Let Us Help You Grow Your Business to New Heights. To take your business to the next level, it’s essential that you choose the right financial partner. At East West Bank, we offer all the products and services you expect from a big bank with the high level of personal attention you expect from a local bank. Our bankers have over 40 years of experience helping minority businesses reach their financial goals. We look forward to working closely with you to customize a financial solution tailored to your unique situation. For more information about East West Bank and our solutions for businesses, please call: 1.626.768.6729 www.eastwestbank.com
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T
he California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will hold its 12th annual En Banc public hearing on Thursday, October 9, 2014 at the University of Southern California Town & Gown Hall in Los Angeles. Themed “Making a Difference through Supplier Diversity” as it relates to the 1988 initiated CPUC General Order #156; the hearing examined the diversity programs of the state’s regulated utilities. Discussions will include the CPUC’s own commitment to diversity, and receive feedback from community-based organizations and other interested parties sharing views on creating supplier diversity programs entrenched in economic development and job creation for the 21st century and beyond. CPUC President Michael R. Peevey is the host of the event. The scheduled keynote speaker is Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises as well as other distinguished speakers and guests. On October 16th hundreds of Southern California's African American business owners will come together as the Black Business Association (BBA) presents its 2014 Procurement Exchange Summit at the LA Hotel Downtown Los Angeles, the event provides matchmaking interface with qualified African Americanowned businesses and target supplier diversity outreach opportunities, for utilities and telecommunications firms, major corporations, financial institutions and government agencies seeking to increase their procurement outreach to Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MBE). Attendees also took part in business development workshops and panels including, “Access to Capital” and “Identifying Future Contract Procurement Opportunities”. The Summit will conclude with an Award Luncheon honoring outstanding entrepreneurs in recognition of National MED Week. The honorees include Malcolm Bennett, President & CEO International Realty & Investments (Lifetime Achievement Award); Frank Denkins, CEO, L.A. Office Furniture (Pioneer Award); Ollie M. McCaulley, President & CEO, Gonzalez McCaulley Investment Group (Outstanding Entrepreneur Award); Ella Williams, Founder, Aegir Systems, Inc., (Outstanding Entrepreneur Award); Leatora J. Morse, President, The Avery Group (Outstanding Entrepreneur Award); and Adolf Dulan, Owner, Dulan's Soul Food Kitchen (Community Based Business of the Year). The Summit Chair is Southern California Edison. Co-chairs are Mike Peevey, President of the California Public Utilities Commission, California Assemblyman Steven Bradford and Los Angeles City Councilman Curren Price. In the true tradition of great Los Angeles African American Family Festivals such as the heydays of the “Watts Summer Festival”, National Council of Negro Women “Black Family Reunion”, "LA Black Business Expo" and the “African American Market Place”, October welcomes “The Taste of Soul.” Now in its 9th year the free event features a taste of all things soulful including food from local restaurants, live entertainment, displays from local artists, and exhibits from local businesses and healthcare organizations. Founded by Danny Bakewell, Sr. in 2005 the “Taste of Soul” is presented by the Los Angeles Sentinel Newspaper and benefits the South L.A. non-profit organizations Mothers in Action and the Brotherhood Crusade. The familyfriendly event is hosted in partnership with the City of Los Angeles, Radio Free 102.3 KJLH, and 94.7 The Wave. Expected turn out for an inspirational day in the community is 250,000.
Black Business News Group P.O. Box 43159 Los Angeles, CA 90043 USA 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 Kim Anthony
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Linda Ware
PRODUCTION MANAGER Narishima Osei
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dean Jones Linda Ware Ralph Sutton LaSandra Stratton
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 © 2014 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.
see Publisher's Message on page 13
3 September 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
About ABOUT THE BLACK BUSINESS NEWS GROUP… 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 news, the publications of the Black Business News Group impart current local, national and international industry and social trends and news affecting small businesses across the United States of America (USA), providing guides to greater access to financial capital, management efficiencies, business education, mentorship opportunities and social media networks. The goals of the Black Business News Group include: •
promoting USA-based black-owned business enterprises to a world wide audience.
•
offering business growth enhancing information on education, exhibitioning, international trading, technology, industry trends, and more.
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exploring major public and private sector contracting methods to educate black-owned and operated enterprises.
•
gproviding an affirmative influence for emerging entrepreneurs by sharing innovative de-sign and creative cultural content that expos-es them to the history of black enterprisess and urges them to participate in the USA’s future.
•
advocating and promoting on behalf of black-owned businesses by promoting the need for expanding an economic foundation that supports an unfettered and selfsustained urban society with USA job creation and economic opportunity, where blacks work, live and operate viable businesss enterprises.
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2014/2015 Black Business Association Events
October 2014
Procurement Exchange Summit
February
Annual Awards Dinner
March
Salute to Black Women
June
Salute to Black Music Awards Dinner
Contents
BLACK BUSINESS NEWS…OCTOBER 2014 GOVERNMENT… 8 10 12
America's 21st Century Economy $100 Million in Transportation Grants New NACIE Members Announced by EDA
ENTERTAINMENT… 28
BNN Show Biz Buzz
COLUMNS EDITORIAL…
42
16
In Defense of Obama
BUSINESS… 30 34 36 38 40 42 47 50
L'Oreal Buys Carol's Daughter MED WEEK PROCLAMATION BBA 2014 Procurement Summit Nude Lingerie for the Black/Brown Skinned Woman Marques Brownlee, Tech Reviewer Motown President Receives HAL Award
3 - Publisher's Message 70 - Take A Look! 116 - Books to Consider... 120 - Calendar 122- Resources SPONSORS 6 - Black Business Association
SPECIAL SECTION… 102 Shopping Gallery Cover image - Phallu Morgan
Julius Robinsoh, Vice President, Marriott International African American's 2015 Buying Power
PUBLIC INTEREST/COMMUNITY… 72 74 76 80
White House Fashion Education Workshop Hampton U Receives FITW Grant Comerica Supports MAM Schollarships Obituaries - Comer Cottrell, Harold Hambrick, Geoffrey Holder
INTERNATIONAL… 89
Postal Service Launched in Somalia 5 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
47
Government
President Obama on America's 21st Century Economy: "A New Foundation Is Laid" By Tanya Somanader
T
he story of the last six years is the story of progress. In 2009, businesses were laying off 80,000 Americans a month. The unemployment rate sat at 10%. Manufacturing lagged behind while health care costs skyrocketed. And the deficit stood at nearly 10% of our economy. Now, thanks to the determination of the American people and the decisions of the Obama administration, our economy is telling a remarkable story. Businesses have added 10 million jobs over 52 straight months of job growth, the longest streak on record. The unemployment rate has fallen to 6.1%, there are more job openings now than at any time since 2001, our country is the most attractive location in the world for investment, health care prices have
risen at the lowest rate in nearly 50 years since the Affordable Care Act, and the deficit is approaching three percent of our economy. President Obama laid out these facts today in an address to the young entrepreneurs of Northwestern University's School of Management. "It is indisputable that our economy is stronger today than it was when I took office. By every economic measure," he said. "At the same time, it also indisputable that millions of Americans don't yet feel enought of the benefits of a growing economy where it matters most -and that's in their own lives." These truths are not incompatible. "Our task now is to harness the momentum that is real, that does exist, and make sure that we accelerate that momentum -- that
the economy grows, and jobs grow, and wages grow. That's our challenge." 1. To answer that challenge, the President is pursuing policies that will invest in the five key cornerstones to lay the new foundation of America's 21st century economy. They include: New investments in the energy and technologies that make America a magnet for good, middle-class jobs 2. New investments in education that will make our workforce more skilled and competitive 3. New reforms to health care that will cut costs for families and businesses 4. New savings in our federal budget that get our fiscal house in order for future generations 5. New rules for our financial
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Government system to protect consumers and prevent the kind of crisis we endured from happening again Historically, our economic greatness rests on a simple principle: when the middle class thrives and people can work hard to get into the middle class, America thrives. When it doesn’t, America doesn’t. "Here’s the bottom line," the President said. "For all the work that remains, for all the citizens we still need to reach, what I want people to know is that there are some really good things happening in America": For the first time, we can see real, tangible evidence of what the contours of the new economy will look like. It’s an economy teeming with new industry and commerce, and humming with new energy and new technologies, and bustling with highly skilled, higher-wage workers. It’s an America where a student graduating from college has the chance to advance through a vibrant job market, and where an entrepreneur can start a new business and succeed, and where an older worker can retool for that new job. And to fully realize this vision requires steady, relentless investment in these areas. We cannot let up and we cannot be complacent. We have to be hungry as a nation. We have to compete. When we do -- if we take the necessary steps to build on the foundation that through some really hard work we have laid over the last several years -- I promise you, over the next 10 years we’ll build an economy where wage growth is stronger than it was in the past three decades. If we rebuild roads and bridges, we will put construction workers and engineers on the job; we'll revitalize communities, connect people to jobs, and help businesses
ship goods around the world. If we help first-time homebuyers get a loan, we'll speed up the housing market recovery and people's efforts to build a future. If we keep investing in clean energy technology, we'll put people back to work on the assembly lines and prevent the worst costs of climate change down the road. If we make high-quality preschool available to every child, we'll give our children a safe place to learn while giving parents the support they need to go to work. If we redesign our high schools and set higher standards, we will graduate more kids with the realworld skills that lead to good jobs in the new economy. If we fix our broken immigration system, if we raise the minimum wage, if we make sure women are paid equal to a man for her work, we will make our economy stronger. "That's the truth," he said. President Obama appealed to Republicans in Congress to end the gridlock that is constricting our economic growth: I’m going to keep making the argument for these policies, because they are right for America. They are supported by the facts. And I’m always willing to work with anyone, Democrat or Republican, to get things done. And every once in a while, we actually see a bill land on my desk from Congress, and we do a bill signing and I look at the Members, and I say -- I tell them “Look how much fun this is! Let’s do it again. Let's do it again.” But if gridlock prevails, if cooperation and compromise are no longer valued, but vilified, then I will keep doing everything I can on my own if it will make a difference for working Americans. "This is our moment to define what the next decade and beyond will look like," the President said. "This is our chance to set the conditions
for middle-class growth in the 21st century." The decisions we make this year, and over the next few years, will determine whether or not we set the stage for America’s greatness in this century just like we did in the last one -- whether or not we restore the link between hard work and higher wages; whether or not we continue to invest in a skilled, educated citizenry; whether or not we rebuild an economy where everyone who works hard can get ahead. President Obama left the students -- and every American striving to succeed in the new American century -- with a challenge: "As you chase your own success, I challenge you to cultivate more ways to help more Americans chase their success." It is the American people who’ve made the progress of the last six years possible. It is the American people who will make our future progress possible. It is the American people that make American business successful. And they should share in that success. It’s not just for you. It’s for us. Because it’s the American people that made the investments over the course of generations to allow you and me to be here and experience this success. That's the story of America. America is a story of progress -- sometimes halting, sometimes incomplete, sometimes harshly challenged. But the story of America is a story of progress. www.whitehouse.gov/ blog/2014/10/02/new-foundationlaid-new-future-yet-be-writtenpresident-obama-americas-21stcenturywww.youtube.com/ watch?v=HPNlvQgFxLw
9 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Government
U.S. Transportation Secretary Foxx Announces $100 Million in Grants Connecting More Americans with Jobs and Ladders of Opportunity through improved bus services
U
.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx recently announced $100 million in competitive grants to 24 recipients in 19 states to significantly improve bus service and bus facilities in urban and rural communities where residents depend heavily on public transportation. The grants are provided through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Ladders of Opportunity Initiative, which supports the modernization and expansion of transit bus service across the nation, with the purpose of connecting disadvantaged and low-income populations—including veterans, seniors, and youths—with centers of education, employment, job training, health care, and other vital services. A list of all funded projects is available at www.fta. dot.gov/grants/15926_16153. html. “Transportation is about more than getting from one point to another-it’s about getting from where you are to a better life,” said Secretary Foxx. “The Ladders of Opportunity grants will help communities to
offer better access to jobs and schools and allow citizens to gain the life skills they need to achieve their goals.” Secretary Foxx made today’s announcement at Cass Technical High School in Detroit. He was joined by Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, FTA Acting Administrator Therese McMillan and state and local officials. Secretary Foxx was one of several Cabinet secretaries who met in Detroit in September 2013 to discuss what they could do to support Detroit revitalization efforts. Since the Secretary’s visit, the U.S. Department of Transportation has provided approximately $24 million to repair and rehabilitate buses and install security cameras to protect passengers and drivers, more than $37 million in TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grants to the M1 RAIL/Woodward Avenue Streetcar project and $6.4 million to assist the newly created Regional Transit Authority implement a regional bus rapid transit system. “More Americans travel by bus than any other form of transit—and nearly half of the buses that people depend on in the United States are in marginal or poor condition,” said FTA Acting Administrator McMillan. “These grants will give a muchneeded boost to communities around the country whose residents
need and deserve safe, reliable bus service to access jobs and other important opportunities to provide for their families and achieve a
“More Americans travel by bus than any other form of transit—and nearly half of the buses that people depend on in the United States are in marginal or poor condition.” better quality of life.” FTA’s Ladders of Opportunity
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Initiative proved to be one of the most over-subscribed discretionary grant programs in the agency’s history. FTA received 446 project proposals from 282 applicants requesting a total of approximately $1.4 billion—14 times the available funding. This highly competitive response reflects tremendous demand for modern buses and bus facilities in communities across the United States. Priority was given to projects that provide ready access to work for individuals lacking reliable transportation, especially in low-income and under-served neighborhoods; projects connecting to universities, hospitals or other places that can lead to improved quality of life; and projects based on effective partnerships with local governments, businesses, and non-profits. The President’s GROW AMERICA Act reauthorization
proposal would increase funding for transit buses and bus facilities by over 350% between FY2014 and FY2015, to help address additional unmet transportation needs across the country, including provisions for discretionary grants. Among the projects selected nationwide: • Detroit will receive $25.9 million to purchase up to 50 new hybrid and clean diesel buses that will ease overcrowding, reduce wait times, and provide more accessible and reliable service for a highly transit-dependent population where 60 percent of residents do not have access to a car, and 35% live below the poverty line. The new buses will provide riders with essential links to jobs, education, training and other opportunities throughout Detroit, including vital connections to the Central Business District. The
clean-fuel buses will replace aging vehicles that have been plagued by maintenance issues, resulting in better on-time service, as well as reduced carbon emissions. • San Francisco will receive approximately $9 million to help the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) to expand its Muni bus service by adding up to 12 motor coaches to targeted lines across San Francisco. Improved bus service will help ease overcrowding and facilitate transit access in some of the city’s highest need areas. • Denver will receive $5 million to link Denver’s bus system with nearby Aurora, Colorado, connecting residents of an economically diverse corridor with a variety of education and employment opportunities. This project incorporates Denver’s Workforce Initiative Now! program to deliver training, education, and job services. • Oklahoma will receive almost $4.1 million to replace aging vehicles in 10 transit systems across rural parts of the state, expanding economic opportunities in a region where 78% of rural workers face commute times of an hour or more. • Two grants totaling $260,570 will establish new transit systems on Native American reservations. These projects will afford muchneeded transportation options to tribal residents who often lack access to employment, health care, and other essentials. Recipients are the Sac and Fox Nation, which borders Kansas and Nebraska, and the Muckleshoot Reservation in Washington State, near Seattle, Wash.
