves back into it. We have work to do, and the American people are counting on us to get it right. Those of us who have the privilege of serving this country may come from different parties, but we are Americans first. Each of us has specific responsibilities we are charged with carrying out on behalf of the American people, and we have an obligation to do it the best we can. I look forward to working with all of you to make sure we meet the high expectations of the citizens we serve. Sincerely,

BARACK OBAMA

IndianaExpress.com

President Obama Signs Bill to End Government Shutdown By Carrie Dann, Political Reporter, NBC News

fter weeks of stalemate that shuttered the government for 16 days and brought the nation within hours of a key deadline to renew its borrowing authority, the standoff is finally over. President Barack Obama has signed into law a bill to re-open the government and extend the debt ceiling – just hours after the House and Senate passed the measure with broad bipartisan support. The President said the measure would immediately restart federal programs that had been put on hold during the funding lapse. “We will begin reopening our

government immediately,” he said in remarks before the House passed the bill. “And we can begin to lift this cloud of uncertainty and unease from our businesses and the American people.” The world reaction to the debt deal was one of relief Thursday, but there were signs the drawnout process has undermined confidence in America's global standing in both finance and politics. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) urged Washington to build a more stable management of U.S. finances, mindful that Wednesday night's deal only suspends the debt

limit until Feb. 7, 2014. Asian money markets rose after the deal, but key European markets fell in early trading, Reuters reported. The GOP-dominated House passed the measure 285-144, with 87 Republicans joining all Democrats in support. The Senate passed it 81-18. In both chambers, only Republicans voted against the measure. Office of Management and Budget director Sylvia Mathews Burwell told federal employees to expect to return to work on see Shutdown Ends on page 22

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Shutdown Ends from page 21

The defeat for the GOP after both chambers spent days warring over competing budget proposals. An eleventh-hour GOP plan in the House collapsed late Tuesday night, leaving lawmakers with no option except to take up a compromise framework crafted by Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. The passage of the new temporary funding bill became clear earlier Wednesday, when House Speaker John Boehner formally announced that Republicans will not oppose the bill en masse. “The House has fought with

members of the Senate will not be a tactic for us.” Boehner and other Republican lawmakers had come under pressure to reach an agreement as the impasse roiled stocks in recent days. Ratings agency Standard and Poor’s estimated Wednesday that the shutdown “shaved at least 0.6% off of annualized fourth-quarter 2013 GDP growth.” That works out to a $24 billion bite out of the American economy, a number that House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi cited on the House floor before the vote. “My colleagues, do you think

Thursday morning. Federal employees who were furloughed as a result of the shutdown will receive back pay "as soon as practicable," according to the bill's text. The bill will fund the federal government through Jan. 15, 2014 and extend the government’s borrowing power through Feb. 7, 2014. It also calls for a congressional agreement by mid-December on a long-term budget plan. After a long and tedious process, the Senate compromise is only a short-term deal allowing the federal government to operate through January 15, and conservatives who fought to de-fund or delay Obamacare have had to concede defeat. NBC's Kelly O'Donnell reports. After more than two weeks of standoff over the government shutdown, Republicans -- faced with Thursday’s debt ceiling deadline -were forced to accept a deal with only minor concessions from Democrats. After the Senate vote, Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., called the theobamacrat.com AVice President Joe Biden welcomes EPA staffers back to work. occasion "a somber day," noting the effects everything it has to convince the that your recklessness was worth of the shutdown on Americans. president of the United States to $24 billion to our economy?” she "The bottom line is millions engage in bipartisan negotiations said of Republicans in the House. suffered. Millions didn’t get aimed at addressing our country's “This recklessness is a luxury the paychecks. The economy was debt and providing fairness American people cannot afford.” dragged down, and confidence and for the American people under http://nbcpolitics.nbcnews.com/_ faith in the United States' credit ObamaCare,” Boehner said in a news/2013/10/17/20992216-done-- and in the United States itself statement. “That fight will continue. deal-obama-signs-debt-bill-intoaround the world -- was shaken," But blocking the bipartisan law?lite he said. agreement reached today by the 22  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

President Obama and Small Business Owners Discuss Government Shutdown Impacts by Valerie Jarrett, Special Assistant to the President

ecently, President Obama met with nine small business owners from across the country about the impacts of the ongoing federal government shutdown on their businesses and updated them on where things stand on efforts in Congress to avoid a first-ever default in the nation’s credit. The President heard from these entrepreneurs about the immediate effects the shutdown has had on consumer confidence. They shared stories with the President about contracts cancelled or put on hold, workers they’ve had to furlough, and the potential for shift and staff reductions should the shutdown continue. Hester Clark, who owns the Hester Group in Jacksonville, FL, is concerned about her ability to win more business, and the subsequent effect on her employees. “My firm has won several government contracts in the past two years,”

Clark said, “and I worry about how I’ll pay my employees as we lose clients due to the government shutdown.” For Det Ansinn, the owner of Brick Simple, a mobile app development firm in Doylestown, PA, the impact of the shutdown came as a surprise. “I didn’t expect the shutdown to affect our business so immediately,” said Ansinn. This shutdown affects our ability to plan ahead.” For small businesses, the shutdown means that SBA (www. sba.gov) loan applications cannot be approved, and small businesses cannot receive help exporting their goods to others countries. The President thanked these business leaders for the work that they do creating jobs and investing in their communities, and briefly updated them on the conversations he’s had with all four Congressional caucuses. The President reiterated that his

first order of business is to urge Congress to reopen the government and remove the threat of default, and then he is willing to engage with Congress on finding ways to invest in our nation’s priorities, grow the economy and get the country on a sustainable fiscal path — but without the brinkmanship caused by using the threat of default as a negotiating tactic. The attendees at the meeting were: Det Ansinn of Brick Simple LLC, Hester Clark of Hester Group, Craig Dalton of DODOcase, T.J. Gentle of SmartFurniture.com, Nancy Hartman of BERMO, Inc., Rahul Iyer of Siluria Technologies, Jamal Lee of Breasia Studios, Marc Parham of the Partec Consulting Group, and Mei Xu of Chesapeake Bay Candle Company.  www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2013/10/12/ president-obama-meets-smallbusiness-owners-discuss-impactsgovernment-shutdown

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Business

Stronger Small Businesses for a Stronger Economy By Valerie Jarrett, Special Assistant to the President

was recently joined by members of the Small Business Majority Network Council (www. smallbusinessmajority.org) at the White House to discuss the President’s plans to grow the economy, support small businesses, and back the entrepreneurial spirit that makes America great. Without question, it has been the resilience and creativity of American small business owners which has sparked and sustained our recovery from the worst economic crisis since the great depression. They have helped us achieve 40 straight months of job growth, and created the majority of the 7.2 million American jobs generated in that timeframe. We were joined for the second half of the meeting by Chris Jennings, the President’s advisor on health reform, who provided insight on how businesses and their employees can take advantage of expanded coverage options and new benefits made available under ObamaCare. We also talked through the nuts and bolts of Open Enrollment (www.healthcare.gov/what-is-thehealth-insurance-marketplace),

which begins in October and goes through March and will help millions of uninsured Americans afford the coverage they need. The President’s commitment to small business has been front and center since he took office. He has enacted 18 small business tax cuts. He has battled back the forces of the recession to dramatically expand access to capital. And he has streamlined processes to encourage more government

contracting to small businesses. The strength and vitality of the U.S. economy is, and always has been, inextricably linked to the success of our small businesses. The men and women who get up every day, flip signs from closed to open, and make our country run. This is who we are, and this is who we must continue to fight for. To learn more about the President’s support for small businesses visit: www.whitehouse. gov/economy/business/smallbusiness.  www.whitehouse.gov/www. whitehouse.gov/blog/2013/09/20/ stronger-small-businessesstronger-economy

A few members of the Small Business Majority Network Council

Call It By It’s Real Name— “Affordable Care Act” On March 23, 2010, the Affordable Care Act, a significant healthcare reform law, was signed into legislation under President Barack Obama’s leadership. The Affordable Care Act provides and delivers dependable healthcare to all Americans. The” Tea Party” movement”, was created by Republican Conservatives to undermine President Obama’s term in office and efforts to enact affordable healthcare. In doing so, they attempted to create a negative connotation thus creating the name “ObamaCare”. Lets not be fooled by these negative semantics and connotations but be positive and call it what it is. However, if you still intend to use the name “ObamaCare, please recognize that it is the best healthcare plan ever crafted for all Americans.

25  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Government

10 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable Care Act from the exchange. Keep in mind, depending on the type of employment coverage available to you, you may not qualify for certain savings offered by the exchanges.

8. Can I buy insurance through Covered California if I already have a serious health problem? Yes. The amount you pay for a health plan will not be affected by your health status. This means that you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be charged more because of your health problem. It also means you will not have to wait to get the coverage you need.

resident Obamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Affordable Care Act â&#x20AC;&#x153;insurance exchangeâ&#x20AC;? opened throughout the nation, with â&#x20AC;&#x153;Covered Californiaâ&#x20AC;? serving as the State of Californiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s insurance. For information pertaining to your speFLÂżF KHDOWK FDUH LQVXUDQFH FRQFHUQV visit www.coveredca.com or call 800300-1506.

1506. Multilingual call centers will be staffed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays. You can also ask that information be sent to you by mail.

4. Does every California resident need to buy health insurance through this marketplace? No. Peo1. Exactly what happened on ple who already have insurance Tuesday, October 1, 2013? For the through their employer or through ÂżUVW WLPH $PHULFDQV EHFDPH DEOH government programs such as Vetto buy health insurance online, by erans Affairs, Medicare or Medi-Cal phone or in person through a new can keep their insurance. marketplace exchange created by President Obamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Affordable Care 5. Is there a deadline to enroll? Act. The â&#x20AC;&#x153;open enrollmentâ&#x20AC;? period doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t end until March 31. But if you want 2. Who is eligible to buy on the the insurance to take effect Jan. 1, marketplace? Can I buy on the ex- youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need to buy it by Dec. 15. change even if I am not eligible for subsidies? The exchange can be 6. What does Covered Calused by individuals, families, as well LIRUQLD RIIHU" <RXÂśOO ÂżQG D YDULHW\ RI as small business owners who have private insurance plans with familiar 50 or fewer employees. Many small names such as Anthem Blue Cross, businesses will also be eligible for Kaiser and Health Net. You can enroll substantial tax credits if they use the in the newly expanded Medi-Cal proexchange. gram if your income is low enough. 3. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the California market- 7. If I have insurance from my SODFH FDOOHG DQG KRZ GR , ÂżQG LW" employer, do I have to do anything? Covered California, and its website No, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to, but if you is http://coveredca.com. If you prefer choose to do so, you can drop your to sign up by phone, call 800-300- employerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coverage and buy a plan

9. If I have Medicare, can I purchase a plan on Covered California? Yes, but you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get help paying for it. Also, getting extra coverage on the exchange may not make sense. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because Medicare will be your main coverage, but you would still have to pay for a full health plan. Talk about this with an exchange helper WR ÂżJXUH RXW WKH ULJKW VWUDWHJ\ IRU you. 10. Some groups are exempt from being required to have coverage. Who are they? The categories include people who would have to pay more than 8% of their income for health insurance, people with incomes below the threshold required IRU ÂżOLQJ WD[HV WKRVH ZKR TXDOLI\ IRU religious exemptions, members of Indian tribes, undocumented immigrants, and people who are incarcerated. Also the plan is for residents who are citizens or legal permanent residents. Illegal immigrants are not eligible. www.mercurynews.com http://www.contracostatimes.com

27 ď&#x201A;ą October 2013 ď&#x201A;ą Black Business News ď&#x201A;ą www.blackbbusinessnews.net ď&#x201A;ą 1-323-291-7819

Business

Investing in Women and Girls is an Investment in our Future By Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to the President

with 13 partner countries, and the ith a broad smile, and a Ambassador at Large for Global U.S., but on Monday, welcomed gleam in her eyes, Ayo Women's Issues Cathy Russell, representatives from the now 23 Megbope sat beside marking the one year anniversary other nations who have joined me, and shared story after story of the day former Secretary Hillary the Partnership, all of whom had about the humble beginnings of her Clinton and I launched the Equal tremendous progress to report. In business, cooking bean cakes in her Futures Partnership. Equal the U.S. alone, we have matched fourth-floor apartment, wrapping Futures was developed in response tens of thousands of young women them in banana leaves, and selling to President Obama’s call at the with mentors in science, technology, them throughout her community in 2011 UN General Assembly, for engineering and math. We have Lagos, Nigeria. It was September of 2009, and we were seated together at the first annual Goldman Sachs “10,000 Women” Dinner in New York City. Ayo was one of the first graduates of the 10,000 Women program, which helps women entrepreneurs around the world obtain the training and access to capital they need to turn their business dreams into reality. Almost exactly four years later, I was back in New York City, forging partnerships, and working to secure Ayo Megbope is a graduate of Goldman Sachs' 10,000 Women program, and the owner new public and private of “No Leftovers Nigeria”, a catering company and restaurant in Lagos, Nigeria. (by sector commitments "Goldman Sachs | 10,000 Women”) to promote the success and empowerment of his fellow heads of state to join partnered with the private sector to him in breaking down economic train women entrepreneurs to start women and girls. My first stop was to co-host and political barriers that prevent and run successful businesses. We a United Nations General women and girls from reaching their have supported efforts to educate, Assembly event with Secretary full potential. train and inspire women and girls Equal Futures began in 2012 to pursue leadership positions in of State, John Kerry, and U.S.

28  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Business

Obama at United Nations

enter the global workforce over the next decade, it will be the nations who invest in women’s education, training, and full inclusion in the workforce that find themselves in position to compete and lead the world economy. On Tuesday, in addition to watching President Obama deliver his address to the UN General

sexual violence in conflict and protect some of the world’s most from page 28 vulnerable women, men and children from these horrible crimes. public life and public office. And Tuesday night ended with a this coming Spring, President returned to this year’s Goldman Obama will convene a Summit on Sachs’ 10,000 Women Dinner, Working Families at the White where I had the opportunity to meet House to zero in on strategies that a number of the program’s new will clear away obstacles that too graduates and participants, and feel inspired once again by their stories of strength, sacrifice, and achievement. I was also pleased to learn that my old friend, Ayo, from the 2009 dinner, remains the proud owner of “No Leftovers Nigeria” – now a multidimensional catering company and restaurant, selling traditional Nigerian meals through retail outlets, online, and in lunch packs to local schools. She has seen revenue grow thirty-fold over Ayo Megbope, business owner and graduate of Goldman Sachs' 10,000 Women four years, and has program, shares stories about her early days as an entrepreneur with Senior Advisor to created 68 new jobs in her community. the President, Valerie Jarrett in 2009. (by “Goldman Sachs | 10,000 women”) It is stories like Assembly, I provided remarks on Ayo’s that move us to act, and that often hinder the financial stability of the US’s commitment to preventing should inspire us to redouble our hard working families, or block their sexual violence in parts of the efforts to empower our women and entry into the middle class. world marred by war or conflict at girls, and work to ensure that no Later that same day, I had the a forum hosted by the UK Foreign barriers stand in their way. It is up to privilege of addressing a Clinton Minister, William Hague, and all of us in government, partnering Global Initiative event on the Special Representative to the with business leaders, not-forimportant role of women in our Secretary General on Sexual profits, advocates, and all others national and global economy. Violence in Conflict, Zainab with a stake in the strength of the When women have the support Bangura. We heard the powerful global economy, to take action to and opportunities they need to testimony of a survivor of sexual enable the success of women and reach their potential, commerce violence, who shared her story and girls. Helping them reach their full flourishes, jobs are created, called for government action to hold potential is the best investment we instability declines, and our perpetrators more accountable. can make as a nation.  economy both grows, and recovers The U.S. then joined 112 other www.whitehouse.gov/ from setbacks much faster. As an countries in signing a declaration blog/2013/09/26/investing-womenestimated 1 billion additional women which pledged new efforts to end and-girls-investment-our-future 29  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Business

John W. Thompson, Microsoft's Lead Independent Director By Laura Foy

John W. Thompson

ohn W. Thompson is Microsoft’s Lead Independent Director*. In that role he heads the board committee charged with finding a successor to Mr. Steve Ballmer, former CEO of Microsoft. The attention lavished on Mr. Thompson underscores his pivotal role in a recruiting process that may shape Microsoft's future for years. The new CEO will not be drawn from Microsoft's early leadership team - a first for this corporation. John W. Thompson is the chief

executive officer of privately held Virtual Instruments (www. virtualinstruments.com), whose products are designed to ensure the performance and availability of applications deployed in virtualized and private cloud computing environments. Mr. Thompson is also the former chairman and CEO of Symantec Corp. (www. symantec.com). Since 2009, Mr. Thompson has been an active investor in earlystage technology companies in

Silicon Valley. During his 10-year tenure as CEO of Symantec, he helped transform the company into a leader in security, storage and systems management solutions. Mr. Thompson stepped down as CEO in 2009, and stepped down from Symantec's board of directors in 2011. Previously, Mr. Thompson held a number of leadership positions at IBM, including sales, marketing, software development and general see Apps Aid Success on page 31

30  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Business

John W. Thompson from page 30

manager of IBM Americas, and was also a member of IBM's Worldwide Management Council. Mr. Thompson joined the Microsoft Board in February 2012. He also serves on the board of United Parcel Service (www.ups.com), and has served on a number of government boards and commissions, including the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission, the National Infrastructure Advisory Committee, and the Silicon Valley Blue Ribbon Task Force

on Aviation Security and Technology. He formerly served on the national board of Teach for America (www.teachforamerica. org), an organization dedicated to eliminating educational inequities for all children. Mr. Thompson received a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Florida A&M, and a master's degree in Management from the Sloan Fellows program of the MIT Sloan School of Management. 

a material or pecuniary relationship with company or related persons, except sitting fees. Independent Directors do not own shares in the company. www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/ bod/thompson

*An Independent Director is a director (member) of a board of directors who does not have

31  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Business

RIO 2016 OLYMPIC COMMITTEE Partnership & Contract Opportunities For a list of current Rio 2016 Olympic Sponsors visit: http://rio2016.com/en/organising-committee/partners

Your American Contact: joel.Reynoso@trade.gov

For information on the Games visit http://export.gov/brazil/games/index.asp

Cyber Monday is December 2nd:

What are you waiting for?

For information on participating in or supporting the Voting Rights Act restoration movement visit these and other organization websites: • 50th Anniversary March on Washington - http://50thanniversarymarchonwashington.com.

• National Action Network - http://nationalactionnetwork.net/mow/

• NAACP - www.naacp.org

• National Urban League - http://nul.iamempowered.com

• Rainbow/PUSH Coalition - www.rainbowpush.org

• Project Vote - www.projectvote.org Planning ahead is the key to a profitable Cyber Monday. So, we've compiled some important tips to help you make sure your business is prepared for the holiday rush. Plus, to help maximize conversions this shopping season, we're offering up to 20% off our highest level of protection, 2-year Secure Site Pro with Extended Validation SSL certificates. Learn more at www.Symantec.com. Best wishes on a successful holiday season!

NBBCC 4th Annual Bowling Night @ Double Decker Lanes 300 Golf Course Drive, Rohnert Park Tuesday,October 22, 2013  6:00pm-8:00pm

Come join the North Bay Black Chamber at our 4th Annual Bowling Night. This is a wonderful opportunity to socialize and network while having fun at the same time. Even if you can't bowl, come on out to socialize. You will have a great time. There will be a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winner with prizes.

Only $10.00 per person Includes: 2 hours of Bowling, Bowling Shoes, Food and Soft Drinks

Please RSVP to info@nbbcc.org

32  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819



AEG Invites Current and Interested Supplier Partners to our

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

https://supplier.aegworldwide.com

Business

It Just got a Little Easier to Crowdfund U.S. Startups By Tyler Falk

n 2012, crowdfunding raised billions of dollars for new business ideas and products on sites like Kickstarter, Indiegogo and BlackStartUp. It’s a solid model for raising money for young business ventures and, until recently, the

Basically startups will be able to raise up to $1 million per year from “accredited investors” (who have a net worth greater than $1 million or annual income greater than $200,000), but instead of rewards — like Kickstarter offers backers

model was one of the only ways startups in the United States could publicly crowdfund their projects. That all changed on September 23, 2013 when a federal law went into effect (as part of the 2012 JOBS Act) allowing emerging startup companies to publicly seek funding for their ideas without being required to publicly trade shares.

— investors can potentially gain a return on their investment. But while the new law may broaden funding sources, there are some concerns, New York Times points out: But others, including noted tech investors like Fred Wilson and Rick Webb, are less optimistic. They warn that by deregulating the

raising of equity investment — at least in part — the legislation has the potential to unleash a cascade of abuses by luring investors to what may be risky and untenable business ventures. And some critics have questioned whether it will even help entrepreneurs, because if a company raises more than $500,000 it will have to produce audited financial records — a significant expense for a young business. Regardless, the rule is set to eventually allow more of the crowd to invest in startups as the law is

expected to be revised to reduce requirements of who is considered an “accredited investor.”  www.smartplanet.com/blog/ bulletin/it-just-got-a-littleeasier-to-crowdfund-usstartups/30125?tag=nl.e660&s_ci d=e660&ttag=e660&ftag=TRE4eb 29b5

35  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

The Journey of the Creoles Seeking Their Promiseland The theme reflects the migration of the Creoles and their patches of cultural trails throughout Southwest Louisiana Mission: Our Heritage is our Future: Preserve. Promote. Protect. The ADHT Foundation seeks to establish heritage trails linking Diaspora traditions in Africa, North, South and Central America, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Europe, and Canada by developing a network of collaborators, who identify, build, finance, promote and market cultural heritage destinations. ADHT destinations will foster sustainable economic development, provide inspiring educational experiences, produce quality cultural products that expose visitors to authentic African Diaspora history and culture, and motivate local populations to become active participants in the preservation and dissemination of their history and culture. The ADHT annual conference creates a unique and inspiring learning environment for all committed to the development of African Diaspora heritage destinations. From all parts of the globe, visitors and locals gather to explore trends, experience cultural expression, participate in professional development sessions, examine model heritage trail programs and enjoy establishing viable international networks. This prestigious international conference began in Bermuda, and the commitment and vision have been endorsed by the UNESCO Slave Route Project, the Africa Travel Association, the Smithsonian Partnership and International Programs Division, the Caribbean Tourism Organization, and a wide assortment of organizations involved with cultural tourism, cultural preservation and academic research. This year marks the first time the conference will convene in the United States, and we are thrilled to be hosting it in Louisiana. The mission of the 2013 conference at the Hilton Lafayette is, Our Heritage, Our Future: Preserve. Promote. Protect. PRESERVE: How to identify and maintain various tangible and intangible artifacts that represent African culture: dances, folklore, fine art, literature, oral traditions and history, etc. PROMOTE: How to create economic initiatives and tourism strategies that capitalize on cultural and historical assets while returning the benefits directly to communities and persons of African descent. PROTECT: How persons and communities of African descent can maintain their distinct heritage and culture, and the role governments and institutions should play in this endeavor. Thank you for in advance for considering our invitation to attend this historical conference in Lafayette, Louisiana, USA.

Business

Small Business Saturday, November 30, 2013 American Express Sponsors Nationwide Campaign

mall Businesses are the heartbeat of our communities. They're the corner stores that create jobs. The hardware stores that help build our economy. And the mom-and-pop shops whose very presence makes a neighborhood your neighborhood. Small Business Saturday (www.americanexpress.com/us/ small-business/Shop-Small) is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses across the country. Founded by American Express ( w w w. a m e r i c a n e x p r e s s . c o m ) in 2010, this day is celebrated every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This year, Small Business Saturday is on November 30th.

THE HISTORY OF SHOP SMALL S m a l l B u s i n e s s Saturday has grown into a movement that millions of individuals, businesses, and communities have embraced nationwide. The Shop Small® Movement inspires people to shop with and support these small businesses as well as give back to the places that have given

their communities so much. Go to the Small Business Saturday website and join in. 

38  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Business

Verizon is joining forces with AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and a number of other businesses and community organizations to help promote safe driving through

It Can Wait. http://itcanwait.com

Cause to Celebrate!

The Southern California Minority Supplier Development Council awards

Peoples Choice Staffing Class III 2013 Supplier of the Year Award! MOBILE BLACK BUSINESS DIRECTORY Download the App Add your Business Information Be found by new & old clients

DO IT TODAY! http://aroundthewayapp.com 39  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

California Black Chamber of Commerce Founder Aubrey Stone to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award (LOS ANGELES, CA) The Black Business Association (BBA), headquartered in Los Angeles, recently announced that Aubrey Stone, Founder and Chairman of the California Black Chamber of Commerce, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award during the BBAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 10th Annual Procurement Exchange Summit and Awards Luncheon on Thursday, November 14, 2013 at the L.A. Hotel (a Hyatt Hotel) 333 South Figueroa Street, in downtown Los Angeles, CA; The Summit is being chaired by Southern California Edison, , Co-Supporters of the event includes Wells Fargo Bank, Verizon, Comerica, US Bank, Sempra Energy Utilities, METRO, Western Petroleum Association and Golden State Water Company, The Honorary Event Committee includes Mike Peevey, President of the California Public Utilities Commission; Maxine Water, Congresswoman ; Karen Bass, Congresswoman; Victor Parker, Los Angeles District Director of the Small Business Administration; Rod Wright, California State Senator; Steven Bradford, California Assemblyman; Holly Mitchell, California Assemblywoman; Jerome Horton, Chairman of the State Board of Equalization; Herb Wesson, President Los Angeles City Council; Curren Price, Councilman; and Mike Davis, Commissioner of City of Los Angeles, Board of Public Works. Mr. Stone is receiving the BBAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lifetime Achievement Award because he has

been a mentor, a teacher, a motivator, but most of all a leader, dedicated to economic development and the growth of African-American-owned businesses in the state of California and throughout the nation. The Awards Luncheon will also recognize other outstanding entrepreneurs and individuals including:

able business resources for the growth and development of their business. The Summit is presented in recognition of National Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week. Registration will begin at 8:30 am and the day will conclude at 3:30pm. For participation, sponsorship or registration inIRUPDWLRQ SOHDVH FRQWDFW WKH %%$ RIÂżFes at 323. 291.9334 or email to: mail@ bbala.org. For additional information, visit our website at www.bbala.org.

â&#x20AC;˘ Ronda Jackson, Owner â&#x20AC;&#x201C; DĂŠcor Interior Design, Inc. (Outstanding Entrepreneur Award) â&#x20AC;˘ Clarence Scott, President and CEO â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Brandon Supply Company (Outstanding Member of the Year Award) Contact: Patricia Basquez â&#x20AC;˘ Catherine Clark, US Small Business 323.291.9334 | mail@bbala.org Administration, Lead, 8(a) Business Opportunity Specialist Small Business AdPLQLVWUDWLRQ /RV $QJHOHV 'LVWULFW 2IÂżFH (Special Recognition Award) â&#x20AC;˘ Joe & Evelyn Curtiss â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Word of Life Christian Bookstore (Community Based Business of the Year Award) â&#x20AC;˘ Joe Chow, Supply Chain Strategy & Planning Manager, Southern California Gas Company (Capacity Building Award) This Summit will bring more than 500 minority owned businesses together to network with purchasers from utility companies, communication companies, ÂżQDQFLDO LQVWLWXWLRQV PDMRU FRUSRUDWLRQV and government agencies, several City and State agencies and public authorities, will feature one-on-one contract procurement matchmaking opportunities along with workshops providing valu-

Business

Shaquille O'Neal

Shaq Takes Sacramento by Storm By James Ham

he scene at the Sacramento Kings practice facility on looked more like an Apple Store during the release of a new iPhone rather than a press conference. Media members from every imaginable outlet showed up to see future Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal take the podium. Lots of media friends were in attendance, but also plenty folks we’ve never seen before at a Kings

function. And that is the point of bringing in Shaq, isn’t it? The Kings have hit the big-time and Shaq is the largest new piece to an ever-growing pie. The big fella was gracious and funny. He called himself a “marketing expert”, joked about his mega-flop film Kazaam and asked that the capitol of California be renamed “Shaqramento”. But he was also humble and strangely apologetic to a fan base that he took countless shots at during the heated Lakers/Kings rivalry of the early 2000′s. “I understand their passion and a lot of people took this [his past comments regarding Sacramento] personal,” O’Neal said. “If I offended anyone, then I apologize.”