11 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Government
New NACIE Members Announced By Mark Marich
P
enny Pritzker, Secretary of the U.S. Commerce Department has announced the 27 individuals who have been selected to serve on the latest National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NACIE). NACIE members will serve as a liaison to the broader entrepreneurship and workforce development communities and advise the Secretary of Commerce on issues related to accelerating innovation, expanding entrepreneurship, and developing a globally competitive workforce. The council is co-chaired by Michael Burcham, president and CEO of The Nashville Entrepreneur Center in Tennessee, James Clements, president of Clemson University in South Carolina, and Marie Lynch, president and CEO of Skills for Chicagoland’s Future in Illinois. Previous NACIE members, serving from 2010-2012, released two reports. The Innovative and Entrepreneurial University: Higher Education, Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Focus explored promising approaches to promote entrepreneurship on campuses across America – including the Kauffman Campuses Initiative. The second report from the previous council was Improving Access to Capital for HighGrowth Companies that promoted a collection of recommendations for early-stage investing including tax credits on angel investments of less
than $200,000 and a 100% exclusion on capital gains tax to small business investments held for five years. The complete list of 27 new NACIE members is available on the U.S. Economic Development Administration Department (E.D.A.) website ( w w w. e d a . g o v / o i e / n a c i e / members). EDA is a bureau of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The U.S. Economic Development Administration's Secretary Pritzker investment policy is designed to establish a foundation for sustainable job growth and the building of durable regional economies throughout the United States. This foundation builds upon two key economic drivers - innovation and regional collaboration. Innovation is key to global competitiveness, new and better jobs, a resilient economy, and the attainment of national economic goals. Regional collaboration is essential for economic recovery because regions are the centers of William Generett, NACIE member competition in the new global President, CEO, economy and those that work Urban Innovation21, PA together to leverage resources and use their strengths to overcome As the only federal government weaknesses will fare better than agency focused exclusively on those that do not. EDA encourages economic development, the its partners around the country to U.S. Department of Commerce’s develop initiatives that advance new Economic Development ideas and creative approaches to Administration (EDA) plays a critical address rapidly evolving economic role in fostering regional economic conditions. development efforts in communities
EDA’S ROLE
across the nation. Through strategic
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investments that foster job creation and attract private investment, EDA supports development in economically distressed areas of the United States. Guided by the basic principle that communities must be empowered to develop and implement their own economic development and revitalization strategies, EDA works directly with local economic development officials to make grant investments that are well-defined, timely, and linked to a long-term,
sustainable economic development strategy. EDA’s flexible programs and structure enable nimble operations and allow for innovation and responsiveness to changing economic needs and conditions faced by its local and state government partners. Grants made under these programs are designed to leverage existing regional assets to support the implementation of economic development strategies that advance new ideas and
creative approaches to advance economic prosperity in distressed communities. EDA’s economic footprint is wide and its tool box is extensive— including technical assistance, post-disaster recovery assistance, trade adjustment support, strategic planning and research and evaluation capacity, thereby allowing the agency to offer the most effective investment to help communities succeed in the global economy. www.eda.gov
Publisher's Message
success and commitment to the African American community. While sending our heartfelt prayers and condolences to Comer’s family and friends they should also know that through us, his legacy will live on. Harold Hambrick, one of the leaders of the “Sons of Watts”, was very instrumental in making the historic Wattstax concert "The Living Word" held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, August 20, 1972 to commemorate the 7th anniversary of the 1965 Watts revolt, a success. It was a landmark happening produced by the Watts Summer Festival Inc. – the first African American organization to sponsor a sold-out concert at the Coliseum. Wattstax demonstrated that, when given the opportunity, the African American community had the talent, skills, business acumen and determination to produce enterprise models that would provide empowerment and economic opportunities. He dedicated his life to bringing his vision into reality by providing platforms for entrepreneurial growth for thousands during his lifetime. Our condolences and prayers also go out to the Hambrick family and friends. The Black Business Association (BBA) goes on record in support
of an Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) request for a six months extension from the City of Los Angeles to bring a professional football team to the city and expand development around the Staples Center hub. In an agreement reached in 2012 with the city, AEG promised to sign a team by October 17, 2014 to play in a proposed newly built “Farmers Field” stadium. AEG also promised to construct a $287-million wing for the Convention Center and demolish the obsolete West Hall. The request for an extension includes an AEG offer to begin planning Convention Center enhancements including a hotel with 750 or more rooms. More jobs, more revenue, more opportunities to grow. Finally remember, VOTE! in November and as you go about the business of building a better community through your entrepreneurial efforts, spread the word about reading the BBN to find out what the BBA is doing to support your every effort. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, the old faithful “word of mouth” and every other medium you chose to use. Togetherness has and always will be our strength!
from page 3
The month of October finds Black Business News (BBN) pressing on with the work at hand while honoring the legacies of two men, Comer Cottrell and Harold Hambrick, whose achievements will always serve as benchmarks for entrepreneurial success that empowers, economically benefits, and spiritually uplifts the African American Community. As Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of BBN and president of the BBA I am very saddened by the death of a willing mentor and friend Comer Cottrell, founder of Pro-Line Corporation. The BBA is indebted to the everlasting influence of his entrepreneurial leadership. Comer chaired the BBA in 1974 at a time when he was considered one of the most successful entrepreneurs and wealthiest African Americans in Los Angeles. He was a vibrant force in building the BBA into a strong Black business organization in the 70’s and received the first Life Membership of the BBA in 1979 prior to ProLine’s relocation to Dallas, Texas. As a businessman, civil rights champion and philanthropist, Comer represented that rare combination of entrepreneur
Earl “Skip” Cooper, II
Pubisher/Chief Executive Officer 13 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Editorial
In Defense of Obama By Paul Krugman for Rolling Stone
The Nobel Prize-winning economist, once one of the president’s most notable critics, on why Obama is a historic success
W
hen it comes to Barack Obama, I've always been out of sync. Back in 2008, when many liberals were wildly enthusiastic about his candidacy and his press was strongly favorable, I was skeptical. I worried that he was naive, that his talk about transcending the political divide was a dangerous illusion given the unyielding extremism of the modern American right. Furthermore, it seemed clear to me that, far from being the transformational figure his supporters imagined, he was rather conventional-minded: Even before taking office, he showed signs of paying far too much attention to what some of us would later take to calling Very Serious People, people who regarded cutting budget deficits and a willingness to slash Social Security as the very essence of political virtue. And I wasn't wrong. Obama was indeed naive: He faced scorchedearth Republican opposition from Day One, and it took him years to start dealing with that opposition realistically. Furthermore, he came perilously close to doing terrible things to the U.S. safety net in pursuit of a budget Grand Bargain; we were saved from significant cuts to Social Security and a rise in the
Medicare age only by Republican greed, the GOP's unwillingness to make even token concessions. But now the shoe is on the other foot: Obama faces trash talk left, right and center – literally – and doesn't deserve it. Despite bitter opposition, despite having come close to self-inflicted disaster, Obama has emerged as one of the most consequential and, yes, successful presidents in American history. His health reform is imperfect but still a huge step forward – and it's working better than anyone expected. Financial reform fell far short of what should have happened, but it's much more effective than you'd think. Economic management has been half-crippled by Republican obstruction, but has nonetheless been much better than in other advanced countries. And environmental policy is starting to look like it could be a major legacy. I'll go through those achievements
shortly. First, however, let's take a moment to talk about the current wave of Obama-bashing. All Obama-bashing can be divided into three types. One, a constant of his time in office, is the onslaught from the right, which has never stopped portraying him as an Islamic atheist Marxist Kenyan. Nothing has changed on that front, and nothing will. There's a different story on the left, where you now find a significant number of critics decrying Obama as, to quote Cornel West, someone who ''posed as a progressive and turned out to be counterfeit.'' They're outraged that Wall Street hasn't been punished, that income inequality remains so high, that ''neoliberal'' economic policies are still in place. All of this seems to rest on the belief that if only Obama had put his eloquence behind a radical economic agenda, he could somehow have gotten that agenda
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past all the political barriers that have constrained even his much more modest efforts. It's hard to take such claims seriously. Finally, there's the constant belittling of Obama from mainstream pundits and talking heads. Turn on cable news (although I wouldn't advise it) and you'll hear endless talk about a rudderless, stalled administration, maybe even about a failed presidency. Such talk is often buttressed by polls showing that Obama does, indeed, have an approval rating that is very low by historical standards. But this bashing is
There is much more party-sorting (in which Republicans never, ever have a good word for a Democratic president, and vice versa), the public is negative on politicians in general, and so on. Obviously the midterm election hasn't happened yet, but in a year when Republicans have a huge structural advantage – Democrats are defending a disproportionate number of Senate seats in deep-red states – most analyses suggest that control of the Senate is in doubt, with Democrats doing considerably better than they were supposed to. This isn't what you'd expect to see if a failing president were dragging his party down. More important, however, polls – or even elections – are not the measure of a president. High office shouldn't be about putting points on the electoral scoreboard, it should be about changing the country for
misguided even in its own terms – and in any case, it's focused on the wrong thing. Yes, Obama has a low approval rating compared with earlier presidents. But there are a number of reasons to believe that presidential approval doesn't mean the same thing that it used to:
the better. Has Obama done that? Do his achievements look likely to endure? The answer to both questions is yes.
HEALTH CARE When Obama signed the Affordable Care Act, an excited Joe Biden whispered audibly, ''This is a big fucking deal!'' He was right.
The enactment and implementation of the Affordable Care Act, a.k.a. Obamacare, has been a perils-of-Pauline experience. When an upset in the special election to replace Ted Kennedy cost Democrats their 60-vote Senate majority, health reform had to be rescued with fancy legislative footwork. Then it survived a Supreme Court challenge only thanks to a surprise display of conscience by John Roberts, who nonetheless opened a loophole that has allowed Republican-controlled states to deny coverage to millions of Americans. Then technical difficulties with the HealthCare. gov website seemed to threaten disaster. But here we are, most of the way through the first full year of reform's implementation, and it's working better than even the optimists expected. We won't have the full data on 2014 until next year's census report, but multiple independent surveys show a sharp drop in the number of Americans without health insurance, probably around 10 million, a number certain to grow greatly over the next two years as more people realize that the program is available and penalties for failure to sign up increase. It's true that the Affordable Care Act will still leave millions of people in America uninsured. For one thing, it was never intended to cover undocumented immigrants, who are counted in standard measures of the uninsured. Furthermore, millions of low-income Americans will slip into the loophole Roberts created: They were supposed to see In Defense of Obama on page 18
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Editorial In Defense of Obama from page 17
be covered by a federally funded expansion of Medicaid, but some states are blocking that expansion out of sheer spite. Finally, unlike Social Security and Medicare, for which almost everyone is automatically eligible, Obamacare requires beneficiaries to prove their eligibility for Medicaid or choose and
security. And even those who were already insured have gained both security and freedom, because they now have a guarantee of coverage if they lose or change jobs. What about the costs? Here, too, the news is better than anyone expected. In 2014, premiums on the insurance policies offered through the Obamacare exchanges were well below those originally
increase five percent or more each year. More broadly, overall health spending has slowed substantially, with the cost-control features of the ACA probably deserving some of the credit. In other words, health reform is looking like a major policy success story. It's a program that is coming in ahead of schedule – and below budget – costing less, and doing
Barack Obama & Elizabeth Warren then pay for a subsidized private plan. Inevitably, some people will fall through the cracks. Still, Obamacare means a huge improvement in the quality of life for tens of millions of Americans – not just better care, but greater financial
projected by the Congressional Budget Office, and the available data indicates a mix of modest increases and actual reductions for 2015 – which is very good in a sector where premiums normally
more to reduce overall health costs than even its supporters predicted. Of course, this success story makes nonsense of right-wing predictions of catastrophe. Beyond that, the good news on health costs
18 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Editorial refutes conservative orthodoxy. It's a fixed idea on the right, sometimes echoed by ''centrist'' commentators, that the only way to limit health costs is to dismantle guarantees of adequate care – for example, that the only way to control Medicare costs is to replace Medicare as we know it, a program that covers major medical expenditures, with vouchers that may or may not be enough to buy adequate insurance. But what we're actually seeing is what looks like significant cost control via a laundry list of small changes to how we pay for care, with the basic guarantee of adequate coverage not only intact but widened to include Americans of all ages. It's worth pointing out that some criticisms of Obamacare from the left are also looking foolish. Obamacare is a system partly run through private insurance companies (although expansion of Medicaid is also a very important piece). And some on the left were outraged, arguing that the program would do more to raise profits in the medical-industrial complex than it would to protect American families. You can still argue that singlepayer would have covered more people at lower cost – in fact, I would. But that option wasn't on the table; only a system that appeased insurers and reassured the public that not too much would change was politically feasible. And it's working reasonably well: Competition among insurers who can no longer deny insurance to those who need it most is turning out to be pretty effective. This isn't the health care system you would have designed from scratch, or if you could ignore special-interest politics, but it's doing the job. And this big improvement in American society is almost surely here to stay. The conservative health care nightmare – the one
that led Republicans to go all-out against Bill Clinton's health plans in 1993 and Obamacare more recently – is that once health care for everyone, or almost everyone, has been put in place, it will be very hard to undo, because too many voters would have a stake in the system. That's exactly what is happening. Republicans are still going through the motions of attacking Obamacare, but the passion is gone. They're even offering mealymouthed assurances that people won't lose their new benefits. By the time Obama leaves office, there will be tens of millions of Americans who have benefited directly from health reform – and that will make it almost impossible to reverse. Health reform has made America a different, better place.
law in 2010, dismissed as toothless and meaningless. It isn't. It may not prevent the next financial crisis, but there's a good chance that it will at least make future crises less severe and easier to deal with. Dodd-Frank is a complicated piece of legislation, but let me single out three really important sections. First, the law gives a special council the ability to designate ''systemically important financial institutions'' (SIFIs) – that is, institutions that could create a crisis if they were to fail – and place such institutions under extra scrutiny and regulation of things like the amount of capital they are required to maintain to cover possible losses. This provision has been derided as ineffectual or worse – during the 2012 presidential campaign, Mitt Romney claimed that by announcing that some firms were SIFIs, the government was effectively guaranteeing that they would be bailed out, which he called ''the biggest kiss that's been given to New York banks I've ever seen.'' But it's easy to prove that this is nonsense: Just look at how institutions behave when they're designated as SIFIs. Are they pleased, because they're now guaranteed? Not a chance. Instead, they're furious over the extra regulation, and in some cases fight bitterly to avoid being placed on the list. Right now, for example, MetLife is making an all-out effort to be kept off the SIFI list; this effort demonstrates that we're talking about real regulation here, and that financial interests don't like it.
“By the time Obama leaves office, there will be tens of millions of Americans who have benefited directly from health reform”
FINANCIAL REFORM Let's be clear: The financial crisis should have been followed by a drastic crackdown on Wall Street abuses, and it wasn't. No important figures have gone to jail; bad banks and other financial institutions, from Citigroup to Goldman, were bailed out with few strings attached; and there has been nothing like the wholesale restructuring and reining in of finance that took place in the 1930s. Obama bears a considerable part of the blame for this disappointing response. It was his Treasury secretary and his attorney general who chose to treat finance with kid gloves. It's easy, however, to take this disappointment too far. You often hear Dodd-Frank, the financialreform bill that Obama signed into
see In Defense of Obama on page 20
19 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Editorial In Defense of Obama from page 19
Another key provision in DoddFrank is ''orderly liquidation authority,'' which gives the government the legal right to seize complex financial institutions in a crisis. This is a bigger deal than you might think. We have a well-established procedure for seizing ordinary banks that get
the same reasons the FDIC takes over failing banks, to keep the institutions running but avoid bailing out stockholders and management. We got a chance to make that case directly to the president. But we lost the argument, and one key reason was Treasury's claim that it lacked the necessary legal authority. I still think it could have found a way, but in any case that won't be an issue
effectively protect the public than agencies that were supposed to protect consumers, but saw their main job as propping up banks. And by all accounts the new agency is in fact doing much more to crack down on predatory practices than anything we used to see. There's much more in the financial reform, including a number of pieces we don't have enough information
President Barack Obama greets workers in trouble and putting them into receivership; in fact, it happens all the time. But what do you do when something like Citigroup is on the edge, and its failure might have devastating consequences? Back in 2009, Joseph Stiglitz and yours truly, among others, wanted to temporarily nationalize one or two major financial players, for
next time. A third piece of Dodd-Frank is the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. That's Elizabeth Warren's brainchild, an agency dedicated to protecting Americans against the predatory lending that has pushed so many into financial distress, and played an important role in the crisis. Warren's idea was that such a stand-alone agency would more
to evaluate yet. But there's enough evidence even now to say that there's a reason Wall Street – which used to give an approximately equal share of money to both parties but now overwhelmingly supports Republicans – tried so hard to kill financial reform, and is still trying to emasculate Dodd-Frank. This may not be the full overhaul of finance we should have had, and it's not as
20 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Editorial major as health reform. But it's a lot better than nothing.
THE ECONOMY Barack Obama might not have been elected president without the 2008 financial crisis; he certainly wouldn't have had the House majority and the brief filibusterproof Senate majority that made health reform possible. So it's very disappointing that six years into his presidency, the U.S. economy is still a long way from being fully recovered. Before we ask why, however, we should note that things could have been worse. In fact, in other times and places they have been worse. Make no mistake about it – the devastation wrought by the financial crisis was terrible, with real income falling 5.5%. But that's actually not as bad as the ''typical'' experience after financial crises: Even in advanced countries, the median post-crisis decline in percapita real GDP is 7%. Recovery has been slow: It took almost six years for the United States to regain pre-crisis average income. But that was actually a bit faster than the historical average. Or compare our performance with that of the European Union. Unemployment in America rose to a horrifying 10% in 2009, but it has come down sharply in the past few years. It's true that some of the apparent improvement probably reflects discouraged workers dropping out, but there has been substantial real progress. Meanwhile, Europe has had barely any job recovery at all, and unemployment is still in double digits. Compared with our counterparts across the Atlantic, we haven't done too badly. Did Obama's policies contribute to this less-awful performance? Yes, without question. You'd never know it listening to the talking heads, but there's overwhelming consensus
among economists that the Obama stimulus plan helped mitigate the worst of the slump. For example, when a panel of economic experts was asked whether the U.S. unemployment rate was lower at the end of 2010 than it would have been without the stimulus, 82% said yes, only 2% said no. Still, couldn't the U.S. economy have done a lot better? Of course. The original stimulus should have been both bigger and longer. And after Republicans won the House in 2010, U.S. policy took a sharp turn in the wrong direction. Not only did the stimulus fade out, but sequestration led to further steep cuts in federal spending, exactly the wrong thing to do in a still-depressed economy. We can argue about how much Obama could have altered this literally depressing turn of events. He could have pushed for a larger, more extended stimulus, perhaps with provisions for extra aid that would have kicked in if unemployment stayed high. (This isn't 20-20 hindsight, because a number of economists, myself included, pleaded for more aggressive measures from the beginning.) He arguably let Republicans blackmail him over the debt ceiling in 2011, leading to the sequester. But this is all kind of iffy. The bottom line on Obama's economic policy should be that what he did helped the economy, and that while enormous economic and human damage has taken place on his watch, the United States coped with the financial crisis better than most countries facing comparable crises have managed. He should have done more and better, but the narrative that portrays his policies as a simple failure is all wrong. While America remains an incredibly unequal society, and we haven't seen anything like the New Deal's efforts to narrow income gaps, Obama has done more to limit
inequality than he gets credit for. The rich are paying higher taxes, thanks to the partial expiration of the Bush tax cuts and the special taxes on high incomes that help pay for Obamacare; the Congressional Budget Office estimates the average tax rate of the top one percent at 33.6% in 2013, up from 28.1% in 2008. Meanwhile, the financial aid in Obamacare – expanded Medicaid, subsidies to help lowerincome households pay insurance premiums – goes disproportionately to less-well-off Americans. When conservatives accuse Obama of redistributing income, they're not completely wrong – and liberals should give him credit.
THE ENVIRONMENT In 2009, it looked, briefly, as if we might be about to get real on the issue of climate change. A fairly comprehensive bill establishing a cap-and-trade system to limit greenhouse-gas emissions actually passed the House, and visions of global action danced like sugarplums in environmentalists' heads. But the legislation stalled in the Senate, and Republican victory in the 2010 midterms put an end to that fantasy. Ever since, the only way forward has been through executive action based on existing legislation, which is a poor substitute for the new laws we need.