O’Neal seems genuinely excited to be a member of the team he used to call the “Queens”. He has a long standing friendship and business relationship with Mark Mastrov from their days in Miami. According to Shaq, he reached out to Mastrov this summer once the deal to keep the Kings in Sacramento was in place. That phone call led to a face-to-face meeting with Vivek Ranadivé and the rest is history. There were a few random questions thrown at O’Neal, but the central theme of the day was how he fits into the new Kings picture. While he doesn’t plan on teaching DeMarcus Cousins any new post moves, it is clear that the four-time NBA champion wants to mentor the see Shaqramento on page 43

42  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Business

Shaqramento

and likes to do things his way.” O’Neal cited NBA legend Phil from page 42 Jackson as the reason for his turnaround and hopes to impart Kings brightest young star. some of that knowledge to Cousins. The conversation began last night, when the two joined other members of the ownership group, as well as Governor Jerry Brown and his wife for dinner in downtown Sacramento. There are a lot of Kings fans who aren’t exactly excited about the latest addition to Shaquille O'Neal joins Kings ownership the team, but group | News - KCRA Home sometimes it’s best to “When I look at DeMarcus let the past stay in the past. As a Cousins, I see a young Shaquille member of the TNT broadcasting O’Neal,” Shaq said. “He’s very team, both O’Neal and Charles talented, very stubborn in his ways

Barkley were vocal against relocating the team to Seattle. “It would have been a travesty not to have a team here,” O’Neal said. “Especially with all of the things I’ve went through in this town. It would have been a travesty.” O’Neal promised to be a fixture around Sacramento and even dropped a few team and arena related tidbits that were being kept under wraps. We have been hearing about technological advances that will go into the new arena, but according to Shaq, the new arena will be “cashless”, running solely on phone apps for tickets and other purchases. He also mentioned that the Kings opening game, which will be televised uninterrupted on News 10, will also be shown live in India. It was another big day for an ownership group that has a lot of positive momentum going right now. With training camp starting next week, the conversation is about to shift to the product on the floor. Hopefully the momentum will carry over to that aspect of the franchise as well. 

JetBlue Offers New Premium Service

Service will include a menu curated by New York City-based restaurant Saxon+Parole. Cappuccino and espresso, made from what JetBlue is calling the first purposely built cappuccino machine for a U.S. airline, will be available throughout the flight. Men's and wiomen's amenity kits have been designed by retail company Birchbox. Fares are now on sale for $499 one way from JFK to LAX, for the first three days the service is available.

By Michael Shapiro

etBlue has introduced Mint, the carrier's new transcontinental premium service that will officially begin June 14, 2014. Mint

class will consist of 16 seats on flights between New York (JFK) and Los Angeles or San Francisco, four of which will be private suites with closing doors. Seats recline to lieflat beds that feature a massage function. Additional seat amenities include a 15-inch flat screen with up to 100 channels of DirecTV programming and more than 200 channels of SiriusXM radio; two 110-volt power outlets with two USB ports; shoe storage, and a "wake me for service" indicator.

http://cowbellkingdom. com/2013/09/24/shaq-takessacramento-by-storm

www.meetingsconventions.com/article. aspx?id=56021&cid=eltrMidweek

43  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Business

Kauffman Foundation Awards Urban Manufacturing Alliance $150,000

he Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation (www.kauffman. org) has announced a grant of $150,000 to the Urban Manufacturing Alliance (UMA) (http://urbanmfg.org) to help accelerate the organization's capacity to strategically support domestic manufacturing. A national collaborative supporting local manufacturing in cities, the UMA is the only organization of its kind focused exclusively on urban manufacturing. The UMA aims to boost the growth of urban manufacturing across the U.S. and to capitalize on the sector's ability to create stable, living-wage jobs. "The UMA, comprised of leaders in industry, public policy and economic development from 40 different cities, is injecting a new energy and potential for the rebirth of manufacturing in the United States," said Kauffman Foundation Vice President of Innovation and Networks, Lesa Mitchell. "The

Kauffman Foundation is supporting the UMA because we believe that urban manufacturing offers a new opportunity to marry the vibrancy

areas.

How To Particpate

and innovative capacity of cities with the potential for 'maker-fueled' job growth at a large scale."

New National Consensus A broad national consensus has emerged that revitalizing the U.S. manufacturing sector is essential to the goals of creating well-paying jobs and rebuilding the middle class. The UMA’s formation comes at a moment when manufacturing job growth is leading the nation’s economic recovery, as large and small companies are “re-shoring” production, and as manufacturing start-ups are bringing new products to market at an unprecedented pace. UMA member organizations represent a wide range of disciplines and perspectives from economic development, urban research and strategy, city planning, land use, public policy, advocacy, technical assistance, w o r k f o r c e development, s u s t a i n a b i l i t y, other local government, academic institutions, to industrial parks all working to create a vibrant manufacturing sector in urban

UMA membership is reserved for organizations directly engaged in the work of sustaining, growing, and promoting their City’s urban manufacturing sector. If you are an individual, a local manufacturer, or other interested party, we welcome you to engage with the UMA: sign up to be on our mailing list (http://urbanmfg.us4. list-manage.com/subscribe?u=dc b152e1e7b2503f7ff5b6984&id=6 09df9655e), join the conversation on our Facebook page (www. facebook.com/UMfgAlliance) and follow us on Twitter (https://twitter. com/UMfgAlliance). To become a UMA Member Organization, you must meet the following criteria: • Students— Doctoral students working specifically on topics relevant to the work of the UMA • Independent Consultants— Only if joining for professional, not business reasons,specifically agreeing not to use the UMA membership to solicit business • Manufacturers—Invited to join if you have the capacity to engage in UMA’s work, which is differentiated as additional engagement beyond running your business or sole involvement in local • Other allied organizations— Invited to join if part of your work is focused on areas relevant to UMA’s work (i.e. urban manufacturing, economic development, etc.) • Government entities—Invited to join. 

47  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Business

Donald Arnold, CEO, Carnival Cruise Lines

icky Arison, Carnival Corp.’s billionaire chairman and CEO, after 34 years running the Carnival Cruise Line business, announced he would be handing over the CEO reins to Arnold Donald, a former Senior Vice President of Agriculture at chemical titan Monsanto. Carnival Corporation, the largest vacation company in the world, was created in a daring string of massive acquisitions that made Carnival a household name and turned Arison into a multibillionaire with a net worth of $5.9 billion. Carnival's nearest competitor is Royal Caribbean. Mr. Arison, who remains chairman, handpicked Mr. Donald, a Carnival board member (he joined the Carnival board in 2001). In taking

over the helm and righting the corporation Mr. Donald will have to cut costs, rationalize a hodgepodge of brands, make Carnival’s huge fleet more fuel-efficient and draw vacationers back aboard. Donald has stated that Carnival's long term fundamentals are sound and the opportunities numerous. Though challenging the situation bodes well for enhancing shareholder value as we stay focused on delivering the best vacation value possible to our guests. Mr. Donald spent the bulk of his career at Monsanto, moving from marketing up through the ranks of management. Under his charge the Lawn-and-Garden Division saw revenues jump from $40 million to $200 million between

1988 and 1992. A year later he was promoted to president of the entire Agribusiness Division, which accounted for half of the company’s $4 billion in revenues. After that he and a friend bought the Equal sweetener brand from his former company. Donald ran the company through 2003 before retiring as chairman two years later. Those who knew him at Monsanto say he’s formidable (he has a “golden touch.” In the wake of recent shipboard problems, Carnival Cruise Lines began installing backup engines on its ships, at a cost of $300 million, with more backup-capability improvements on the way. To save money the company is building only one or two ships a year right now–at an average cost of $700 million each–down from as many as four. The new ships rotating into Carnival’s fleet are bigger (allowing for more passengers and higher profits) and more fuel-efficient (fuel accounts for 20% of operating costs). Carnival is also turning to China’s budding middle class to restore growth. With profit margins for Asian cruises outpacing those of American ones, two Costa ships have been outfitted with menus and decor designed for Chinese tastes, and two Princess ships have been redeployed to Japan. www.forbes.com/sites/ calebmelby/2013/10/09/ carnivals-sinking-feelinginvestors-arent-convinced-mickyarisons-handpicked-successorcan-right-the-ship

48  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Business

Who's Starting Up While the Government Shuts Down? by Mark Marich

ook around and you will find a number of articles on the effects of the political stalemate / government shutdown on entrepreneurs. For “small businesses”, the effects are quite clear, mostly relating to government contracts (more than half the federal spending would go through federal contracts before the shutdown) and Small Business Administration (SBA) loans. In addition, with 62% of the SBA’s staff furloughed, all counseling is on hold until the government is back up and running. The suspension of these contracts, loans and services represents an immediate “brake” on the economy. In terms of young, growing companies, the effects are less obvious but probably even costlier in the long run. For example, the prolonged debate around appropriations and the debt ceiling are putting the immigration debate on the back burner (e.g. the Startup Act 3.0 is still waiting to fight its way in Congress - www.govtrack. us/congress/bills/113/hr714). The political delay in solving this and other issues that would impact potential high-growth, high-impact entrepreneurs (e.g. health care for entrepreneurs) could have costly long-term effects because they inhibit the ability of firms to grow and create jobs, or even start. Innovation also suffers. It is

estimated that the FDA furloughed about 45% of its staff and this means that it will only be publishing regulations that are related to "imminent threats to the safety of human life or protection of property." In the mean time, many

innovations stay on lab shelves instead of going to market. Some of these might be the companies that are supposed to lead the healthcare revolution. Many other good ideas, with lots of promise to enhance productivity, have had to delay launch plans and were forced to find non-government related ways to get funding to get off the ground. Luckily, the U.S Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has enough funding from last year to keep operating at normal capacity for up to four weeks. This furlough might be your chance to network and take entrepreneurship lessons. 

As part of its 20th anniversary celebration, Community Financial Resource Center (CFRC) will host the Unveiling and First Annual SoLA Business and Economic Forecast on Thursday, October 17, 2013, 4060 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, California, 9:30 am to 2:00 pm. Complimentary Breakfast (9:30 am to 10:30 am); Unveiling and Business & Economic Forecast (10:00 am to 12:00 pm); "Taste of Microenterprise" - CFRC's Micro Entrepreneur's Food Sampling & Vendor Faire (12:00 pm to 2:00 pm). The event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP to events@bellamypr.com or call (213) 673-1433. Corporate sponsorships are available. For more information contact Malanna Marioneaux at (323) 846-1478 or malanna@ cfrcla.org.

49  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Why Reputation Management is Important By Riqo Fraser, Union Bank, N.A.

At Union Bank we define reputation management as a solid, ongoing commitment to responsible banking. Ours is a culture of performing ethically at all times in decisions concerning customers, partners, employees and the communities where we conduct business. Riqo Fraser Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager Manhattan Beach Branch 400 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 310-374-9746

This philosophy has proven successful for Union Bank, as customers ranked the company highest among the top 30 bank holding companies in the United States in a recent survey conducted by the Reputation Institute and American Banker Magazine. The results of the 4th Annual Survey of Bank Reputations appear in the July 2013 issue of the magazine. Union Bank received the highest cumulative score of any bank since the inception of the annual survey in 2010 on measures of trust, admiration and respect. The bank also finished in the top five in several key categories such as governance, performance, workplace, citizenship and leadership. The complete rankings of bank reputation scores and full coverage can be viewed online at www.unionbank.com/ Images/ABM-ReputationReset.pdf.

“Banking at its heart is built on trust and reputation is built on earning it,” said Union Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Masashi Oka. “For this survey to recognize the trust we’ve established with customers and communities over our nearly 150-year history–particularly through our focused efforts this past year–is a huge honor for our bank and validates what we consider important.” Our approach to responsible banking is built around five core tenants: 1.) responsible lending; 2.) sound financial management; 3.) support of community; 4.) diversity and inclusion; and 5.) responsible products and practices. These principles are fundamental to the way we conduct business everyday throughout our bank, and have been a part of our legacy for nearly 150 years. “At Union Bank, we take pride in empowering our customers and our communities, including businesses, families and diverse communities,” said Union Bank Executive Vice President Julius Robinson, head of Corporate Social Responsibility. “Our 2012 CSR report illustrates a broad cross section of environmental, economic and

social contributions that together represent Union Bank and the character of our business and employees.” The report, the survey and other recent recognitions help to illustrate our commitment to responsible banking, a commitment that will continue as we embark on the next 150 years. Rico Fraser is an Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager of Union Bank’s Manhattan Beach Branch. Headquartered in San Francisco, UnionBanCal Corporation is a financial holding company with assets of $102.3 billion at June 30, 2013. Its primary subsidiary, Union Bank, N.A., provides an array of financial services to individuals, small businesses, middle-market companies, and major corporations. The bank operated 422 branches in California, Washington, Oregon, Texas, Illinois, and New York as well as two international offices, on June 30, 2013. UnionBanCal Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., which is a subsidiary of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. Union Bank is a proud member of the Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG, NYSE:MTU), one of the world’s largest financial organizations. In July 2013, American Banker Magazine and the Reputation Institute ranked Union Bank #1 for reputation among its customers. Visit www.unionbank.com for more information.

Quote of Note... “The American people sent us here to govern. They sent us here to make sure that we’re doing everything we can to make their lives a little bit better -- to create new jobs, to restore economic security, to rebuild the prospects of upward mobility. That’s what they expect.” President Barack H. Obama

50  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Business

NEW BUSINESS LAUNCHED JANUARY, 2013

ͳͲ Ǥ ǡ ʹͲͳ͵ǡ ǡ ȋ ȌǤ Ǥ Ǧ ǡ Ǥ ǡ Ǥ ͵Ͳ Ǥ ǡ ǡ Ǯ ǯ Ǧ Ǥ Ǧ Ǧ Ǥ Ǥ Ǧ Business Startup Services and Business Growth Services. Business Startup Services ǡ ǡ ǡ ǡ ǡ Ǧ ǡ ǡ Ǥ Business Growth Services Ǧ ǡ ǡ ǡ ǡ ǡ Ǥ Ǥ ǡ ǡ ǡ ̵ ǡ ǡ Ǥ Ǥ ǡ Ǥ ǡ ̵ Ǥ ǣ Ǥ Ǥ ǣ ̷ Ǥ Ǥ ȋ ȌǤ ʹͲͲͲǡ ǡ ǡ Ǥ Ǧ Ǥ Ǥ Ǧ Ǥ ͵Ͳ Ǥ ǡ Ǥ Ǥ ǡ ʹͲͲ͵Ǥ ȋ Ȍ ͻͲͲ ȋ Ȍ Ǥ

51  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

RISING PHOENIX iCONNECT GROUP

CHARLES BLACKMORE CONTINUES TO BREAK BOUNDARIES DESPITE DREARY ECONOMIC CONDITIONS With the simple and

selected as the National Urban

uncomplicated business

League business of the Year in

philosophy “promote and

1996, 1997 and 1998.

demand

Appointment

integrity in all

“At these events I learned from “At these events I learned from many pioneers and leaders of the Blackpioneers businessand community many leadersfrom of the around the country. It was inspiring Black business community from

actions….wh en you do the right

to see pictures from as early as around the country. It was inspiring 1968 of the black men and women to see pictures from as early as standing in front of the White House 1968and of Congressional the black menbuildings and women standing front of the toWhite House awaitinginappointments advocate on behalf of the black businessman and Congressional buildings awaiting and woman . appointments to advocate on behalf of the black businessman and woman.

thing; right things happen” It’s no wonder why Charles Blackmore has had continued

by President Bill Clinton to serve on the White House Council for Small business in 1995, and today he is a member of the Democratic National

and sustained success in this

Committee, Business Council.

tough IT services industry. This

“Re-inventing himself and his

philosophy over the last 24

organization to adjust to an

years has helped this now

unstable economy has been a

Washington, D.C.-based

key contributor to my success”

entrepreneur grow into a $34

he said.

million enterprise. Blackmore has

Blackmore began developing his enterprise in

accumulated a number of

1989 with the launching of his

awards. These include being

first small business Data Support

iConnect Group is a world class solutions partner providing innovative, userfriendly software design and application development services, Integration Support Services, Infrastructure Services, Mobile Apps, and Data Center Support and Staffing Services to the Federal Government for over 20 years.. iConnect’s clear competitive advantage comes from the combination of deep domain knowledge, enterprise standard technology solutions, and our global delivery model; built on our self-sustaining process framework. We are an established solutions provider with dependable partners and marquee customers. DUNS – 126785851 GSA Schedule 70

For more information on iConnect go to www.iConnect.com

October 18, 2013 [Edition 1, Volume 1]

52  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

ICONNECT GROUP

Systems (DSS). DSS, a small

through product sales and

capital. Blackmore has six

business based in of Los

services, Blackmore grew his

additional offices located in

Angeles, CA providing IT

company revenue in excess of

Orange County, Calif., Atlanta,

Support Services. In 1995

$60 million. His success no

Dallas, Detroit, and Orlando.

Blackmore sought the help of

longer qualified him as small

the Federal government and

and disadvantaged, so with

family, through acquisition of a

elected to participate in the

solid growth and strong

key competitor, is iConnect, a IT

Small Business Administration

relationships under his belt he

consulting firm specializing in

8(a) program which is designed

graduated from the 8(a)

software development with

to help small, disadvantaged

program.

major customers to include

businesses compete for business

As his company grew,

in an environment dominated

Blackmore customer base

by large businesses.

shifted and prompted him to

His latest addition to the

ACS/Xerox, General Dynamics, and Northrop Grumman, Blackmore is definitely a

leave Los Angeles and relocate

success story in our books and we

success, Blackmore graduated

the company to Dallas in 2004.

hope to continue to create the

from the 8(a) program in 1999.

Then following bigger

environment for others small

Five years earlier than normal

opportunities, he moved his

businesses to grow and emulate

graduating small businesses.

headquarters once more in

his success.

Within this 4-year period,

2007, this time to the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Due to his phenomenal

FEDERAL 8(A) PROGRAM Background

The Small Business

controlled at least 51 percent by

transitional stage. Companies can stay

Administration 8(a) program is

socially and economically

in the developmental stage four years

designed to help small, disadvantaged

disadvantaged individuals.

and in the transitional stage five

businesses compete.

The 8(a) program participation is

Companies in this federally-run program must be owned and

years.

divided into two stages--the developmental stage and the

For more information on iConnect go to www.iConnect.com

FOR

October 14th

OR ANY SPECIAL OCCASION

Business

Kauffman Foundation and Khan Academy Launch Entrepreneurship Interview Series

raffiti was the inspiration for one founder who became a fashion mogul and serial entrepreneur. A popular feature film taught another founder an important lesson about entrepreneurship. Poor service planted the seed for an innovative global airline for an entrepreneur who now runs several successful companies. Personal lessons and insights from accomplished entrepreneurs are the basis of a new Khan Academy online interview series introduced today by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. The series represents the first entrepreneurship content to be added to the Academy's vast collection of free online educational tutorials and learning resources, potentially inspiring its 6 million student users a month. "The Kauffman Foundation is honored to work with Khan Academy on this vital work. The Academy is the embodiment of what is possible when an entrepreneurial mindset is applied to a great need or opportunity in the market, thereby disrupting everything we thought we knew about education," said Thom Ruhe, vice president of Entrepreneurship at the Kauffman Foundation, a private foundation dedicated to improving education and advancing entrepreneurship. "Khan Academy users will learn how they too can apply their knowledge to solve problems, just as the

entrepreneurs in the series have." Presented in a conversational format with accompanying illustrations, the 20 videos featuring nine entrepreneurs sharing their experiences include a range of tips, anecdotes and personal characteristics, such as being fearless and thinking big. "Khan Academy provides students with foundational elements necessary to become innovators and entrepreneurs," says Sal Khan, founder and executive director of Khan Academy. "We offer lessons and project-based learning tutorials in a wide variety of subjects. We are excited to now partner with the Kauffman Foundation to add inspirational lessons from some of the world's leading entrepreneurs. Kauffman's entrepreneurship interview series illuminates the subtle lessons that can't be conveyed in textbooks." The entrepreneurs featured in the new interview series are: • Ben Milne, CEO of Dwolla • Danny O'Neill, president of The Roasterie • Giles Shih, president and CEO of BioResource International

• Lara Morgan, founder of Pacific Direct • Marc Ecko, founder of Ecko Unlimited • Philip Rosedale, founder and chairman of Second Life and founder of Coffee and Power • Richard Branson, chairman of the Virgin Group • T.A. McCann, founder and CEO of Gist • Zach Kaplan, CEO of Inventables The Kauffman Foundation will add new content featuring more entrepreneurs in the near future. To see the Kauffman/Khan entrepreneurship interview series, go to www.khanacademy.org/r/ entrepreneurship.

About Khan Academy Khan Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission of providing a free world-class education for anyone, anywhere. Khan Academy provides free online educational materials (e.g., practice exercises, instructional videos, dashboard analytics, teacher tools) that support personalized education for users of all ages in a scalable way. In the last two years, the organization has delivered over 300 million lessons and 1.3 billion exercise problems. Currently it has 6 million users per month and over 3 million exercise problems completed each day. Khan Academy covers subjects from basic Math to college level Biology and Art History. For more information visit www. khanacademy.org.  www.kauffman.org/newsroom/ kauffman-foundation-and-khanacademy-launch-entrepreneurshipinterview-series.aspx?utm_ source=Newsletter&utm_ medium=Opticast&utm_ campaign=Ideas_At_ Work_9_26_13

56  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Business

loud ROI tools vendor, 6fusion (www.6fusion. com), says it has signed a non-binding Letter of Intent with CME Group (www.cmegroup.com), a global derivatives marketplace, to explore the development of an “Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) Exchange.” IaaS offers the underlying components of cloud computing: processing power, storage, networks, and systems messaging. 6fusion says it will work with CME Group to explore the development of an open marketplace for trading financial contracts based on 6fusion’s cloud workload measurement tools. The marketplace will be built on an electronic trading platform provided by CME Group, and 6fusion’s Marketplace platform will track fulfillment of physically delivered contracts traded on the platform. Network World’s Brandon Butler (www.networkworld.com) provides a look at how such an exchange will work: “Blocks of cloud computing resources - for example a month’s worth of virtual machines, or a year’s worth of cloud storage - would be packaged by service providers and sold on a market. In the exchange, investors and traders could buy up

Cloud Capacity may be Bought and Sold in an Open Commodities Market By Joe McKendrick these blocks and resell them to end users, or other investors, potentially turning a profit if the value of the resource increases. The market for these resources would ebb and flow, just like with any other commodity, based on supply and demand. Perhaps around the holiday shopping season, or directly after a natural disaster, these blocks of cloud resources would be more valuable, for example.” Reuven Cohen, chief cloud advocate at Citrix (www.citrix. com), notes in a recent Forbes (www.forbes.com) commentary that such an exchange is a step in the right direction, noting that “data centers are the new power plants,” and, just as is the case with energy resources, such exchanges help reduce the risk in investing in new capacity. He also adds that Amazon Web Services already

IaaS: Infrastructure as a Service is a provision model in which an organization outsources the equipment used to support operations, including storage, hardware, servers and networking components. The service provider owns the equipment and is responsible for housing, running and maintaining it. The client typically pays on a per-use basis. has a spot-pricing capability that fluctuates with supply and demand. These developments also may open the door to another opportunity as well. Many enterprises have excess computing capacity within their own systems, and perhaps there could be a market-type environment in which these cycles could be sold and purchased. Just as SETI’s grid architecture takes advantage of unused cycles on millions of participants’ laptops, there could be a way to leverage corporate data centers.  www.smartplanet.com/blog/bulletin/ cloud-capacity-may-be-boughtand-sold-in-an-open-commoditiesmarket/31833?tag=nl.e660&s_cid=e66 0&ttag=e660&ftag=TRE4eb29b5

57  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Global Economic Recovery: How the Poor Can Help Save Capitalism

November 13-14, 2013 Atlanta, GA //summit.operationhope.org

peration HOPE (HOPE), the leading global financial dignity nonprofit, announced that Curley Dossman, Vice President-Community Affairs, and President-Georgia-Pacific Foundation, of Georgia-Pacific Foundation, Tim Wennes, Vice Chairman and Chief Retail Banking Officer, of Union Bank and Phillippe Bourguignon, ViceChairman, Revolution Places, CEO Exclusive Resorts, of Revolution Places and Exclusive Resorts, will co-chair the upcoming HOPE Global Financial Dignity Summit (Summit) working group session titled, “Youth Economic Energy and Understanding the Entrepreneurship Paradigm.” Dossman, Wennes and Bourguignon will lead the intimate group discussion with a dozen other industry leaders and experts about how to empower youth entrepreneurship and develop a list of recommendations on this important topic from the working group session that will be included in a post-event executive report for G20 leaders.

This session is dedicated to activating this new category of young entrepreneurs who have the opportunity to "fix” our social and environmental problems by using business as a tool for change. This session is designed, in part, to identify which countries are implementing a good balance of government interaction and expanded access to diverse resources for entrepreneurship opportunities to help reduce poverty worldwide. “If we fail to empower and inspire our young, bold leaders in business and industry, our HOPE’s mission is stalled. That’s why we are thrilled to have this talented group of experts and entrepreneurs to engage in this important dialogue,” said John Hope Bryant, founder, chairman and CEO of Operation HOPE. “We are grateful that Mr. Dossman, Mr. Wenness and Mr. Bourguignon have agreed to lend their considerable knowledge and skill to lead this discussion.” In partnership with the City of Atlanta, the two-day Summit moderated by Soledad O’Brien

focuses on “Global Economic Recovery: How the Poor Can Help Save Capitalism,” will frame the issue of financial inclusion, small business, entrepreneurship, jobs, and financial dignity as essential core ingredients to mid and longterm economic recovery and stability. It is expected to draw 1,000 of the most dynamic and influential financial industry professionals, government decision-makers and faith leaders from more than 50 countries around the world. The annual HOPE Summit will serve also as the staging area for the gathering of commitments for business role models, business internships, youth entrepreneurship business grants, and other commitments for action in underserved communities. To learn more about Operation HOPE and the Summit, visit www. operationhope.org. You are invited to follow Operation Hope on Twitter, @operationhope, #HOPESummit, and to "like" Operation Hope on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ operationhope.  www.operationhope.org

58  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Diana Price and Associates is a consulting firm that works with companies to transform relationships with their customers by developing customized programs that deliver exceptional, sustainable and referable customer service experiences.

Who We Are • We teach companies how to treat and serve others • We make customer service relevant at every level of the organization • We show companies and their employees how to learn to love the next customer interaction • We elevate service, making it mission critical to the functioning of the business

Our Focus • Exceptional service experiences have the power to transform not only the relationship between you and your customers, but also the strategic relationship between customer service and the success of your business.

Our Approach • We work with companies to bring a sustainable customer service promise to life by making it relevant at every level of their organizations. • We make sure customer service is treated as a corporate mandate, a business imperative and, ultimately, a profit strategy that is a reference point in everything the company does. • People at every customer touch point – direct and indirect - are empowered and trained to deliver on that customer promise.

The Result • We teach companies how to make serving their customers central to their corporate cultures, and

in turn have that central focus also serve them as a successful and profitable business strategy. Diana Price & Associates provides a refreshing approach to creating exceptional customer experiences, operational assessments, human resources training, communication strategy, team retreats, culture and vision planning and customized consulting. Explore how we can help you get your customer interactions and employee engagement right and keep you moving forward.