Hope for the Climate But as with financial reform, acknowledging the inadequacy of what has been done doesn't mean that nothing has been achieved. Saying that Obama has been the best environmental president in a long time is actually faint praise, since George W. Bush was terrible and Bill Clinton didn't get much done. Still, it's true, and there's reason to hope for a lot more over the next two years. First of all, there has been much see In Defense of Obama on page 22
21 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Editorial In Defense of Obama from page 21
more progress on the use of renewable energy than most people realize. The share of U.S. energy provided by wind and solar has grown dramatically since Obama took office. True, it's still only a small fraction of the total, and some of the growth in renewables reflects
technological progress, especially in solar panels, that would have happened whoever was in office. But federal policies, including loan guarantees and tax credits, have played an important role. Nor is it just about renewables; Obama has also taken big steps on
energy conservation, especially via fuel-efficiency standards, that have flown, somewhat mysteriously, under the radar. And it's not just cars. In 2011, the administration announced the first-ever fuelefficiency standards for medium and heavy vehicles, and in February it announced that these standards would get even tougher for models sold after 2018. As a way to curb
turned to the EPA's existing power to regulate pollution – power that the Supreme Court has affirmed extends to emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. And this past summer, the EPA announced proposed rules that would require a large reduction over time in such emissions from power plants. You might say that such plants are only a piece of the
green house-gas emissions, these actions, taken together, are comparable in importance to proposed action on power plants. Which brings us to the latest initiative. Because there's no chance of getting climate-change legislation through Congress for the foreseeable future, Obama has
problem, but they're a large piece – CO2 from coal-burning power plants is in fact a big part of the problem, so if the EPA goes through with anything like the proposed rule, it will be a major step. Again, not nearly enough, and we'll have to do a lot more soon, or face civilizationthreatening disaster. But what
22 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Editorial Obama has done is far from trivial.
NATIONAL SECURITY So far, i've been talking about Obama's positive achievements, which have been much bigger than his critics understand. I do, however, need to address one area that has left some early Obama supporters bitterly disappointed: his record on national security policy. Let's face it – many of his original enthusiasts favored him so strongly over Hillary Clinton because she supported the Iraq War and he didn't. They hoped he would hold the people who took us to war on false pretenses accountable, that he would transform American foreign policy, and that he would drastically curb the reach of the national security state. None of that happened. Obama's team, as far as we can tell, never even considered going after the deceptions that took us to Baghdad, perhaps because they believed that this would play very badly at a time of financial crisis. On overall foreign policy, Obama has been essentially a normal post-Vietnam president, reluctant to commit U.S. ground troops and eager to extract them from ongoing commitments, but quite willing to bomb people considered threatening to U.S. interests. And he has defended the prerogatives of the NSA and the surveillance state in general. Could and should he have been different? The truth is that I have no special expertise here; as an ordinary concerned citizen, I worry about the precedent of allowing
what amount to war crimes to go not just unpunished but uninvestigated, even while appreciating that a modern version of the 1970s Church committee hearings on CIA abuses might well have been a political disaster, and undermined the policy achievements I've tried to highlight. What I would say is that even if Obama is just an ordinary president on national security issues, that's a huge improvement over what came before and what we would have had if John McCain or Mitt Romney had won. It's hard to get excited about a policy of not going to war gratuitously, but it's a big deal compared with the alternative.
SOCIAL CHANGE
these past six years, Democrats would still be cringing as if it were 2004. Thankfully, they aren't. And the end of the cringe also, I'd argue, helped empower them to seek real change on substantive issues from health reform to the environment. Which brings me back to domestic issues.
“I don't care about the fact that Obama hasn't lived up to the golden dreams of 2008, and I care even less about his approval rating. I do care that he has, when all is said and done, achieved a lot. That is, as Joe Biden didn't quite say, a big deal.”
In 2004, social issues, along with national security, were cudgels the right used to bludgeon liberals – I like to say that Bush won reelection by posing as America's defender against gay married terrorists. Ten years later, and the scene is transformed: Democrats have turned these social issues – especially women's rights – against Republicans; gay marriage has been widely legalized with approval or at least indifference from the wider public. We have, in a remarkably short stretch of time, become a notably more tolerant, open-minded nation. Barack Obama has been more a follower than a leader on these issues. But at least he has been willing to follow the country's new open-mindedness. We shouldn't take this for granted. Before the Obama presidency, Democrats were in a kind of reflexive cringe on social issues, acting as if the religious right had far more power than it really does and ignoring the growing constituency on the other side. It's easy to imagine that if someone else had been president
As you can see, there's A th ' a theme th running through each of the areas of domestic policy I've covered. In each case, Obama delivered less than his supporters wanted, less than the country arguably deserved, but more than his current detractors acknowledge. The extent of his partial success ranges from the pretty good to the not-sobad to the ugly. Health reform looks pretty good, especially in historical perspective – remember, even Social Security, in its original FDR version, only covered around half the workforce. Financial reform is, I'd argue, not so bad – it's not the second coming of Glass-Steagall, but there's a lot more protection against runaway finance than anyone except angry Wall Streeters seems to realize. Economic policy wasn't enough to avoid a very ugly period of high unemployment, but Obama did at least mitigate the see In Defense of Obama on page 24
23 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Editorial In Defense of Obama from page 23
worst. And as far as climate policy goes, there's reason for hope, but we'll have to see. Am I damning with faint praise? Not at all. This is what a successful presidency looks like. No president
The Obama Hope & Change Index: 6 Years of Progress, By the Numbers By Rolling Stone
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s Paul Krugman argues in his piece In Defense of Obama, this has not been a feel-good presidency. But it has been a consequential one. The policy victories Obama has delivered have been hard-fought, messy and politically fraught. The achievements may not be all that the president’s 2008 boosters hoped for, but change has come. Here, six years of progress, by the numbers: • Peak unemployment, Oct 2009: 10% • Unemployment rate now: 5.9% • Consecutive private sector job growth: 55 months • Private sector jobs created: 10.3 million • Federal deficit, 2009: 9.8% of GDP • Deficit in 2014: 2.8% of GDP • Average under Ronald Reagan: 4.2% of GDP • Average tax rate for highest earners 2008: 28.1% • Average tax rate for highest earners 2013: 33.6% • Banks regulated as too big to fail, 2009: 0 • Banks regulated as "systemically important financial institutions" — a.k.a. too big to fail — 2014: 29 • Billions returned to consumers by Consumer Financial Protection Bureau enforcement: $4.6 billion • Americans compensated for being
gets to do everything his supporters expected him to. FDR left behind a reformed nation, but one in which the wealthy retained a lot of power and privilege. On the other side, for all his anti-government rhetoric, Reagan left the core institutions of the New Deal and the Great Society in place. I don't care about the fact that Obama hasn't lived up
to the golden dreams of 2008, and I care even less about his approval rating. I do care that he has, when all is said and done, achieved a lot. That is, as Joe Biden didn't quite say, a big deal.
swindled by banks, lenders and credit card companies: 15 million Dow Jones close, inauguration day 2009: 7,949 Dow Jones on 10-7-14: 16,719 Required MPG (miles per gallon) for cars when Obama took office: 27.5 Required MPG for light trucks/SUVs when Obama took office: 23 MPG requirement by 2016 for cars, light trucks/SUVs: 35.5 MPG required by 2025: 54.5 Gigawatts of wind power installed when Obama took office: 25 Gigawatts of wind power installed through end of 2013: 61 Peak summertime solar power generation June 2008: 128 gigawatt hours Peak summertime solar power generation June 2014: 2,061 gigawatt hours Coal burned in electrical generation 2008: 1 billion short tons Coal burned in electrical generation 2013: 858 million short tons Reduction: 14.2% EPA-proposed CO2 reductions for power sector by 2030: 30% Pell grant funding 2008-2009: $18 billion Pell grant funding 2013-2014: $33 billion Adults gaining insurance under first year of Obamacare: 10.3 million As a percentage of the uninsured: 26 Annual cost for birth control prior to Obamacare: Up to $600 Annual cost for birth control under Obamacare-compliant policies: $0 Prescriptions now required to obtain emergency contraception: 0 2009 projection for Medicare going broke: 2017 2014 projection for Medicare going
broke: 2030 • Troops in Iraq, inauguration day 2009: 144,000 • Troops in Iraq today: 1,600 • Osama bin Ladens alive 2009: 1 • Osama bin Ladens alive 2014: 0 • Troops in Afghanistan, day, 2009: 34,400 • Troops pledged in Afghanistan by end of 2014: 9,800 • Guantánamo detainees inauguration day 2009: 242 • Gitmo detainees today: 149 • Crack vs. Powder cocaine-crime sentencing disparity when Obama took office: 100:1 • Crack vs. Powder disparity today: 18:1 • Drug offenders eligible to seek early release under new sentencing guidelines: 46,000 • States with medical marijuana, 2009: 13 • Jurisdictions with medical marijuana today: 23 states, plus Washington, D.C. • States with legal recreational pot 2009: 0 • States with legal recreational pot today: 2 • Jurisdictions with marijuana legalization on the ballot in 2014: Alaska, Oregon, Washington D.C. • States where gay marriage was legal inauguration day 2009: Massachusetts, Connecticut • States where gay marriage is legal: 24, plus Washington, D.C. (soon to be 30 plus D.C., following Supreme Court refusal to intervene) • Immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally as children now shielded from deportation: 800,000
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www.rollingstone.com/politics/ news/in-defense-of-obama20141008?page=5
www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/theobama-hope-and-change-index-6-years-ofprogress-by-the-numbers-20141008
24 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
BBN Show Biz Buzz By Linda Ware
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enzel Washington’s The Equalizer debuted with a terrific $35 million over its opening weekend September 26th. He is a movie star
Antoine Fuqua and Denzel Washington
Antoine Fuqua and Denzel Washington
because he is the biggest and most important item in all of his movies and yet they still all are able to score notable opening weekends. Somewhat diverse films like Remember the Titans, John Q, Training Day, American Gangster, Unstoppable, Flight, and now The Equalizer all garnered $20 million+ weekends, with a few hitting $30m+ (The Equalizer, The Book of Eli) or $40m+ (American Gangster, Safe House). Thanks to his ability to pull in big audiences for old-school genre films mostly on the strength of his name, Denzel Washington is truly one of the last movie stars we have left. The Equalizer was directed by Antoine Fuqua who was also the Director of Training Day. Next project on tap for this dynamic due - The Magnificent Seven remake - MGM’s remake of the classic western about a crime-fighting guardian angel. Fuqua confirmed the news in interviews at the Toronto film festival, where he is debuting The Equalizer. Washington takes the role made famous by Edward Woodward in the 1980s US TV series that inspired the modern remake. Fuqua told Variety he was delighted to be working with Washington on a third project. “Denzel’s all about the work,” he said. “He’s all about the acting. He’s an actor. He’ll tell you himself, ‘I’m not a movie
28 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
star, celebrity, something else, I’m an actor.’ He steps on a set that’s what he is and that’s what he gives you. He gives his heart.” The Magnificent Seven, is itself a remake of Akira Kurosawa’s 1954 Japanese classic tale Seven Samurai.
Gabby Sibide
ABC’s hit comedy, Black-ish, starring Anthony A n d e r s o n and Laurence Fishburne, has received a full season of episodes by the network as a result of its star ratings. The show also stars Tracee Ellis Ross. Nick Cannon and LeToya Luckett are starring in the new film release, Drumline 2.0, that is scheduled to on October 27th in theatres across America.
Patti LaBelle TV talk show host, Wendy Williams, will serve as the official host of the 2014 Soul Train Music Awards on BET and Centric. The show will air on Sunday, November 30th. Patti LaBelle and Gabby Sidibe are set to star in the television series, American Horror Story Freak Show, which will air on Wednesday nights on the FX Network. Patti Labelle will play Gabby Sibide's
mother in the series. Viola Davis’ series, How To Get Away With Murder, has received a full season of episodes by ABC due to its high ratings. According to sources, the series soared to this week’s #2 biggest absolute gainer in adult viewer ratings. Oscar winning actor, Jamie Foxx, is set to star in the film version of the musical A n n i e featuring Quvenzhane Wallis as Annie. The film is set to premiere in theaters on December 19, 2014. A r e t h a Franklin is releasing a new CD celebrating " T h e Great Diva Jamie Foxx and Quvenzhane Wallis Classics." A r e t h a ’ s version of Adele's Rolling In The Deep along with versions of hits by Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan and other major artists. The project is produced by Babyface. Oprah Winfrey is set to feature the cast of the hit series of “A Different World” on one of her new episodes of “Where Are They Now?” on OWN. October 26th. “Where Are They Now?” is a reality series of the Oprah Winfrey Network that interviews stars who have made big headlines in the past. The show’s previous guests
have included Omarosa, Dennis Rodman and “Octomom,” Nadya Suleman.