Converting Business Pressure Points into Sustainable Customer Solutions • Service Leadership and Communication Strategy (coaching, training) • Customer Service Culture Sculpting and Vision Planning • Human Resources Training & Consulting • Career Development • Community Relations • Certifications • Keynote Speaking

www.dianapriceassociates.com 1507 7th Street Suite 686, Santa Monica CA 90401 T: 866.631.7500 • F: 888.920.2110

59  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

SMALL BUSINESS/DBE OPPORTUNITY FORUM Mid-Coast Corridor Transit Project will create 12,000 jobs

Wednesday, October 23, 2013 9:00 a.m. – Noon Registration: 9:00 a.m. | Event Presentation: 9:30 a.m. Free admission and parking Complimentary continental breakfast

LOCATION

QLN Conference Center 1938 Avenida del Oro Oceanside, CA 92056

Learn about contracting opportunities and updates for the SANDAG Mid-Coast Corridor Transit Project. If you are a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) or Small Business (SB), don’t miss the opportunity to network with Project Managers, potential primes and agency partners.

RSVP today!

; Yes, I want to register now!

Business

Technology:

Take a Look! by LaSandra Stratton Check out what these firms and organizations have to offer for your personal interests, personal wealth building, and business expansion opportunities. http://questvisual.com/us/ Word Lens, a product of Quest Visual, translates printed words from one language to another with

your smartphone's video camera, in real time. No network connection needed! The app and the word packs are available through the App Store and Google Play. The app and one word pack are $4.99. Additional word packs may be purchased within the App. The word pack language pairs now available are: •English > Portuguese •English > German •English > Italian •English > French •English > Spanish The translations work in both directions (French > English). Visit the website or the app stores to see a demo. More languages coming soon! Sign up on the website to receive notifications. www.snapplify.com The Snapplify solution

plays an integral role in assisting publishers and companies who are taking their content into the digital sphere. Our clients can now take full control of selling and distributing their own digital content directly to their client base; empowering their content and strengthening their client relationships. Digital Publishing is made simpler by Snapplify; making money from digital sales and subscriptions is a boon, particularly to paper publishing industries struggling with declining paper sales. But Snapplify is accessible to all industries, where there is content, we can help you sell it. Snapplify has aided content producers and distributors such as authors, artists, publishers, retailers and even corporates to manage, distribute and monetise their content in their own custom branded mobile and web stores. http://prss.com/ Create amazing digital publications for the iPad you'll love to make and your readers will love to read. Intuitive, beautiful, powerful, cloud-based and free to use. Prss back-end is entirely web-based, allowing you to design and publish from basically anywhere. Small teams or big, no one should have to wait for someone else to finish their tasks. You (and 29 collaborators) can now edit

the same publication at the same time. You'll get your own app, your own tiles and your own look-andfeel. Customize the interactive tiles to link to in-app purchases, Twitter and Facebook shares, and more. Got specials or extras you'd like to sell? In-app purchases help you earn more from the same app with the same ease of use. Revenues are all yours. Just as you would with paper, pick up your publication and start reading. No waiting for downloads, no gigantic file sizes, just tap and read. You also stay in control over your content forever, even if your reader has already downloaded it. Add pages and ads or fix typos. Anything is possible. What do you pay - 5¢ per publication download. www.audible.com Audible.com is the leader in spoken word entertainment. Our digital audiobooks are read by Hollywood's finest, professional narrators and authors too. Listen with the free Audible app on your smartphone or tablet, or on your iPod or computer. At Audible you own your books. Audible is not a streaming or rental service. Get an audiobook of your choice, free, with a 30-day trial. After the trial, your paid membership will begin at $14.95 per month. With your membership, you will receive one credit every month, good for any audiobook on Audible. Cancel anytime, effective the next monthly billing cycle. Cancel before your trial ends and you will not be charged. Check out the full terms and policies that apply to Audible membership at audible. com.  Submitted by LaSandra Stratton, Chief Content Administrator of the Black Business News.

63  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Business

Special Report: As the Digital Revolution Kills Jobs, Social Unrest Will Rise

•

Gartner offers up 10 strategic predictions for the next 10 years

artner (www.gartner.com/ technology/home.jsp) is forecasting some major changes in technology, especially in areas like 3D printing, machine learning and voice recognition. They are all powerful trends that will reduce the need for workers, and, as a consequence, bring social unrest, the analyst firm said. In the industrial revolution -- and revolutions since -- there was an invigoration of jobs. For instance, assembly lines for cars led to a vast infrastructure that could support mass production giving rise to everything from car dealers to road building and utility expansion into new suburban areas. But the digital revolution is not following the same path, said Daryl Plummer, a Gartner analyst at the research firm's Symposium ITxpo here. "What we're seeing is a decline in the overall number of people required to do a job," he said. Plummer points to a company like Kodak, which once employed 130,000, versus Instagram's 13. Gartner sees social unrest movements, similar to Occupy Wall Street, emerging again by 2014. "Occupy-type Wall Street movements are going to grow," he said during his presentation of the "Top 10 Strategic Predictions."

Plummer looked at trends in time frames over the next 10 years. One attendee who agreed with the prediction that digitization and automation will cost jobs was Tom Seitzberg, Director of International IT operations for Genomic Health in San Francisco. "Ultimately, every society lives from the backbone from a strong middle class," said Seitzberg. "If you get just a top level, a small amount of very rich people and a very large piece of very poor people, it leads to social unrest." Seitzberg said it's important to see "how you can also make sure that the people are actually benefiting from it." Here are the remaining predictions from Gartner: • By 2016, the 3D printing of tissues and organs, called bioprinting, will cause a global debate about regulating the technology or banning it. Bioprinting is just one aspect of 3-D, but it illustrates, dramatically, the potential of this technology. "If you are an enterprise, you have got to start preparing your people for the notion that 3-D printing can go a long way," said Plummer. "If you start printing products, distribution systems change; the software for them changes, where the work is done changes." • By 2018, 3D printing will result in the loss of at least $100 billion a year in intellectual property globally. This could be particularly hard on a small business. "It's now

•

• •

easy to steal an entire business," said Plummer. By 2017, more than half of consumer goods manufacturers will get 75% of their consumer innovation and R&D capabilities from crowd-sourcing. Companies are already soliciting customer feedback in product design and direction. By 2017, 80% of consumers will give up private information in exchange for some type of benefit. "People are getting more used to the idea," said Plummer. By 2020, enterprises and government will fail to protect 75% of sensitive data. "The reality is you don't protect it today," said Plummer, of the data. The alternative is to give up access to data that really isn't sensitive, and not try to protect all data access the board. "We should be focusing on the data that really needs to be protected," he said. By 2024, machines will play a bigger role in protecting humans with "non-overridable 'smart systems,'" says Gartner. Cars are already getting this technology, such as a braking system that can respond faster than a human. By 2020, smart machines will disrupt knowledge workers in both positive and negative ways. Imagine training your replacement, a machine, to take over your job. The thing to watch, says Gartner, are revenues earned by IBM from Watson, the Jeopardy-playing supercomputer. Gartner expects Watson to account for 1.5% of IBM revenues by the end of 2015, and 10% by 2018. By 2017, 10% of computers will be learning. Expect more use of speech recognition. By 2020, consumer data collected from wearable devices will drive 5% of sales from the global 1000 firms. 

64  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Buiness

Karl Kani Still Designing Urban Fashion Once Considered the King of Hip Hop Fashion, He Continues to Amaze Us 1990 Karl Kani entered into an agreement with Carl Jones, co-founder of Threads 4 Life Corporation and Cross Colours, at that time the major hip hop brand in marketplace. Through his partnership and strategic alliance, Karl was able to propel his own line of clothing not only in the U.S., but international. The Black Business Association (BBA), headquartered in Los Angeles honored Karl Kani as “Outstanding Business” in 1993. In 1996 Karl’s company was rewarded by Black Enterprise Magazine and in 2002 he received an ‘Urban Fashion Award’. Today, Karl Kani’s product line can be found in most major department stores and online. Being up almost a quarter of decade of branding, he is positioning his brand to further penetrate the domestic and international market, for both male and female. For more information on Karl Kani, please visit their website at www. KarlKani.com.

.DUO ZDV WKH ¿UVW EODFN PDQ WR launch a hip hop fashion brand, and become one of the 100 richest African-Americas in 1996, according to People Magazine. At age 16, Karl Kani (born Carl Williams) started designing clothes after learning the Karl Kani is a fashion designer, essential handcraft at his father’s founder and CEO of his fashion company in New York. In 1989, Karl brand Karl Kani, launched in 1989 arrived in Los Angeles where he and DV D IDVKLRQ VWDWHPHQW LQÀXHQFHG E\ a good friend opened a clothing shop the hip hop and urban culture on that on Crenshaw Boulevard, a historical time. His designed clothes appealed black section of Los Angeles. Later to a large public, including such Dr. they moved their location to HollyDre, Puff Daddy, Snoop Dog, Tu Pac wood, where Karl started selling catand Biggy Small. More importantly, alogs that he and his partner had put it appealed to the large youth mar- together. ketplace who views Karl Kani’s signature clothing line as an expression As an illustration of joint venture arof their time. rangements and collaboration, in When you mention the king or Godfather of hip hop or urban fashion, the name most associated with this description is Karl Kani. Quite impressive for someone who is still in his mid-40s.

65  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Business

Finding Young Entrepreneurs

n pursuit to source and promote young entrepreneurs, I recently came across one that transforming technology in a special way. While reading an article by Hayat Mohamed, writer for NewsOne, I learned about Jaylen Bledsoe, a 15 year old high school sophomore of Gazelwood, Mo., who founded and manages his own IT services company. The name of this young man's firm is Bledsoe Technologies that he started at the age of 13 years young. Today, he has built his company to a value of $3.5 million, employing 150 contracted workers. Jaylen Bledsoe is the Chief Executive Officer & founder at Bledsoe Technologies, LLC in Missouri. He has expertise in startup businesses, entrepreneurship,

Venture Capital Funding, and directing marketing platforms targeted towards small and midsized businesses. In the past 3 years, he has focused on expanding Bledsoe Technologies, LLC and growing the number

Excellence Award” from President Barack Obama in 2009. In addition, he has also received the “Gateway Young Achiever of the Year” and selected as the 2nd place winner for the Missouri Parent Teachers Association “Diversity” contest.

of youth involved in start-up businesses. Under Jaylen’s leadership, Bledsoe Technologies, LLC has achieved consistent revenue growing from a roster of hundreds of customers worldwide. Some typical clients include Hazelwood West Middle School, NLAthletics and many other private clients. Mr. Bledsoe is a frequent speaker on youth entrepreneurship, youth rights and start-up financing, and has an EDU Certification from Google for the Google Apps Platform. Jaylen Bledsoe is a certified reseller for many Microsoft & Lenovo Products and has been recognized for his Academic Excellence, leadership and accomplishments, winning a “Presidential Academic

Mr. Bledsoe is an active member of Wyman Teen Leadership Program, MICDS’ Young Republicans Club and has sat on the board at the National Youth Rights Association, serving as Treasurer of the Board. He currently attends Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School, also known as “Country Day” in Ladue, Missouri. He plans to attend Harvard University, double majoring in Business Administration and Computer Science. Please be sure to visit this rising industry leader's blog at jaylenbledsoe.com.  Bledsoe Technologies, LLC Saint Louis, MO (314) 827-5893 info@bledsoetechnologies.com. SouthlandBDP@aol.com

66  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Community/Public Interest

Create "my social security" Account

nce you create a "my social security" account, you can access your Social Security Statement to check your earnings, get your benefit estimates, and produce a Benefit Verification Letter when you need one. You will also be able to change

housing or other state and local benefits; • Current Medicare health insurance coverage; • Retirement or disability status; and • Age.

your address, change your phone numbers; and start or change you direct deposit service. You can apply for a benefit verification letter when you need one as proof of your: • Income when you apply for a loan or mortgage, assisted

establish your "my social security" account.

Follow this four (4) step process to

Step 1 Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ myaccount and select the Create an Account option.

Step 2

Verify that you meet the minimum requirements: • At least 18 years of age; • Have a valid E-mail address; • Have a valid Social Security number; and • Have a U.S. mailing address.

Step 3 Enter the requested personal information to verify your identity.

Step 4 Select and enter a username and a password to create your account. When you need a benefit verification letter you just sign on

to your account and select the "Get aBenefit Verification Letter" option. The system will display a letter that you may print or save for later use. Visit the Social Security Administration website for detailed information - www.ssa.gov. 

#GETCOVERED H E A LT H C A R E . G O V If you're uninsured, go to http://HealthCare.gov & find an affordable plan that works for you. #GetCovered www.whitehouse.gov/share/what-obamacare-means-you 69  September 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Community/Public Interest

First Lady Michelle Obama Asks Everyone to “Drink Up” With More Water! by Elyse Cohen

First Lady Michelle Obama proposes a toast during a "Let's Move!" Drink Up festival at Watertown High School in Watertown, Wis. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

irst Lady Michelle Obama joined the Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA) and actress Eva Longoria to announce PHA’s new effort to encourage everyone to drink more water. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), approximately one in four kids does

not drink any water on a given day. Drinking water is one of the easiest ways to improve overall health and well-being and helps you have more energy and better focus. The campaign kicked off in Watertown, WI encouraging Americans to “Drink Up”. It’s a simple action that everyone can take. Mrs. Obama led a toast to water followed by an

array of festival-like water games at Watertown High School. “Since we started the Let’s Move! initiative, I’ve been looking for as many ways as possible to help families and kids lead healthier lives. And I’ve come to realize that if we were going to take just one step to make ourselves and our families

70  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

see Drink Up! on page 71

Community/Public Interest

Drink Up! from page 70

healthier, probably the single best thing we could do is to simply drink more water. It’s as simple as that. Drink more water,” said First Lady Michelle Obama The Drink Up logo, will be featured on nearly 300 million packs of bottled water; more than a half a billion bottles of water; 200,000 packages of reusable bottles; and more than 10,000 reusable bottles in the next year. Cities will also be utilizing the logo to encourage people to drink more tap water. And hosts on a dozen TV

shows participated in an around the clock, cross-network, bilingual day of drinking water and encouraged their audiences to Drink Up. “Because water is so basic, because it is so plentiful, sometimes we just forget about it. Amidst all the ads that we watch on television and all the messages that we receive every day about what to eat and drink. The truth is water just gets drowned out.” Drink Up is a “nationwide effort to inspire Americans to drink more water,” said Mrs. Obama. “We simply want everyone to know that we are what we drink, and when we drink water, we certainly drink up.”