29 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Business
L’Oreal Acquires Cosmetics Firm Carol’s Daughter by Janell Hazelwood
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ia a public, statement L’Oreal USA announced recently that they have finalized an agreement to acquire Carol’s Daughter. This news comes after Carol’s Daughter recently announced filing bankruptcy. Founded by natural haircare entrepreneur Lisa Price, Carol’s Daughter offers products available at specialty beauty stores, mass retailers, on HSN, through e-commerce and at branded locations in New York City. For the 12 months ending September 30, the company had net sales of $27 million. “Carol’s Daughter possesses an expertise in the multi-cultural consumer segment, a rapidly expanding market that represents an important growth opportunity in the beauty industry,” Frederic Roze, president and CEO of L’Oreal USA, said in a statement. ”This acquisition will enable L’Oreal USA to build a new dedicated multi-cultural beauty division as part of our Consumer Products business, and strengthen the company’s position in this dynamic market.” Carol’s Daughter will continue to operate out of their New York City headquarters under the brand’s current leadership team, the statement indicated. The brand joins L’Oreal’s roster of American brands which includes Maybelline NY, Kiehl’s, Essie, Urban Decay, Clarisonic and NYX. “I have worked hard for the past 21 years nurturing my brand and
am thrilled that we will have a new home with L’Oreal USA,” said Lisa Price, founder and president of Carol’s
Daughter. “L’Oreal has a proven track record of helping established companies achieve their full potential while staying true to the core of the brand and they have an understanding of the future of multicultural beauty. I could not be more proud to begin this next chapter of the Carol’s Daughter brand with them. I know that my mother (Carol) is smiling as well.” Price started her business as a hobby in her New York City apartment, and began selling what would become a huge haircare brand at church flea markets. The
Lisa Price
products would become a major force in the widespread popularity of women of color embracing their natural hair, and the company soon expanded into four storefronts. Named after her mother, the brand would gain a loyal following among everyday women and celebrities alike, with record exec Steve Stoute having assembled a star-studded list of investors including Jay Z and Will and Jada Smith. Carol’s Daughter expanded further into retail stores including Macy’s and Target, making it the multimilliondollar empire it is today.
30 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
THE WHITE HOUSE MINORITY ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT WEEK, 2014 BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION Our Nation thrives when we fulfill the promise of opportunity for all -- when each of us has the same chance to succeed, when every American can find pride and independence in their work, when our shared prosperity rests upon the broad shoulders of a rising middle class. With talent, dedication, and bold ideas, minority entrepreneurs reach for that promise. They bring jobs and services to communities across our country. They innovate and create. They open new markets to goods stamped "Made in the U.S.A." During Minority Enterprise Development Week, we celebrate their essential role in our economy and our communities. Minority-owned businesses employ millions of Americans, and my Administration is proud to invest in their success. We have increased access to contracts and capital, reduced burdensome paperwork, and connected more minority enterprises to booming export markets. Since I took office, my Administration has made more loans to small business owners than any other. By hosting workshops and through www.Business.USA. gov, we are empowering minority entrepreneurs with the tools to help their businesses grow. America's great strength lies in our diversity -- of people, perspectives, and ideas. We cannot succeed when a shrinking few do very well and a growing many barely make it. But if we invest in small businesses and give all our entrepreneurs a chance to compete, new opportunities will open, and we will flourish -- as individuals and as a Nation. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim July 27 through August 2, 2014, as Minority Enterprise Development Week. I call upon all Americans to celebrate this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities to recognize the many contributions of our Nation's minority enterprises. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth. BARACK OBAMA
Business
The BBA Provides Billions of Dollars in Public and Private Sector Contract Opportunities at 2014 Procurement Exchange Summit
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n Thursday, October 16, 2014 hundreds of Southern California's most influential business leaders will come together as the Black Business Association presents their 2014 Procurement Exchange Summit: Honoring Outstanding Entrepreneurs in Recognition of National MED Week at the Hyatt Regency Hotel; 333 South Figueroa Street, in downtown Los Angeles.
The purpose of the event is to provide one-on-one matchmaking interface with qualified African American, women and minorityowned businesses and targeted supplier diversity outreach opportunities for utilities and telecommunications firms, major corporations, financial institutions and government agencies seeking
to increase their procurement outreach to MBEs. The event will also offer an awards luncheon and two business development workshops: Future Corporation Procurement Opportunities and Gaining Access to Capital. The Summit Chair will be Southern California Edison. The event's co-chairs will be Michael Peevey, President of the California Public Utilities Commission, Assemblyman Steven Bradford (California's District 62) and Los Angeles City Councilman Curren Price. The Summit's 2014 Award Luncheon Honorees include : • Malcolm Bennett, President & CEO International Realty & Investments (Lifetime Achievement Award); • Frank Denkins, CEO, L.A. Office Furniture (Pioneer Award); • Ollie M. McCaulley, President & CEO, Gonzalez McCaulley Investment Group (Outstanding Entrepreneur Award); • Ella Williams, Founder, Aegir Systems, Inc., (Outstanding Entrepreneur Award); • Leatora J. Morse, President, The Avery Group (Outstanding Entrepreneur Award); and • Adolf Dulan, Owner, Dulan's Soul Food Kitchen (Community
Based Business of the Year). Sponsors and supporters of the 2014 Procurement Exchange Summit include: • Wells Fargo, • Union Bank, • Verizon, • Comerica, • Golden State Water Company, • Northrop Grumman, • East West Bank, • SBA, • AEG, and • Southern California Gas Company. The BBA Black Business Association (BBA), a nonprofit 501 (c)(3), is one of the oldest, active, ethnic business organizations in the nation. Since its inception in 1970, the BBA has successfully mentored and worked with emerging blackowned firms to help them gain access to long-term contracts and expansion capital. Nationally, the BBA has access to and influence with thousands of African-American owned and women/minority-owned businesses (WMBE), through the formation of strategic alliances with chambers, trade associations and business organizations nationwide. For more information or register call 323-391-9334 , email to mail@ bbala.org or visit www.bbala.org.
36 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Business
The Etiquette Advantage in Business, Third Edition: Personal Skills for Professional Success By Peter Post
C
ompletely revised and updated, the third edition of the Posts' The Etiquette Advantage in Business is the ultimate guide professionals need to navigate everyday and unusual situations in the office—the key to professional and personal success. Today, more than ever, good manners mean good business. The Etiquette Advantage in Business offers proven, essential advice, from resolving conflicts with ease and grace to building productive relationships with colleagues at all levels; from successfully networking to winning clients and closing deals. It also offers upto-date guidance on pressing issues, including ethics, harassment in the workplace, privacy, e-mail and social media dos and don'ts, and knowing how and when to take responsibility for mistakes. Written for professionals from diverse backgrounds and fields, The Etiquette Advantage in Business remains the definitive resource for timeless advice on business entertaining, written communication, appropriate attire for any business occasion, conventions and trade shows, job searches and interviews, gift-giving, overseas travel, and more. In today's hyper-competitive workplace, knowing how to behave can make the difference between getting ahead and getting left behind. The Etiquette Advantage in Business, Third Edition, provides critical tools for building solid, productive relationships and helps you meet the challenges of the work world with confidence and poise. www.amazon.com/Etiquette-Advantage-BusinessThird-Professional/dp/006227046X/ref=sr_1_1
http://projectvote.org/ 38 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Business
Nubian Skin Launches Nude Lingerie for Brown Women By Melanie Yvette Martin for Ebony
N
ubian Skin is a new brand that has launched an indepth line of nude hosiery and lingerie that will cater to women of color. Citing their focus on empowering women of color to embrace their gorgeous Black and brown skin, the brand debuted their new line in October and initiated their ecommerce website (https:// nubianskin.com). A nude bra and skin tone hosiery are the basics of every woman’s wardrobe, at least in theory. For many women of colour, finding suitable skin-tone hosiery and lingerie has not been an option. Frustrated by the lack of skintone choices to go with her everAde Hassan
expanding wardrobe, Nubian Skin founder, Ade Hassan, decided it was time for ‘a different kind of nude’. Inspired by trail blazing women, Eunice W. Johnson and super
model Iman, who created Fashion Fair and Iman cosmetics, Ade took the leap and created Nubian Skin. It’s been an uphill battle, but every revolution starts somewhere. The line has already begun profiling the colors they’ll provide for consumers, with 'Berry' being their darkest shade. And if you’re worried about purchasing the right color for your skin tone online, they’ve figured out a clever way to help you understand which shade would be best for you by aligning each shade with the foundation color you’d use from MAC, Iman, YSL, Bobbi Brown and other major beauty brands that cater to brown women. Genius, huh? The initial size offering will range from 30B to 36DD/E, but the company is already responding to cries for larger sizes by stating that they are looking into manufacturing options and hope that they will be successful enough to expand into to the plus size market sooner than later. Team members will keep followers updated via their Instagram (http://instagram.com/ nubianskin#) account (so be sure to follow)! Also, check out Nubian Skin’s blog (https://nubianskin.com/blog) and prepare to set some extra coins to cover the extravagance of
owning the perfect nude undies. Headquartered in London, Nubian Skin delivers worldwide and looks forward to growing the company’s offering and expanding its reach. So for all you beautiful women, next time you need a nude pair of hold-ups or maybe a nude strapless bra to go under than stunning white halter dress, Nubian Skin is only a few clicks away. www.ebony.com/photos/style/ nubian-skin-launches-nudelingerie-333#ixzz3Gv8OhE6i
39 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Business - Profile
The Best Technology Reviewer On The Planet By Dave Smith for Business Insider
M
arques Brownlee is just 20 years old, but there’s arguably no one better on the internet when it comes to explaining new technologies to the average consumer. Even former Google VP Vic Gundotra called him "the best technology reviewer on the planet right now." YouTubers have taken notice of the young man: Brownlee's YouTube channel "MKBHD" has more than 1.5 million subscribers and nearly 130 million total views on his 640-plus videos.
Still, he’s no overnight success: Brownlee has been working tirelessly for more than five years, honing his craft by constantly producing and self-critiquing his videos to make the next ones easier to both make and watch. But despite all of the work involved, “MKBHD” is, was, and will always be a solo effort. “When I first started making the videos, I didn’t tell anyone about it,” he said in an interview with Business Insider. “Not [my family], not anyone. But after a while it was something that was pretty obvious, since I was making a whole bunch of videos … I just didn’t necessarily feel like telling people about what I was researching.” Brownlee, a senior at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey, said he always had a love for technology. His dad works in technology — information systems and programming, specifically — but Brownlee’s interests were more
centered on consumer electronics, starting with computers and some of the old camcorders his parents had around. He said his first computer was a Dell desktop with a “big old 15-inch CRT monitor.” “It was kind of a background hobby; I didn’t have a reason to tell anyone when I first started making the videos,” he said. When he entered high school, Brownlee said, he wanted to buy a laptop for school, so he researched various computers and watched tutorials on “how to do cool tricks and customizations.” And simply by watching others' tutorials, Brownlee felt encouraged to make some tutorials of his own with some simple screencasting software.
Still, it would take a while to build an audience. “It was super slow. The first few videos, there were no comments and no views,” he told BI. “But eventually, once someone would comment on the video, they asked about other things I could share.” Brownlee started to gain a small following by answering users’ questions with his own handmade videos. By the time he reached his 100th video, he had only 78 subscribers. But Brownlee’s operation was not what it is today, and still very much a work in progress. “Back then, it was all one take,” he said. “So when I’d make a video, I’d open the software, press record, talk two or three minutes to explain whatever I needed to explain, and I’d just stop and upload it to YouTube. That was it.