Thirsty for more? Get involved! Visit the Drink Up web site: www. YouAreWhatYouDrink.org Share photos or videos of you drinking water on Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #DrinkH2O. You can use the following accounts to join the conversation and share your photos: Twitter Accounts @FLOTUS – Office of the First Lady @urH2O – Official DrinkUp Account @LetsMove – Official account of the First Lady’s Let’s Move! Initiative @PHANews – Partnership for a Healthier America Instagram Accounts @MichelleObama – Office of the First Lady @URH2O – Official DrinkUp Account.  www.letsmove.gov/blog/2013/09/13/ cheers-water-first-lady-michelleobama-asks-everyone%E2%80%9Cdrink-up%E2%80%9Dmore-water

President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and their daughter Malia meet with Malala Yousafzai, the young Pakistani schoolgirl who was shot in the head by the Taliban a year ago, in the Oval Office. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) 71  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Community/Public Interest

Simone Biles of US Wins Gymnastics All-around at Worlds By RAF CASERT, Associated Press

imone Biles made everyone forget the United States came to the world championships without the defending and Olympic champions, edging teammate Kyla Ross to win the all-around gold medal on Friday. Biles and Ross were close throughout the evening, with Ross

matching Biles’ athleticism and power with grace and elegance, leaving it to the final floor exercise. The 16-year-old Biles jumped, twisted and strutted, and it turned into a victory dance in front of the many thousands clapping to her music at the Sports Palace. “On floor, I just have a lot of fun,” Biles said. “That is the main key.” Aliya Mustafina of Russia, the 2010 champion, took bronze. Biles also qualified for all four apparatus finals this weekend — the first female U.S. gymnast to do so since Shannon Miller in 1991. D e f e n d i n g champion Jordyn Wieber and Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas skipped the event. Wieber is a student at UCLA and Douglas has not been training much since the London Olympics. Ross, also 16, led by 0.016 points going into the floor routine, but Biles turned up her performance to win. Biles scored 60.216 points, while Ross ended with 59.332 and

Mustafina had 58.856. Biles and Ross showed the depth of the U.S. team in the new Olympic cycle ahead of the 2016 Rio Games. “We are hoping that these girls keep going all the way to the Olympics,” U.S. women’s coach Martha Karolyi said. Good friends, Biles and Ross can go a long way together. “We don’t really think ... of each other like competition,” Biles said. “So we try to have it the best way and think ‘Wow, this is worlds, we still cannot even believe it.’” Biles had a strong vault with extreme difficulty, which needed only a small corrective step at the end to give her a big score. Ross competed with smoothness and grace, but had a lower degree of difficulty. Ross made it even tighter with a flowing performance on the uneven bars to trail Biles by less than a tenth of a point halfway through the contest, with Mustafina a half point behind. Then it came down to the balance beam, so often a decider in major championships. Biles went first and showed poise belying her age, nailing all the big jumps. Ross did even better and barely moved in front with a 44.999 score compared to Biles’ 44.983. It set up the perfect finale for a U.S. team that had dominated the women’s event all week. Even if Ross looked near flawless in her floor routine, her starting difficulty was much lower, which helped make the difference. The two Americans awaited their scores and embraced after the event. “They did everything they were prepared for,” Karolyi said. “Lot of psychological work. Building up their confidence level is the key.” www.gazettenet.com/home/879786595/simone-biles-of-us-winsgymnastics-all-around-at-worlds

73  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

The Economic Turn Around in the USA is in Our Hands •Buy Products Made or Assembled in the USA •Hire One New Employee •Eat an Extra Meal Out Each Week •Start/Grow a Business to Generate Wealth & Jobs

Buy Black  Save Black  Invest Black 74  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Southern California Edison Serves Formal Notice of Dispute to Mitsubishi over Defective Steam Generators (RSGs) at SONGS Southern California Edison (SCE) has served a formal Notice of Dispute on Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., and Mitsubishi Nuclear Energy Systems (together, “Mitsubishi”) which seeks to hold Mitsubishi accountable for designing and manufacturing defective Replacement Steam Generators (RSGs) at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS). “Our action is about making sure that Mitsubishi takes responsibility for providing the defective steam generators that led to the closing of SONGS,” said Ron Litzinger, president of SCE. Although Mitsubishi warranted the generators would operate reliably for 20 years, SCE was required to take SONGS offline in January 2012 when one of the Mitsubishi RSGs experienced a radioactive coolant leak after less than a year of operation. Although its contract with SCE required Mitsubishi to repair the RSGs “with due diligence and dispatch,” SCE’s Notice of Dispute alleges that Mitsubishi failed to do so. Facing continued uncertainty about restoring SONGS to service at any level of power, SCE permanently retired the plant as of June 2013. SCE alleges that Mitsubishi, as designer and manufacturer of the faulty RSGs, is responsible for the enormous harm its failures have caused to California ratepayers, SCE, and the other SONGS owners. When SCE contracted with Mitsubishi to replace the SONGS steam generators, it did so to extend the life of SONGS so that the plant could continue to provide safe, reliable and affordable power to over 1.4 million homes in Southern California. However, SCE’s Notice of Dispute claims that Mitsubishi seriously breached the Contract, totally and fundamentally failing to deliver what it promised. SCE alleges that Mitsubishi grossly failed to appropriately model the thermal hydraulic conditions in the RSGs and is alleged to have failed to design tube support structures capable of withstanding the extreme thermal hydraulic conditions within the RSGs. As a result, the RSGs experienced damaging flow-induced vibration that caused several types of excessive tube wear. The tube-to-tube wear was so advanced in one of the four identically-designed RSGs that it caused a radioactive coolant leak, which SCE was able to address by promptly and safely shutting the plant down. The Notice of Dispute claims that for over 16 months, SCE has asked Mitsubishi to make things right, but Mitsubishi failed to live up to its contractual obligations. SCE invoiced Mitsubishi for the money SCE was forced to spend investigating and attempting to repair the RSGs, but SCE claims that Mitsubishi has refused to even acknowledge responsibility for any of these costs, even after receiving thousands of pages of documents in support. SCE further claims that Mitsubishi additionally refused to submit to a contractually mandated audit of the documents regarding its work on the RSGs, hindering a transparent look into what went wrong with Mitsubishi’s steam generators, and why. The Notice of Dispute also alleges that SCE asked Mitsubishi to provide a repair or replacement plan that eliminated the risk that these serious problems would reoccur, but after more than 16 months and despite the contract’s requirement that it provide repairs “with due diligence and dispatch.” Mitsubishi provided only “conceptual” proposals--for example, one proposal would have required workers to perform first-of-a-kind repairs in radioactive, confined areas as narrow as18 inches, with specialty tools that did not yet exist. Ultimately, with no reliable timeline for generating power at SONGS, SCE determined that the prudent course of action was to end the uncertainty for its ratepayers and the company and permanently retire SONGS as of June 2013. Such an early retirement is exactly what the Steam Generator Replacement Project was designed to avoid. SCE’s notice formally initiates a 90-day dispute resolution process under the Contract. If that process is unsuccessful, then SCE intends to initiate binding arbitration against Mitsubishi, as the designer and manufacturer of the faulty RSGs, to recover damages Mitsubishi has caused. In the Notice of Dispute, SCE argues that limitations on Mitsubishi’s liability set forth in the Contract do not apply because of contractual exceptions and because of provisions of California law. Mitsubishi, like the manufacturer of a “lemon” automobile, was unable to fix the defects in its product because they were so fundamental and pervasive. In this circumstance, SCE claims that the limitations are not enforceable, and Mitsubishi is therefore responsible for the full measure of damages incurred by SCE, the other SONGS owners and their customers. A copy of the Notice of Dispute is available here: http://www.edison.com/files/NoticeOfDispute.pdf. About Southern California Edison: An Edison International (NYSE:EIX) company, Southern California Edison is one of the nation’s largest electric utilities, serving a population of nearly 14 million via 4.9 million customer accounts in a 50,000-square-mile service area within Central, Coastal and Southern California. FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION CONTACT: Maureen Brown (626) 302-2255

International

Nigeria's Venture Magazine Lists 55 Billionaires from BBC News

frica has 55 billionaires, far more than previously thought, Nigeria-based Ventures financial magazine says. The monied population includes three women - the mother of Kenya's president, a daughter of Angola's president and a Nigerian oil tycoon and fashion designer. The richest man is Nigeria's Aliko Dangote, with a fortune of $20.2bn (£12.5bn), Ventures said. The list is likely to reignite

debate about inequality between rich and poor people in Africa, correspondents say. In April, the World Bank said the number of people living in extreme poverty in Africa had risen in the past three decades from 205 million to 414 million.

'Conservative estimate' A report earlier this month by research group Afrobarometer ( w w w. a f r o b a r o m e t e r. o r g ) suggested that economic growth in Africa was primarily benefiting a small elite. This is the first time the respected Ventures magazine has published a list of rich Africans, reports the BBC's Tomi Oladipo reports from Nigeria's main city Lagos. The 55 billionaires it has identified are more numerous than

the 16 listed by US financial cial magazine Forbes last year. ar. It was able to identify ify dozens more billionaires es by using "on-the-ground nd knowledge" to overcome e hurdles that may have e "hampered" other er researchers, Venturess said. The magazine estimated the 55 billionaires' combined fortunes at $143.88bn, an average of a $2.6bn per person. Of the 55, 20 are Nigerian, nine are South African and eight are Egyptian, Ventures said. The richest woman is Nigeria's Folorunsho Alakija, who made her $7.3bn fortune mainly in the country's oil industry, it added. She also studied fashion in London and made dresses for Maryam Babangida, the late wife of Nigerian military ruler Ibrahim Babangida, Ventures said. Isabel Dos Santos, an Angolan investor and the eldest daughter of Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, together with Ngina Kenyatta, the mother of Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta, also made the cut, it added. Ventures listed Harvard-trained businessman Allan Gray as South Africa's richest man, with a fortune of $8.5bn. "This media-shy South African moneyman controls two investment companies that collectively manage over $50bn in assets," Ventures

said. id Nathan Kirsh, a property tycoon in the tiny kingdom of Swaziland, also made it on the list. He is worth $3.6bn, and has business interests in London and New York, Ventures said. Ventures editor-in-chief Oozo Eewala told the BBC's Focus on Africa radio programme that its estimate of 50 billionaires was probably conservative. "There is this culture of you don't necessarily want to show your wealth, considering the gap between rich and poor," he said. "If you have a lot of money, there are a lot of people that you have to support so we think people may be a little reluctant to be all splashy about what they have and what their assets are."  www.ventures-africa.com/2013/10/ richest-people-africa-2013

77  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Innternational

Afrobarometer, African-led Series of National Public Attitude Surveys

he Afrobarometer is a research project that measures public attitudes on economic, political, and social matters in sub-Saharan Africa. It is carried out through a partnership of the Institute for Democracy in South Africa (IDASA), the Ghana Center for Democratic

Development (CDD), and the Department of Political Science at Michigan State University. Afrobarometer results are based on face-to-face and house-tohouse interviews of individuals and are considered reliable and generalizable. As of October 19, 2006, Afrobarometer data and publications had been cited 216 times. The project has conducted five main rounds of surveys, covering a total of 22 African countries, as well as a number of individual surveys. Round 1 surveys were conducted from July 1999 through June 2001 in 12 countries: Botswana, Ghana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mali, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Round 2 surveys were carried

out from May 2002 through October 2003 in 15 countries: the Round 1 countries (except Zimbabwe, which was surveyed in 2004) and Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mozambique and Senegal. Round 3 surveys were conducted from March 2005 through February 2006 in 18 countries: the Round 1

and Round 2 countries and Benin and Madagascar. Round 4 surveys were administered between March 2008 and June 2009 in 20 countries: the Round 3 countries and Burkina Faso and Liberia. Round 5 surveys are being administered between 2011 and 2013. As of April 2013, 22 surveys have been completed, including all Round 4 countries and Sierra Leone and Mauritius. As many as 13 more countries are expected to be added.

Funders The project is and has been supported by a wide range of funders. Core Donors for Afrobarometer Round 5 include:

• The Mo Ibrahim Foundation • The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) • Department for International Development (DfID), UK • The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) • The World Bank In addition, supplemental funding for Round 5 is provided by: • Institute for Security Studies (South Africa) Past support has also been provided by : • The African Development Bank • Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation • Michigan State University • The National Science Foundation, US • The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs • Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) • Royal Dutch Embassy in Namibia • Royal Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RDMFA) • Trocaire Regional Office for Eastern Africa • Democracy Deepening Programme, Uganda Afrobarometer will be releasing aggregated results from surveys in 35 countries for the first time. Look out for our releases in Johannesburg, Nairobi, Accra, Addis Ababa, Lagos, Dakar and Bamako. They will be posting the results and reports will be posted on the website - www.afrobarometer. org. Also check out Afrobarometer on Facebook - www.facebook.com/ Afrobarometer 

78  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Join us for a two day summit on one of Africa’s fastest growing economies Africa’s recent economic surge is fueling optimism about the continent’s prospects and positioning it in the minds of many investors and businesses as a significant opportunity. Blessed with a wealth of natural resources and a large, young and growing population, many economies in Africa are enjoying rates of growth and development that are the envy of the emerging world. While sections of the continent still face steep challenges, Ghana is well placed to benefit from the forces of beneficial change in the region. • Strong and sustained growth in recent years - with the country benefiting from high global commodity prices and continued political stability • A youthful and better educated workforce, with half of the population under 20 • The emergence of a new generation of tech-savvy entrepreneurs. Ghana has one of the most developed telecommunications sectors in Africa, with mobile phone penetration surpassing the 100% barrier • A concerted effort by the government to attract foreign investment and improve ease of doing business

However, Ghana faces serious challenges too. Its economy remains vulnerable to external factors— in particular the risk of a slowdown in China, the global commodity cycle and high inflation. The Ghana Investment Summit will openly explore the risks and opportunities—tensions and compromises—that are facing this thriving global African economy. It will bring together over 150 leaders from government, business and finance who are invested or otherwise interested in Ghana’s future. Register you interest today: http://response.economistconferences.co.uk/cemea-register-interest. 79  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

International

Nigeria is Conquering Broadband Infrastructure Deficit By Peter Ugwu

he Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, recently said, at the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) conference held in Abuja, that by the concerted efforts of the Federal Government to address infrastructural deficits, as related to broadband deployment, issues of accessibility and affordability are being attended to. The Minister in a keynote address titled: “Driving Broadband and Technology Innovation as a Policy Maker”, said that the paradigm shift expressed in the national broadband policy is aimed at creating and maintaining an environment where supply can meet (increasing) demand, thus strengthening the emergence of a New Economy; “one that will have economic/livelihood as well as social benefits. The more ‘prosperous’ the society becomes, the more it will demand infrastructure, connectivity … and the cycle continues”. The examples I will give will show how we are enabling (much needed) investment to come into the ICT sector so that we can build the infrastructure required to provide connectivity throughout the country; and at the same time increasing the likelihood that this connectivity will translate into more than the economic gain of service providers – but the advancement of Nigerians as a whole. According to her, the Ministry is articulate in addressing issues on connectivity as the primary

Minister Omobola Johnson challenge; making access a reality to those that will benefit the most from ICTS and creating a pipeline of content and facilitates “innovative” delivery. She said: “A significant (communications) infrastructure gap exists in Nigeria and perhaps the most pressing priority of the Nation’s Broadband Strategy/ Plan (www.technologytimesng. com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/ The-Nigerian-National-BroadbandPlan-2013.pdf) is how to fill it. “Meeting the connectivity challenge is only one half of the task. Policies also need to be

implemented that will help to ensure that the products and services over the communications infrastructure are accessible, relevant and affordable. “Our policies are aimed at making access to devices (PCs and handsets) easier and more affordable. Whilst promoting ownership of internet-enabled mobile phones (in recognition of research suggesting that the majority of people in Africa will access the Internet via their mobile phones) the Nigerian Government is see Infrastructure Deficit on page 81

80  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Innternational

Infrastructure Deficit from page 80

also promoting a more streamlined deployment of Public Access Venues. “Policies that increase access

com/nigeria-launches-national-ictincubation-programme) that will help Nigerian ICT entrepreneurs create successful businesses. “Often when people have a good idea for a technology product or service they do not have the resources to build prototypes, nor the business acumen to sell their innovations. In the past year, the Government has launch two centres where people can develop and test their ideas and get the support that they need to turn these ideas into a commercial success. The two centres – known as “Information Technology Developers Entrepreneurship Accelerator” (iDEA) – are in Lagos (Yaba) and Cross River (Tinapa) States”. She added that the Government has also provided a platform through which competent software developers get to meet and develop products for major Nigerian and International companies. “The Tech Launch Pad Initiative (www.humanipo.com/news/6909/ Ten-teams-inducted-for-NigeriasTechlaunchpad-initiative) matches key players in pre-defined industry sectors (and the specific problems

they are trying to solve) with local software companies. “By addressing the infrastructure deficit we aim to bring much needed connectivity to Nigerians in an affordable manner,” she said. The Minister had earlier acknowledged that in the future, people who do not have access to ICTs, and who do not have the capabilities to utilise them, will have significantly limited experiences and lifestyles to people with access and the capacities to make use of technology. Thus, she said that the mobile phone and the Internet have literally transformed the lives of billions of people across the World; and they have done so in a relatively short space of time, however, this transformative power will grow in influence particularly as the meaning of connectedness expands in application, beyond describing human interaction, to include communications between machines.  www.nigeriacommunicationsweek. com.ng/news/johnson-says-nigeria-isconquering-broadband-infrastructuredeficit

to ICTs invariably result in greater demand for content. In some cases, the Government is engaged in the production and distribution of this content (i.e. e-Governance) whilst in others Government policy facilitates the creation and delivery of content by other stakeholders (e.g. Open Data). “The added advantage of such policies is that its output relate directly to job creation”. Johnson also told delegates at the CTO conference that Government has developed and implemented an IT Incubation Programme (www.africatelecomit. http://cemea.economistconferences.com/event/kenya 81  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

International

Aitec Africa’s Conferences

Empowering Africa’s ICT Community with Knowledge http://aitecafrica.com

82  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Catalog Show 2013

• • • •

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Guayaquil-Ecuador October 25th and 26th Location: Centro de Convenciones de Guayaquil Organized by: Ecuador’s Cosmetics Chamber

Visitors’ profile: – Cosmetologists, hair stylists – Spa & gym owners – Owners or managers of businesses that sell cosmetics and personal care items – Companies seeking new brands – Direct sales companies seeking gift items for their customers & sales team – Local manufacturers looking for cosmetic packaging suppliers – Students and the general public EXHIBIT YOUR CATALOG AT THE COMMERCIAL SERVICE BOOTH! Cost $150 per company Product categories: – cosmetics – skin care products – cosmetic accessories (e.g. straightening irons, hair dryers) – facial products (e.g. anti-age creams, dark spot correctors) – cosmetic packaging items (e.g. airless bottles, foamers, pumps, sprayers, tubes, lip balm cases, containers, cartons, dividers) – cosmetic packaging solutions – giftware/houseware for Direct Sale companies

•

Participating U.S. companies will receive: – Product catalogs/brochures display – Results report of potential partners that expressed an interest in your product – On-line promotion in our webpage (export.gov/ecuador) – Post-show follow-up If interested: 1)Request enrollment form by contacting Sandra Tinajero (TinajeroSV@state.gov) 2)Upon enrollment and payment, send catalogs/brochures to: Sandra Tinajero, Commercial Assistant Economic/Commercial Section U.S. Embassy Quito Avigiras E12-170 y Eloy Alfaro P.O. Box: 17-17-1538, Quito-Ecuador Please note that mail might take up to 4 weeks with regular air mail service. It is advisable to use a courier like Fed-Ex, DHL or UPS that can provide a tracking number For more information: TinajeroSV@state.gov +593 2-398-5515 Bobby Hines, International Trade Specialist 444 S. Flower ST, 37th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90071 213-894-4231, F213-894-8789 Bobby.hines@trade.gov

International

Intelligent City in Qatar - We are looking for an ICT consulting company that has the expertise to advice on the framework that provides integration for the following systems: •Building Systems (eg Fire and Life, BMS) •Building Lighting •Car Park Management System •Waste Management System (Envac) •Customer Information Portal •Customer Services Portal (including payment service) •Electronic Amenities •CAEMS (Computer Aided Estate Management Systems) •Energy Smart Metering (Electricity, Water, Cooling, Hot Water, Gas) Thank you in advance for your leads. Sincerely, Natalia Hernandez, Commercial Assistant Bobby Hines, International Trade Specialist Embassy of the United States 444 S. Flower ST, 37th Floor Doha, Qatar Los Angeles, CA 90071 Tel. +974-4496-6730 Mob. +974-3347-6342 213-894-4231 Fax 213-894-8789 Fax. +974-4488-4163 Bobby.hines@trade.gov Web site: export.gov/Qatar Work week: Sunday -Thursday

www.nigeriaalternativeenergyexpo.org

Internationl

One Africa:

Tell the US Government that North Africa is Africa Too!

oin with and support the United Africa Organization’s campaign to petition the U.S. Department of State to include the whole African continent under its Bureau of African Affairs.

Why? The State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs, led by Assistant Secretary Johnnie Carson, currently excludes Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia and Western Sahara from its agenda. Instead, the aforementioned countries are grouped with the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, together with Iran, Iraq, Israel and others. This artificial distinction between North Africa and the rest of Africa

negatively impacts US foreign policy relations throughout the entire continent of Africa. We unequivocally reject the argument that North African countries are outside the scope of African affairs. North Africa is geographically and historically part of the African continent, and all fifty-three (53) independent African states, including North African countries, are represented in the African Union (AU). It would be far more productive for the State Department to engage with the entire continent of Africa, including North Africa, under its Bureau of African Affairs. We are one Africa, from the Cape to Cairo, indivisible and bound together! Therefore, no square inch of African

land should be excluded from African affairs.

Sign The Petition!!! Go to www.change.org/petitions/ one-africa-tell-us-state-departmentthat-north-africa-is-part-of-africa and sign the online petition to support this important proposition. Next tell everyone you know to sign. 

www.uniteafricans.org

International

www.zambiausachamber.org

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/

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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 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)

86  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

see On The Rise on page 87 87  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

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://export.gov/usoffices/ index.asp. And, remember to use these outreach tools to grow your international business: Sell Worldwide in the USA Product Showcase; Commercial News USA: Buy 2, Get 1 Free; and Read the Digital Edition of America’s Export Promotion Magazine. Happy Exporting! *************************

Event: 2013 Export Workshop Series Location: Crowell and Moring, 3 Park Plaza, 20th Floor, Irvine, California 92614 Date/Time: August 15-Nov 21, 2013 Times: 8:30 A.M. to 12:00 Noon Cost: $35.00 a class Register: Jean Coronel at jcoronel@ portla.org or register at: http://tinyurl. com/ExportUSFValley Workshop Series

• Is Exporting for Me? - August 15 • Finding and Entering New Export Markets/Int'l Matchmaking August 29

• International Business CultureInternet - September 12 • Internet Export Marketing September 26 • Export Sales Techniques and Documentation - October 10 • Export Trade Finance and Insurance - Getting Paid October 24 • Legal Do's and Don’ts for Exporters - November 7 • Freight and Logistics /Export Planning and Counseling November 21 Sell Worldwide in 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 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 Commercial News USA: Buy 2, Get 1 Free Commercial News USA, the official export promotion magazine of the U.S. Department of Commerce, offers exporters an affordable way to promote their products and services in 178 countries worldwide. Commercial News USA, the official export promotion magazine of the U.S. Department of Commerce, offers exporters an inexpensive way to promote their products and services in 178 countries worldwide. In addition to free Portuguese translation, you can take advantage of a special offer: Buy two ads and get the third ad for free (Based on one-time rates. 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 1-800-581-8533 x 822, go online to http://www.thinkglobal. us, or send e-mail to advertise@ thinkglobal.us. Follow Commercial News USA on LinkedIn and Twitter @ comnewsusa. Read the Digital Edition of Commercial News USA Commercial News USA, the official export promotion magazine of the U.S. Department of Commerce, has launched a new interactive PDF edition. The new edition is available for free at http://cnusa.thinkglobal. us Commercial News USA offers exporters an affordable way to promote their products and services in 178 countries worldwide. Now, 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). Moreover, you will receive a free online listing in see Going Global on page 89

88  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

RESOURCES FOR GOING GLOBAL Portuguese. Commercial News USA reaches more than a quarter-million buyers worldwide. Reserve your space in the next issue today. For more information, contact your U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist, call 1-800-581-8533 x 822, go online to http://www.thinkglobal.us, or send e-mail to advertise@thinkglobal.us The U.S. Commercial Service - Your Global Business Partner. With offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of

Commerce’s International Trade Administration uses its global Network and international resources to connect U.S companies with international buyers worldwide. If you have any questions about these initiatives, please contact your local U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist. To find the trade specialist nearest you please visit http:// export.gov/usoffices/index.asp. 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

**************************** 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 will take applications for Foreign Service Officers starting August 2012 and will hold the Foreign Service Officer Assessment in Winter 2012/2013. 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.

www.sazacc.com

Shop, Eat, Relax in

Leimert Park Village An African American Cultural, Retail, Foods & Entertainment Center. Degnan Boulevard between Crenshaw & Leimert Blvds. 43rd Street-43rd Place, Los Angeles

Little Ethiopia Experience Africa in America

Culture, Retail, Entertainment

Fairfax Boulevard  Los Angeles between Pico & Olympic Boulevard

89  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Thursday Blues at Uncle Darrow‛s High Noon-2pm Every Thursday

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

“LA Times Magazine favorite cajun food”

310-306-4862

www.uncledarrows.com 90  October 2013  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

91  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Eso Won Books African American Books 4327 Degnan Boulevard Leimert Park, Los Angeles

Give the Gifts that Keep on Giving! Come see our unsurpassed collection off books, b k music, videos, cildren’s books, and games!

323-294-0324

www.esowonbookstore.com  //esowon.booksense.com for Calendar of Events

International Edition

Black Business News

View the International Edition at www.bbala.org

Watch & Support the Africa Channel! Time Warner • Comcast

Don’t have the Africa Channel in your area? Call Time Warner at: 1-888-892-2253 and ask that the Africa Channel be broadcast to ALL regions of your state. For information on the Africa Channel visit www.theafricachannel. com or send an e-mail inquiry to info@theafricachannel.com.

BLACK MEETINGS & TOURISM DIGITAL MAGAZINE

he digital version of Black Meetings & Tourism magazine is available on-line. The current issues, as well as archived issues, can be viewed by visiting www.blackmeetingsandtourism. com and click on the image link located on the home page.The digital version is just a small part of BM&T’s expanded on-line presence, which includes a host of new departments, the twice-monthly e-newsletter, an increased focus on leisure travel, and many new marketing opportunities. The newly designed website offers a guest blog page, a video page and a variety of interactive and custom advertising products that will allow vendors direct access to the more than 45 billion dollar AfricanAmerican travel market. 

93  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

It's Holiday Shopping Time. Uplift the Community. Spread Good Cheer. Buy from our Neighbors, Friends and Supporters.