“I could make multiple videos in a day, but now, the videos are much more elaborate.” Brownlee currently produces several different types of videos. He’s got his reviews, explainers, and impressions, but he’ll also throw in some special features and “advanced projects.” But with every video, a great deal of research is involved before Brownlee ever starts filming. As with most consumers, he’ll unbox the product and start forming impressions on it. Over the course of a week or so, he’ll jot down various talking points to include in his video. But from the moment he turns on the camera and hits record, “it’s probably less than 48 hours before that video is online.” These days, Brownlee uses a Sennheiser microphone and a Canon lens, and he edits using the Adobe Marques suite, but he says the list Brownlee of equipment he uses changes every few months. “I’m just picky about certain things in the videos, so I’m always switching out things that look or sound better,” he said. “These are things behind the scenes that people may never notice, but it makes the workflow easier.” According to Google Trends, Brownlee's videos only recently started gaining traction among the internet faithful — around the time of Gundotra's G+ post, actually. But when asked about his personal favorite MKBHD video, he said a
40 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Business - Profile couple of “milestone” videos stood out, including a video he made for a contest hosted by Wrapsol, in which he won the $1,000 first prize,
production costs. But he said “it’s definitely hard” to balance his various works, with school and his videos and everything in between.
long as they’re fun to make.” “But having a degree,” he said, “I went so far with school, so I might as well just finish. Getting my degree is
This balance was tougher to achieve in high school, which took up most of his time “in terms of pure hours in class.” While it's never been easy for Brownlee to find time to make his videos, at least in college, Brownlee has a bit more flexibility in his schedule compared with high school — even as he majors in business and technology with concentrations in marketing and information systems. When asked about his plans after college, Brownlee said he would “definitely keep making videos as
something I’ll be really happy about. I’ll wing it from there.”
Marques Brownlee and his LG G Flex scratch test video, “because it was something I thought of that literally no one else would do. If you got that phone for 30 days to review, you’d never take a knife to it and see if it heals itself. But when I bought the phone I decided immediately I’m going to take a knife to it,” he said with a laugh. Brownlee's successful video business keeps growing — he said the money he makes from his YouTube channel, which is powered by Google Adsense, more than makes up for his
www.businessinsider.com/ meet-marques-brownlee-thebest-technology-reviewer-on-theplanet-2014-8 www.youtube.com/user/ marquesbrownlee http://twitter.com/MKBHD http://google.com/+MarquesB... http://facebook.com/Marques... http://facebook.com/MKBHD http://instagram.com/MKBHD
41 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Business
Ethiopia Habtemariam, Motown President, Receives HAL Triumph Award
Barry Gordy, Ethiopia Habtemariam & Clarence Avant who I met some time ago, and who I’m so thrilled has taken on the reins of Motown…I just wanted everybody to know how proud I am of her and how proud I am of the whole company. It’s in great hands now." [Gordy’s speech available at: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Jv1KLn4WEes]
M
otown Founder Berry Gordy and legendary producer, music publisher and record executive Clarence Avant, paid tribute to Ethiopia Habtemariam, President of Motown Records and Universal Music Publishing Group President of Urban Music/Co-Head of Creative, at the 25th Anniversary Heroes and Legends (HAL) Awards held in Hollywood, California. During his impromptu speech at the event, Gordy told the audience: "Seeing this wonderful young lady
Habtemariam received the HAL Triumph Award along with other honorees during the evening including New Edition, the Mary Jane Girls, Ryan Press and (posthumous) Eddie Floyd. The event was attended by Universal Music Group executives including Boyd Muir, EVP/CFO of Universal Music Group; Steve Barnett, Chairman and CEO of Capitol Music Group; Evan Lamberg, President of Universal Music Publishing Group North America; and previ-ous HAL Triumph Award winner Jeff Harleston, General Coun-sel/EVP of Business & Legal Affairs for North America of Universal Music Group. Produced by songwriter and Motown alumni Janie Bradford, the HAL Awards show featured performances by Mary Wilson, Dennis Edwards, Brenda Holloway, and new Motown artist Kevin Ross, who released his debut EP, Dialogue in the Grey, on Aug. 12, 2014. The 2014 HAL Awards honors individuals who have brought honor and dignity to the arts and awards scholarships to deserving students of the arts in Southern California. www.pacenewsonline.com
42 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
TO RECEIVE COMPUTER Attend 3 Hour Boot Camp Monday – Friday 10am – 1pm 4pm – 7pm Saturday 11am – 2pm Locations: Vary – Call For Schedule Questions: Call (323)754-3116 or Email: info@laoic.org
F AC T SHE E T
Covered California
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44 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
A Short History, an Ambitious Future California has an important role to play in ensuring that Covered California is successful. Working together with federal, state and community partners, Covered California wants millions of Californians to get aÎ?ordaEle health care coverage. With more Californians covered, the state, our neighEors and our families will all Ee aEle to make healthy choices that EeneČ´t us all.
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45 ď‚ą October 2014 ď‚ą Black Business News ď‚ą www.blackbbusinessnews.net ď‚ą 1-323-291-7819
Business
Julius W. Robinson is new Vice President, Autograph Collection Hotels at Marriott International, Inc.
M
arriott International has appointed Julius Robinson to Vice President for the Autograph Collection, the company’s exclusive portfolio of independent hotels. In his role, Julius’s leadership will drive, define and execute global strategy for Autograph Collection. He will also play an integral role in the future development and global growth of the portfolio around the world. Exactly like nothing else, the vision behind Autograph Collection is to create an evolving ensemble of strikingly independent four and five star hotels. Each hotel experience is hand selected for its bold originality, rich character and uncommon details. The more than 60 passionately independent hotels are filtered through the lens of five distinct categories of travel experiences including: • • • • •
Boutique Arts, Iconic Historic, Boutique Chic, Luxury Redefined, and Retreat.
Julius comes to Autograph Collection as a seasoned hotelier with vast knowledge of revenue management, sales, business development and operations. He brings more than twenty years of experience in the hospitality industry and will serve as an advocate for the independent hotel owner and manager within the company’s luxury and lifestyle brand division.
Most recently, Julius served as vice president of the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, a position which he held for over three years. In addition to his leadership in the company’s brand organization, he has held senior executive roles in global sales and operations. from www.hospitalitynet.org
47 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
How to Avoid Being Banned by LinkedIn When Connecting By Jeff Molander for Target Marketing
A
fairly common message for sellers these days is "Your LinkedIn account temporarily restricted." It's easy to be restricted or even banned by LinkedIn— simply for requesting connections with prospects you don't know. If your connection requests are not accepted by prospects often enough LinkedIn will remove your ability to make connection requests. Being restricted from sending connection requests (phase I) and being totally banned (phase II) by LinkedIn is common. Ask around. You'll be surprised.
Stop Asking for Connections Being connected is more useful for nurturing leads—less effective for earning near-term meetings or Mobile
starting relationships. Want to avoid being restricted or banned? Want more appointments from LinkedIn? Stop sending out connection requests. Sound crazy? Hear me out. Today I'll tackle: • Why you don't need a connection on the approach, • When you should ask for the connection and • How LinkedIn fits in (best) with your prospecting process.
Why You Don't Need a Connection Connecting with a newly targeted prospect on LinkedIn is a terrible idea. Yet I still see social selling "experts" recommending sales reps make connections—as a means to introduce themselves to prospects! But what if you didn't need the connection? What if connecting was preventing you from getting more response & appointments? "Ok, Molander. So why isn't it a good idea?" Well, it's against LinkedIn's rules. Plus,
you probably don't need it anyway. Yes, it seems like a logical first step but it's blind, cold. You don't know the other person and LinkedIn's goal is to protect people from un-solicited correspondence. Yours! So what is the best way to make your approach on LinkedIn?
What's Your Process—and How Does LinkedIn Fit in? When I first meet students I pop the question: How does LinkedIn fit into your prospecting process. 95% of the time I get the same response. "I need to figure that part out." Well enough. I know it feels right to use connection requests as a way to make contact—once you've identified a potential buyer's profile. After all, there's a big CONNECT button staring you in the face! But connecting makes no sense from a process and relationship perspective. It can also get you banned. For example, LinkedIn connection requests are: • Restricted to 300 characters • Impersonal (automated requests are forced on mobile devices) • Against the rules if you don't know the prospect! LinkedIn connections can be accepted, ignored or declined—
48 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Business
just like your calls or emails. They offer nothing better. In fact, they come with restrictions, are often impersonal by default and are not permitted. They're risky!
Connect With Prospects Later Let's shift to process. It is best to "connect" off of LinkedIn first— then connect on LinkedIn to further (nurture) the conversation. This takes full advantage of what connections give you (and avoids the risk of being restricted). Think of it this way. Outside of LinkedIn, what's the difference between a successful sales rep and one who struggles at prospecting new business? Getting connected on LinkedIn? Nope! It often boils down to your ability to give prospects an irresistible reason to talk with you. This is what all the social selling gurus don't like to talk about. It makes me crazy. They're never telling us what we need to do to experience success—only what we'd prefer to hear (to experience momentary satisfaction in having taking action).
Why and How Connecting Later Works When prospecting, your goal is to create an urge in the prospect to talk to you. If you don't create that
urge you don't get to talk with them. Period. Social selling on LinkedIn is all about helping prospects feel honestly curious about how you can help them. How you can solve a problem, relieve a pain, avoid a risk or fast-track a goal for them. Once you've attracted them, then you're in a stronger position to: • Understand when (and if) they'll transact; • Discover how many decisionmakers are involved in choosing you; • Have your connection request accepted (avoid going to jail!); • Effectively nurture & close your lead! This is why it is best to meet off of LinkedIn first—then connect on LinkedIn to further (nurture) the conversation. Once connected, you can message freely, monitor prospects, allow them to monitor you and such. You don't need to worry about
any of that until you've been given a reason to—by the prospect. First, you need their permission. You need them to want the connection.
But What if LinkedIn Is my Starting Point? The most dangerous (yet common) LinkedIn mistake sales professionals make is connecting with new prospects as a starting point. Avoid this practice. You are smart to use LinkedIn— to identify and pre-qualify buyers. Next, use InMail, email or the phone to make initial contact with them. Confirm your prospect is a viable near-term or future buyer. Then connect. Having connections serves you better by earning them. Being connected is more useful for nurturing leads—less effective for earning near-term meetings or starting relationships. LinkedIn's InMail (or standard email) is a better path toward earning a relevant discussion first— then the connection. Keep connections in context of your selling process. Connections are a nice-to-have, not a must have! Do you have questions about making this technique "come alive" for you? Let me know (https://plus. google.com/103510609491826177955 #103510609491826177955/posts)! www.targetmarketingmag.com/blog/ avoid-being-banned-linkedin
49 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Business
African-American’s Buying Power Projected to be $1.1 Trillion by 2015 Group is the second largest racial minority in the country By C. Daniel Baker
T
here are 43 million African Americans in the United States, 13.7% of the total population, the second largest racial minority in the country. The median age is 32 and 47% are under 35 years of age. Even with these impressive numbers and buying power most mainstream advertisers are not inclusive, do not include African Americans in media and marketing
plans and have underestimated the market size. The Nielsen Company study entitled “African-American Consumers: Still Vital, Still Growing,” which was commissioned by the National Newspaper Publishers Association, shows the underrepresented potential and spending power of the African American community. The report’s findings, which will be
presented at the June conference of the National Association of Black Accountants Conference in Nashville, Te n n e s s e e , found that the African A m e r i c a n population is an economic force to be reckoned with, with a projected buying power of $1.1 trillion by 2015. Also worth noting, the population of African-American consumers growth outpaces the rest of the population by 30%. Additionally, the demographic is younger, more educated and has higher incomes than commonly believed. According to the study: between 2000 and 2009, the number of African Americans attending some
college or earning degrees has grown: 45% of men; 54% of women. Households earning $75,000 or more grew by more than 60%, faster than the rest of the population. African American’s average income nationwide is $47,290. So what does this all mean in business terms? It means African Americans wield tremendous buying power. The Nielsen study showed numerous shopping trends, mostly for household, health and beauty, travel, smart phones and child related items. “The Nielsen report is very encouraging because it shows the African American population is a tremendous financial asset to this country’s economic recovery,” says Calvin Harris, Jr. , President & CEO of the National Association of Black Accountants. www.blackenterprise.com/smallbusiness/african-american-buyingpower-projected-trillions
50 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
FOR
Birthdays, Halloween OR ANY SPECIAL OCCASION
Business
Opportunity & Challenge for the African-American WorkforceRobotics Manufacturing By Natalie Gagliordi for Between the Lines
W
hile there's no shortage of growth in the industrial robotics industry, barriers to mass manufacturer adoption still prevail due to cost, a lack of perceived need and access to employees who hold the proper expertise and skills. That's according to a new report released recently by PwC and The Manufacturing Institute, which suggests that while 59% of companies are currently using some form of robotics technology, disparities between technological innovation and manufacturer adoption still exist. "As companies continue to embrace robotics and other types of automation and become more data-driven, their success will largely hinge on shaping and building a workforce that can better leverage such technological advances," said Gardner Carrick, VP of The Manufacturing I n s t i t u t e . "To do that, m a n u factur er s are feeling a
growing need to pull from a wider and deeper pool of talent." On the positive side, however, the report highlighted the ability of industrial robotics to further the reshoring trend within manufacturing. PwC's report found that automation technology could make it easier for manufacturers to be closer to their local customers, potentially leading to previously offshored manufacturing outfits to be moved back to the USA. That's a theory that will likely prove useful for the industrial robotics industry, since 27% of respondents in the PwC report said the biggest impact they expect to see from robotics on the US manufacturing
South Africa's motor manufacturi Africa workforce is the replacement of workers. The report suggests that a greater robotic workforce could not only lead to reshoring but also the need
54 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Business
ng sector is highly automated and workers often need to be highly skilled and trained. Courtesy: Toyota South
for more human talent to manage the robotic workplace. www.zdnet.com/blog/btl
of-robotics-in-manufacturinghinges-on-finding-skilled-workers7000034265/?s_cid=e232&ttag=e 232&ftag=TRE6a12a91
www.zdnet.com/pwc-success-
www.themanufacturinginstitute.org
www.themanufacturinginstitute. org/News-Articles/2014/10/~/medi a/4A8E6F46F17A48D6A1CA03D8 00F7A2C0.ashx
55 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Business
What are B Corps? www.bcorporation.net
T
oday, there is a growing community of more than 1,000 Certified B Corps from 33 countries and over 60 industries working together toward one unifying goal: to redefine success in business. B Corps are certified by the nonprofit B Lab (www. benefitcorp.net/about-b-lab) to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Certified B Corporations are leading a global movement to redefine success in business. By voluntarily meeting higher standards of transparency, accountability, and performance, Certified B Corps are distinguishing themselves in a cluttered marketplace by offering a positive vision of a better way to do business. B Corps create higher quality jobs and improve the quality of life in our communities. And, as the movement grows, it has become an increasingly powerful agent of
change. We are passing laws. We are driving capital. Government and the nonprofit sector are necessary but insufficient to address s o c i e t y ' s g r e a t e s t challenges. Business, the most powerful man-made force on the planet, must create value for society, not just shareholders. Systemic challenges require systemic solutions and the B Corp movement offers a concrete, market-based and scalable solution. The businesses that have already joined our community encourage all companies to compete not just to be the best in the world, but to be the best for the world. As a result of our collective success, individuals and communities will enjoy greater economic opportunity, society will address its most challenging environmental problems, and more people will find fulfillment by bringing their whole selves to work.
Become a B Corp i 3 Steps Step 1: Meet Performance Requirement. Complete the B
Impact Assessment and earn a reviewed minimum score of 80 out of 200 points. Step 2: Meet Legal Requirement. Determine the path for your corporate structure and state of incorporation. Step 3: Make it Official. Sign the B Corp Declaration of Interdependence and Term Sheet that fits your business type and pay the appropriate fee.
Not sure about becoming a B Corps? Check out the B Impact Assessment. It's a free, confidential, and pretty darn useful tool to benchmark your impact and sustainability program, as well as learn how you can improve, even if you never get certified. More than 16,000 businesses are already using it. For most companies, doing a rough cut assessment will take about an hour. Measuring what matters helps you attract and retain the best talent. It demonstrates your company walks its talk about being a better company. It gives employees who care about this an opportunity to engage and to lead. It allows you to benchmark performance and gives you tools to set goals for improvement.
Quote of Note "This is not a situation in which, like a flu, the risks of a rapid spread of the disease are imminent. If we do these protocols properly, if we follow the steps, if we get the information out, then the likelihood of widespread Ebola outbreaks in this country are very, very low."
Barack Obama
56 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
CELEBRITY CHAIR
http://tasteofsoul.org @TASTEOFSOULLA Crenshaw Boulevard (Stocker and Rodeo Road)
57 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
The U.S. Commercial Service is proud to present this unprecedented national series of business development conferences to help U.S. companies identify and win new business in the international marketplace. Each DISCOVER GLOBAL MARKETS event will feature visiting U.S. Commercial Diplomats from the countries highlighted below:
DISCOVER GLOBAL MARKETS: Free Trade Agreement Countries Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, Panama, Peru, Singapore, and South Korea Detroit - September 9-10, 2014
DISCOVER GLOBAL MARKETS: Greater China and Gateway Countries Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shenyang, Singapore, Taiwan, and Mongolia New York - October 7-8, 2014
DISCOVER GLOBAL MARKETS: The Americas Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Peru, and Uruguay Charlotte - October 29-31, 2014
DISCOVER GLOBAL MARKETS: Sub-Saharan Africa Angola, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, and Tanzania Atlanta - November 5-6, 2014
DISCOVER GLOBAL MARKETS: Healthcare & Life Sciences Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, European Union (Regulations), India, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudia Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, and Vietnam Minneapolis - November 17-18, 2014 Contact us at any time at DiscoverGlobalMarkets@trade.gov
60 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Conference Overview: Join the U.S. Commercial Service, the export promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, and the Georgia District Export Council for DISCOVER GLOBAL MARKETS: SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA This premier business conference will help you to transform market potential to market success. The two-day business conference has been designed for U.S. executives who want to explore new export market development strategies, innovative tools to promote competitiveness and success, and the dynamic and emerging markets of Sub-Saharan Africa. DISCOVER GLOBAL MARKETS: SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA will feature highranking U.S. government officials, visiting U.S. commercial diplomats posted at U.S. Embassies throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, and international business leaders from the private sector. Experts on trade finance, market entry strategies, risk mitigation, and a broad array of industry sectors, including oil and gas, agribusiness, healthcare, information technology, franchising, and consumer goods, will alert attendees to recent and anticipated developments that will impact where—and how—to develop new business opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa. DISCOVER GLOBAL MARKETS: SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA also provides ample networking opportunities with U.S. trade officials and diplomats, industry leaders and other U.S. exporters. For more information and registration go to: http://export.gov/georgia/dgmsubsaharanafrica/index.asp Contact us at any time at
DiscoverGlobalMarkets@trade.gov
Business
Small Business Investment Companies (SBIC)
favorable rates through the federal government. •And the national economy benefits as the small businesses financed by SBICs continue to create jobs and generate tax revenues.
Where can I learn more? Visit the SBIC Program pages ( w w w. s b a . g o v / c o n t e n t / s b i c program-overview-0), including the FAQ, for more information about the SBIC Program. Still have questions? Email askSBIC@sba. gov.
D
id you know that the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program has been helping high-growth small businesses get financing since 1958? That's right – for more than 50 years, SBICs have facilitated the flow of long-term capital to America’s businesses. There are thousands of small business success stories, but here are a few you probably recognize: Costco, Apple and Staples – just to name a few.
funds (the SBICs) that finance small businesses.
How does it work?
What are the perks?
SBA doesn't finance businesses directly. For the SBIC program, the Small Business Administration (SBA) partners with private investors to capitalize professionally-managed investment
•Small businesses can receive equity capital, long-term loans and expert management assistance. •Investment managers can add to their own private investment capital with funds borrowed at
F
O
U
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D
MOBILE BLACK BUSINESS DIRECTORY
A
T
I
Download the App Add your Business Information Be found by new & old clients
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DO IT TODAY! http://aroundthewayapp.com
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http://trayvonmartinfoundation.org 62 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
BANC OF CALIFORNIA Signs Community Benefits Plan
B
anc of California (BOC) has committed to pursuing a number of goals that should enhance the access to banking services in the low income and under served communities in its expanding footprint. As previously announced, Banc of California is continuing to expand and its next acquisition will include Popular Community Bank's California branches. This new community benefits plan was reached after several meetings with the California Reinvestment Coalition (CRC) and its members, with input from community leaders, non profit organizations, and customers. The key highlights of the Community Benefits Plan are as follows: • CRA activity base will be 20% of deposits (Banc has $4.4 billion in deposits) • .25% of deposits to community development investments
•
• • •
• •
(affordable housing-not including tax credit or mortgage backed securities, small business lending, CDFIs, community development corporations, and more) .02-.025% of deposits to contributions, 60% of which will be made to affordable housing, economic development, and financial literacy Develop a small business loan referral program Applying to state loan guarantee program Creating and marketing an account that meet CRC's safemoney standards The bank will waive EBT fees at its ATMs Striving to be top 10 SBA lender
"I have participated in many community reinvestment act negotiations, by advising then Mayor Tom Bradley's office on the 1991 Bank of America and Security Pacific mega-merger. With this
Banc of California acquisition, it becomes the first time I had the pleasure to work out a deal with former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa," said Michael Banner, President and CEO of the Los Angeles LDC and CRC member. The new plan allows Banc of California to report its results, including supporting data, before meeting with the California Reinvestment Coalition and its members. The bank intends for its 2015 goals to serve as the standard for evaluating its annual community benefits goals over the next five years. "It was unusual for me to learn that my brother is a long time Popular customer, which now means the Banner family has real skin in the game or interest in monitoring the success of Steve Sugarman and his BOC team," says Michael Banner, a Banc of California shareholder and long time California Reinvestment Coalition member.
63 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Save The Date
Successful Women in Business Leadership & Procurement Conference TRANSPORTATION | REAL ESTATE | FINANCE INDUSTRY EXECUTIVES FUTURE DIRECTIONS ON WOMEN BUSINESSES
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014 SAN GABRIEL HILTON
Schedule
Join us for a day of knowledge, networking and connecting! Public Connections LA invites you to learn from, listen to and talk to “Successful Women in Business”. Find out how these women from different professions strived for greater accomplishments, overcame many challenges, managed to survive in a competitive environment, and found success. They are exceptionally competent, extraordinarily capable professionals and have gained an outstanding reputation in the profession of their expertise. Their achievements are to be commended and their accomplishments in business well acknowledged.
Registration/ Breakfast Session I: Women In Real Estate Session II: Women In Transportation Lunch: Award Presentation Session III: Women In Finance Industry Session IV: Industry Executive Future Directions on Women Business VIP Reception/Award Presentation:
8:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. 10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. 1:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. 3:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Cost: (Full Day/Lunch/VIP Reception) Early bird: Regular: Lunch only: VIP Reception only:
$75 by Sept. 30, 2014 $95 after Oct. 1, 2014 $50 $40
Sponsorship Opportunities Available Diamond Level: Gold Level: Silver Level: Showcase Tables:
$5,000 $3,000 $2,000 $300
Advertisement Opportunities Available (Includes listing in Public Agency Directory) Full Page Back Cover (Color): Full Page Inside Covers (Color): Full Page (Color): Half Page (Color):
$600 $500 $450 $300
Register Now! Register today at www.publicconnectionsla.com
66 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
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.
www.viber.com
V
iber for the Desktop (Windows or Mac or Linux) lets you send free messages and make free calls to other Viber users, on any device and network, in any country! Viber syncs your
send text, sticker, photo, voice and video messages for free to anyone who also has the application installed. Viber integrates with the Android OS to give you the best experience and performance. It syncs with your contacts, detecting which ones already have Viber. Simply select a contact and talk for free. • Best-quality video and audio calls using 3G or WiFi • A complete redesign for a new look and feel • Free text, photo and video messages with location-sharing • Call non-Viber mobile or landline numbers at low rates with Viber Out • Support for Android tablets - use
enable contactless payments and helps protect user information by adding multiple layers of security such as PIN-protection, encryption and one call or click to remotely disable the app on a lost or stolen phone.