FRASERNET.COM http://frasernet.com/tour-africa-2014

Cultural Interiors West &

Cordially Invited Cultural Interiors West 5573 West Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90019 Experience our exciting array of products from Cards to Cupcakes, African Masks, Asian Teacups, Healthy Herbal Teas, Gourd Purses, Candles, to Furniture

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

Hope to see you soon!!! In the meantime visit us on Facebook www.facebook.com/pages/CulturalInteriors-West/140688362658236

JJ’s Belizean Cuisine 2618 W. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90008 1-323-293-2926

96  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Bernahu Asfaw & Getahun Asfaw

1041 S. Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90019 323-938-8827 or 323-938-8806 • Fax: 323-932-6047 messob@gmail.com • www.messob.com

Open 7 days a week • 11am - 11pm

How to Do Business with Metro - Monthly Workshop DECEMBER12, 11,2013 2012 9:30am – 12:00 pm November ǣ x x x x

ǣ ǣ

ǡ ǡ

ǡ Ǧ

ǣ ǡ

͵ ǡ ͻͲͲͳʹ ̈́͸ǤͲͲ

Ǧ Ȁ Ǥ ǯ ǡ ǡ Ǧ Ǥ ǯ Ǧ Ǧ Ǥ ͻǣ͵Ͳ ǤǤ For further questions, please contact Sherman Gay, Ph.D. (HC) at gays@metro.net or at (213)922-3502. Ǥ ሺ ̷ Ǥ ሻ ǡ ǡ ǡ Ȁ Ǥ

98  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

JWFA

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

WHY OWN GOLD IN YOUR IRA/401k Changing jobs creates a great opportunity for you to switch, or rollover, your former employer’s retirement plan into an IRA. Plus, it usually provides you with more investment options than if you left the money in your former employer’s plan or rolled the money into your new employer's retirement plan. The early 1980s presented a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to buy stocks. Today, economic and political conditions appear to offer a similar opportunity in tangible assets such as physical gold. With the global economic environment growing more uncertain, physical gold has become the #1 alternative for IRA, 401k, 403b, and Pension Plans, as well as for non-retirement funds. Gold is produced primarily for accumulation while other commodities are produced primarily for consumption. Gold’s value does not arise from its usefulness in industrial or consumable applications. It arises from its use and historical worldwide acceptance as a store of value. Gold is money. A healthy measure of gold clearly belongs in every portfolio for the “Four Ps” – Personal Purchasing Power Protection. There are six primary reasons why investors own gold: As a hedge against inflation. As a hedge against a declining dollar. As a safe haven in times of geopolitical and financial market instability. As a commodity based on gold’s supply and demand fundamentals. As a store of value. As a portfolio diversifier. According to Bloomberg.com, on October 15, 2009, Paul Tudor Jones of Tudor Investment Corp, who manages about $11.6 billion out of Greenwich, Connecticut, told its investors, “I have never been a gold bug… but Gold is just an asset that, like everything else in life, has its time and place. And now is that time…Gold appears to be cheap. In our view, gold’s value should increase as its scarcity relative to printed currencies increases.” JAMAAL WILKES FINANCIAL ADVISORS makes 401(k) rollovers easy with just a few simple steps. Please call us at (310)209-8298 or email gold@jamaalwilkes.com for a web seminar presentation. Jamaal Wilkes Financial Advisors is an independent Registered Investment Advisor www.jamaalwilkes.com Phone: (310)209-8330 6601 Center Drive West, Suite 500 Los Angeles, CA 90045

99  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Books to Consider... The Rejected Stone by Rev. Al Sharpton

n early 2007, I decided I needed to know what each of the candidates for president stood for and what they were thinking about how to solve the nation’s problems. So I toured Washington and met with each of them, which was easy, since almost all of them were in the Senate. Obama was the last meeting, the end of my gauntlet of senators. When I walked into his office, I was struck by the poignancy of the huge picture of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall that he had on his wall. I thought it fit, because that was the tradition that had birthed him, the former law school professor-the world of jurisprudence, where Marshall clearly had been a pioneer. As we talked, I liked Obama’s thinking, his approach to problem solving, but I wasn’t sure if he was strong enough on black issues, which was a common criticism he was hearing at the time in the black community. At the same time, I was getting the red-carpet treatment from the Clintons-Bill was speaking at the NAN convention, Hillary at the NAN women’s luncheon. Actually, we had every one of

the Democratic candidates speak at the NAN convention that year. I was quite the popular guy, with the suitors lined up to punch my dance card. But I was not about to let it go to my head; I knew it was just part of the political game, the methodical courting of each constituent group that you must do when you run for president, like an accountant tallying numbers in a ledger. At that point, I still hadn’t made up my mind which candidate I would support. I was leaning toward

Hillary, but I kind of liked Obama. I got a call one day from Charlie King, who was the acting executive director of NAN at the time and who was a longtime Democratic Party operative in New York State. King told me that President Clinton was flying home to Chappaqua and wanted to meet with me at

the house there. I traveled up to Chappaqua and met with the former president for about an hour. He persuasively laid out all the reasons I should go with his wife. It was a convincing presentation, and I was almost there, right on the verge of giving Hillary the nod. But on the drive back to Manhattan, one of my associates who was in the car with me managed to say something that changed my perspective a bit. First, he asked me, “Have you decided what you’re going to do-Clinton or Obama?” “I don’t know,” I answered truthfully. “I’m kind of going back and forth on it.” Obama had also been laying on the charm. He had come up to New York and asked if he could take me out to dinner. He came by the House of Justice in Harlem, already accompanied by the Secret Service, and scooped me up. We went to Sylvia’s Restaurant in Harlem, with the national media in tow and making a big deal about him having soul food in Harlem. “I remember when all the black leaders went against you in ’04,” my associate reminded me. “I guess it didn’t hurt them.” That comment stayed with me for a minute. I went up into the Grand Havana Room, a private club where I like to unwind and smoke cigars several evenings a week, and I thought some more about it, how the New York leadership didn’t feel the need to rally around me when I ran; this idea of regional loyalties didn’t seem to apply for me. My decision had been made. I went into a private area of see Books to Consider on page 101

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Books to Consider from page 100

refinement. The very term "little black dress," was established in 1926, in an American Vogue illustration of Gabrielle Chanel's first black "Ford." It has since become a metaphor for cosmopolitan glamour; yet it is no

the club, and I called Obama. “I met today with President Clinton,” I told him. “Yeah, yeah, I know you have to work on policy with her,” he said. “All I ask is, if you can’t support me, try not to hurt me.” “Nah, I think I’m going to support you.” “Huh?” he said, clearly shocked. “I never asked you to do that.” “No, you didn’t,” I said. “In my own way, I’m going to go out there and support you. I don’t even know if you can win. Probably, tonight, I don’t think you can win. But it won’t be because I was in the way. I won’t do to you what a lot of folks did to me.” Clearly, he was Andre Leon very thankful-and surprised.  www.amazon.com/The-RejectedStone-Sharpton-Leadership/ dp/1936399474

The Little Black Dress by Andre Leon

Talley

he zenith of elegance in any woman's wardrobe is the little black dress, the power of which suggests dash and

the original atelier of Mademoiselle Chanel at 31 rue Cambon in Paris. Lagerfeld's dress was one of the first examples of fine French dressmaking that was donated to the SCAD Museum of Art's emerging

Talley

longer an invariable of convention and propriety. The little-black-dress club has opened its doors wide, as vast as the endless horizon, to allow for individual choices and interpretation. The inspiration for this exhibition started with a simple black haute couture dress of wool, trimmed in silk, designed by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel Haute Couture in 2006. For nearly four decades, I have observed Mr. Lagerfeld at work fitting his highly acclaimed couture and ready-to-wear collections in

collection of costumes, which stems mainly from the closets of many of my most intimate friends, or from loans by world-class designers. I have always admired stylishly confident women who dress with great authority. This lifelong love of elegance began with the humble wardrobe of my late grandmother Mrs. Bennie Frances Davis. When I was a young boy, growing up in Durham, North Carolina, the women in my family were truly passionate about their clothes; see Books to Consider on page 102

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Books to Consider from page 101

nothing was more beautiful to me than women dressing with the utmost, meticulous attention to accessories, shoes, handbags, hats, coats, dresses, and gloves to attend Sunday church services. In my family, "Sunday best" stood for personal best. I learned the value of

dressing well in my grandmother's house. Once a week, the dry-cleaning truck would drive up and pick up our Sunday best and deliver it back the following week. I now see that this was a great luxury, dry-cleaning an outfit, with door-to-plant and backto-home service. My grandmother's beautiful Singer sewing machine, with an intricate wrought-iron foot

pedal (which I loved polishing with furniture cream), sat in the corner of her bedroom and was used for making her best Sunday summer dresses from patterns and fabrics bought locally. Ever since I was ten, my grandmother involved me in the selection of her Sunday ensembles, right down to shoes, bags, and gloves. Even on annual shopping trips to New York and Washington D.C., I was always by her side for the biggest acquisitions. This habit of "advise and consent" carried over into my adult life in the chiffon trenches, with friends represented in this exhibition. Mrs. Pierre Schlumberger was a great arts person who loved F r e n c h couture. Even while suffering from ill health in her last years, she would wear Chanel dresses as she received friends at home. I attended all of her Chanel Haute Couture fittings and orders in the last decade of her life. In the first electrifying moments of Christian Lacroix's Haute Couture, I went with Anne Bass of New York, who has some of the most extraordinary haute couture clothes. I have shopped with Diana Ross in Paris for jewels, with Alicia Keys in New York at Miu Miu and Tom Ford

(helping her select her husband's framboise velvet dinner jacket and skill pavé cuff links!), with Gwyneth Paltrow at Manolo Blahnik, Renée Zellweger at Hermes (Paris), and Serena Williams at Prada and Venus at Carolina Herrera. In fact, a day for me that is one of please is a day spent offering advice and counsel to women who seek my opinion on matters of dress. For years Anna Wintour has turned to me when selecting her most important looks. When my best friends doubt their little black dresses, they call me on the telephone seeking reassurance. As Oscar Wilde wrote in his play An Ideal Husband, "Men are the only authorities on dress." It was a new gala moment - a meteroric, pulsating moment when Marc Jacobs wore a sheer black lace dress for men by Comme des Garçons over impeccable white boxer shorts, and with his own eighteenth-century court shoes, to the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute gala in May 2012. His choice not only signaled a turning point in the culture of fashion individualism but was also an expression of freedom and a celebration of personal style. It was at once inspiring and provocative, eliminating fashion boundaries and rules. When Paula Wallace, president and cofounder of the Savannah College of Art and Design, showed me the architectural plans for the new SCAD Museum of Art five years before its opening in October 2011, I was honored, yet humbled: she had included a gallery named after me. This is my first main exhibition in the André Leon Talley Gallery. I hope the exhibition will, essentially, express the new vocabulary of the little black dress, as it signals today's concepts of luxury and modernity.  www.amazon.com/Little-Black-DressAndre-Talley/dp/0847840573

102  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Calendar

Sean Wilkerson at selectusasummit@trade.gov or +1 202-4824078. Also visit SELECTUSA at http://selectusa.commerce.gov.

October…

November…

24th-26th

14th

National Black Book Festival The 6th annual National Black Book Festival (NBBF) is sponsored by Cushcity.com, the world’s largest

BBA Procurement Exchange Summit Plan to attend the 10th Annual Procurement Exchange Summit to take full advantage of the One-onOne Matchmaking opportunity and the informational workshops. Enjoy the Awards Luncheon and Keynote Speaker. Information on participation as a sponsor, vendor, advertiser, procurement representative or attendee is available at www.bbala. org or send an inquiry to the BBA using mail@bbala.org.

Call or email www.LAOIC.Org for sponsor packages, invitations or to register to attend. The LAOIC agency has a 17 year history in Los angeles assisting those who desire to help themselves and better their communities. The Breakfast will be held at the JW Marriott Hotel at LA Live in downtown Los Angeles.

December… 6th African-American retailer online. It will be held at Fallbrook Church, 12512 Walters Rd., in Northwest Houston, Tx. The festival attracts a wide array of authors, publishers, book clubs, libraries and individual readers from the Southwest U.S. and nationwide. Get detailed information on exhibiting, sponsorship and registration at: www.nationalblackbookfestival.com.

Los Angeles OIC Breakfast of Champions

March 2014… 29th BBA Salute to Black Women Participation and sponsorship information is available for the Annual Salute Conference and Awards Luncheon at www.bbala.org or send an inquiry to mail@bbala.org. 

31st-November 1st 2013 Investment Summit The first ever USA Investment Summit is sponsored by the US Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, and SelectUSA, as part of a U.S. governmentwide initiative to promote direct investment in the United States. For more information please contact: 104  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Resources Media Africa Interactive Multimedia Press/Content Agency in Africa www.africa-interactive.com Africa World Press Books www.africaworldpressbooks.com African Vibes Magazine www.africanvibes.com The African World www.theafricanworld.tv Africast TV www.africast.tv AllAfrica http://allafrica.com Black Wall Street Times http://bwstimes.com Black Business News Group www.blackbusinessnews.net Black Press USA www.blackpressusa.com BridesNoir www.bridesnoir.com CuisineNoir www.cuisinenoirmag.com DiasporaVoice www.blogtalkradio.com/diasporavoice Rock Me Africa //rockmeafrica.com

www.causecastfornonprofits.com Continental African Chamber of Commerce www.continentalacc.org Pan African Film Festival www.paff.org United African Organization http://uniteafricans.org Zambia-USA Chamber of Commerce www.zambiausachamber.org

Investment/Development Africa Reports www.africareports.com African Development Bank www.afdb.org African Export - Import Bank //afreximbank.com/afrexim/en AfrigadgetTV www.afrigadget.com The Exchange Magazine www.nse.co.ke Ventures www.ventures-africa.com

U.S. Government Commerce Department www.doc.gov International Trade Administration http://trade.gov

Organizations Africa Leadership Forum http://africaleadership.org The African Union www.au.int/en Black Business Association www.bbala.org CauseCast www.causecast.com

Minority Business Development Agency www.mbda.gov Small Business Administration www.sba.gov State Department www.dos.gov White House www.whitehouse.gov

106  October 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819