What you need • Compatible phone with Near Field Communication • Enhanced SIM card with secure element—designed to store and protect your payment information.
How you pay • Hold the back of your phone over the contactless symbol at checkout when prompted by the cashier. contacts, messages and call history with your mobile device. • Best-quality HD voice calls • Video calls • Text, photo and sticker messages • Full sync between your mobile and Windows • Transfer ongoing calls between devices The Linux operating system offers more features than Windows or Mac. Add some fun to your messages with Viber Stickers because an image is worth a 1,000 words. Viber for the Mobile (iOS or Android and more) lets you send free messages and make free calls to any device that has Viber, on any network, from your Android. Viber lets you make free phone calls and
your phone and tablet at the same time! • Group messaging with up to 100 friends • Add friends easily by entering their Viber number or scanning their QR code Download Viber for the desktop or mobile device, enter your phone number, and start connecting with your family, friends and business associates for FREE!
Add your cards • Set up an American Express Serve® Account that you can add money to ...with your preferred debit card, credit card or U.S. bank account. • Add a participating American Express®¥, Chase®‡, or Wells
www.gosoftcard.com
W
ith Softcard, users can make payments at hundreds of thousands of merchant locations nationwide, even apply loyalty cards and redeem money-saving offers at select merchants. Softcard features state-of-the-art technology to
70 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Business Fargo®§ credit card and get all the same perks and benefits from your card issuer. The founders of Softcard – AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile USA and Verizon Wireless – had a vision: use the power of the mobile phone to offer consumers a safer, simpler way to shop, pay and save. Our company was created to bring this vision to life. We created a business of scale and convened a mobile commerce industry – establishing a platform that could connect the dots between merchants, banks, technology providers and brands to enhance the retail experience.
www.google.com/shopping/ express
**3-month trial offer expires March 31, 2015.
et same-day or overnight delivery from local stores and popular retailers with Google Express. Here's how it works: • Shop for what you need all in one place, • add items to your cart, • select a delivery window, and • check out with Google Wallet. • We'll process your order in the store and arrange for a courier to bring it to your address during your preferred delivery window.
G
Google Express Membership
With a Google Express membership, delivery is free on eligible orders over $15.* Plus, new customers can try it free for three months.** *Free delivery means no shipping & service fees. Same day or overnight depends on availability of delivery windows. Eligible orders are $15+ before taxes/fees in select delivery areas and exclude restricted items. Service fees apply to ineligible orders. Pricing may change. Requires active membership subject to terms & conditions.
We only deliver to select zip codes right now, but we’re always expanding. Sign up at our website so we can let you know when we launch in your neighborhood. How Google Shopping Express works: 1. Shop stores you love Browse top retailers like Target, Walgreens, and Costco. Enjoy one easy checkout with no minimum order. 2. Pick a delivery window if you’re in a same-day delivery area. If you’re in an overnight delivery area, you’re all set—there’s no need to choose a window.
Google Express members enjoy: •Free same-day or overnight delivery on eligible orders over $15.* A fee of $3 per order applies to orders under $15. •First dibs on delivery windows. Slots in every delivery window are reserved exclusively for members. •Shared membership with a household member. •3-month free trial for new customers.**
We’re on our way!
3. Get it delivered right to you Whether you’re at home, work, or at the park, have your order delivered where you want it.
Voice PRO
T
he voice & music recording app offers one of the most h e l p f u l features for business users - the Voice to Text feature which converts recorded memos to text. The recorded text can be synthesized or exported for use.
features include: • • • • • • • • •
Voice to Text Speed control Edit/splice files Convert to various formats Time tagging Background recording Call recording Insert tag notes Bluetooth support Check it out at the Google Play Store. There is a fee.
Submitted by LaSandra Stratton, Chief Content Administrator of the Black Business News.
71 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Community/Public Interest
First Lady's Remarks at the Conclusion of White House Fashion Education Workshop by Michelle Obama
T
hank you all so much. Let’s give our panelists another round of applause. Lilliana, thank you. You did a great job. (Applause.) Well, I don’t know about you but that was pretty fascinating. I mean, I am not interested in developing a career in fashion and I found it riveting, so I hope you all did, too. Now, let me just say one thing: If I were you, you all -- students sitting in here -- I would be either writing somebody in this room, I’d be getting
a card. I would get my personal notes together right now, because my letter would be addressed to whoever -- I was one of the students that was at the White House panel, I attended this workshop, we sat in the lunch, I mentioned something that they heard or a quote. And I’d say I was -- you know, now is the time to get -- this is an opportunity. This is a door. And so all of you, you’re competing with each other. And now you’ve got to think about, how are you going to
use this opportunity? Just don’t sit here and eat the lunch and take a nap and go to the next workshop, but figure out how you’re going to turn this into the next thing that you want to do. You guys have the easiest step into a lot of these internships. Because my guess is that they’re going to remember you, right? And don’t be shy. Networking is the key. The people who are successful are the people who are willing to reach out and say, hi, my
72 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Community/Public Interest
First Lady Michelle Obama greets participants and students during the Reach Higher Fashion Education Workshop in the East Room of the White Hours. name is X, you met me here, let me tell you something about myself. Look a person in the eye, speak clearly. That’s what’s going to get you to the next step. So the question -- now you’re next challenge is, what are you going to do after today? What are you going to do with this opportunity? And if you’re not going to do anything with it, then give it to somebody else. Give it to somebody else -somebody in your class, somebody in your school, a sister, but don’t waste it. This is really special, so make the most of it. It won’t be the last door that you have access to, but this door is real different. And you have to think, when is the next time I’m going to be invited to the White House? Because I think
about that all the time. (Laughter.) I tell my kids, take a look around now, because you may never get invited back here again. (Laughter and applause.) But I want to thank everyone here for making this dream -- this was really a dream of mine in so many ways, to have this industry and all those who have supported me, who do so much for people to make us feel beautiful and ready to get out there. Let me tell you, fashion plays an important role in my confidence. My ability to do my job is really linked to how I feel about what I’m wearing. So this is some big stuff. So I’m grateful to all of you for everything you’ve done for me, everything you’ve been willing to do for these
young people. And let’s keep thinking about what more we can do. That’s always -- what’s the next step. So I am grateful to you all. I hope you guys have enjoyed the day. The Reach Higher fashion education workshop offered several workshops, a Q & A panel, working lunch and networking sessions with people like Anna Wintour, Jenna Lyons, Jason Wu, Diane von Furstenberg, Prabal Gurung, Eva Chen, Narciso Rodriguez and Philip Lim just to name a few. www.whitehouse.gov/the-pressoffice/2014/10/08/remarks-firstlady-conclusion-fashion-educationworkshop
73 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Community/Public Interest
Hampton University in Virginia Receives FITW Grant by Bobby Hines
T
he grants, awarded under the federal First in the World (FITW) grant program, are designed to support the development of new approaches to improve educational outcomes and the establishment of evidence to support effective practices. For this year's awards, emphasis was placed on programs looking to increase access to college, improve completion rates, facilitate transfers from community colleges, increase
enrollment in STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering and math) and decrease time to completion.
According to ED, the winning proposals included "an array of innovations, such as: developing new project-based majors that allow for self-pacing and acceleration; developing an online experience for adult students that incorporates virtual learning communities and wraparound coaching; expanding access to digital content for students with disabilities, and implementing a game-based tool that gives high school students an understanding
ranged$1.6 million to $4 million. Recipients of this year's awards included:
• Arizona State University, $4 million; • Bay Path University in Massachusetts, $3.5 million; • Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania, $1.7 million; • Central Georgia Technical College, $3.2 million; • The College of New Rochelle in New York, $4 million; • Delta State University in Mississippi, $1.7 million; • Gateway Technical and Community College in Kentucky, $3.3 million; • Georgia Tech, $3.8 million; • Hampton University in Virginia, $3.5 million; • Indiana State University, $1.6 million; • Jacksonville State University in Alabama, $3.2 million; • Kennesaw State University in Georgia, Hampton University $3.2 million; Campus • LaGuardia Community College in of the college search and financing New York, $2.9 million; process for use in mentoring • Lee College District in Texas, programs." $2.7 million; Individual four-year awards
74 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Community/Public Interest • Northeastern University in Massachusetts, $3.9 million; • Purdue University in Indiana, $2.4 million; • Research Foundation for SUNY/ Oswego, $2.9 million; • South Dakota State University, $3.6 million; • Southern New Hampshire University, $3.9 million; • Texas A&M University, $3.3 million; • University of Minnesota, $2.8 million; • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, $3 million; • University of Southern California, $3.2 million; • Western Michigan University, $3.2 million. "The First in the World grant competition is a key part of President Obama's agenda to foster innovative ideas that help keep college affordable, increase
quality and improve educational outcomes for our students," said United States Secretary of Education Arne Duncan in a prepared statement. "The Department is proud to support the wide range of innovation at colleges and universities across the nation that can dramatically enhance student outcomes." ED is looking to increase funding for the program by 33% to $100 million for 2015. Additional details about the program can be found on the First in the World program portal at ed.gov (www2.ed.gov/ programs/fitw/index.html). Bobby Hines, International Trade Specialist, bobby.hines@trade.gov
75 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Community/Public Interest
Comerica Bank Donates $5,000 to Mary Ann Mitchell Scholarship Recipient
C
omerica Bank (www. comerica.com) provided a $5,000 grant to fund the Mary Ann Mitchell Scholarship, which was awarded to Miss. Najah Williams. The scholarship was facilitated and presented by the Regalettes’ Inc. at their prestigious “White Linen Affair 2014 Annual Garden Soiree Scholarship Fundraiser”. Don Kincey, Comerica’s Vice President of Public Affairs, has a long history and a stellar reputation of fulfilling Comerica’s commitment to becoming the financial services’ provider of choice to businesses and non-profit organizations throughout the diverse communities we serve;
programs that promote the economic revitalization and growth; economic assistance that helps to improve neighborhoods; provide seed money for small business owners; and enable countless numbers of people to purchase their first home. Comerica understands education is a foundation for the success of our communities and consequently, our businesses. This understanding is demonstrated through Comerica's commitment to community outreach that helps individuals of all ages reach their goals - and realize their dreams. Comerica realizes their success is dependent upon helping people who live in our communities succeed
2014 SCHOLARSHIP RECIP
THE MARYANN MITCHELL ACADEMI
Najah William
Howard Universit Biochemistry Freshman
About Mary Ann Mitchell
Mary Ann Mitchell
Mary Ann Mitchell was a phenomenal woman an entrepreneur, a business owner, political activist, community leader, mentor and teacher. She was a voice advocating for the government, educational institutions, and the community working together for the success of small businesses and young entrepreneurs. In 1985 she was the leader, visionary, inspiration and founder of a fullservice African American-woman owned Information Technology Corporation, Computer Consulting Operations Specialist, Inc. (CCOPS) (www.ccops.com). Over the next two decades, she grew the company to become a multi-million-
dollar information technology consulting company. Mary Ann Mitchell’s voice was instrumental in persuading Mr. Michael Fulton, who at that time served as Comerica's Western Regional President, to open a Comerica branch in the heart of the African American Community which is located at 3825 Crenshaw Blvd Los Angeles, CA. For many years, she worked diligently with Don Kincey to embrace the inclusion of all talented and qualified individuals, regardless of differences in beliefs, experiences, backgrounds
76 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
PIENTS
Community/Public Interest or physical characteristics; and to ensure equal access to funding opportunities for minority owned and small businesses. Mary Ann Mitchell was a mentor to Miss. Najah Williams, the scholarship recipient.
About Najah Williams
N a j a h Williams was a protégée of Mrs. Mary Ann Mitchell; she is the cofounder of the Millionaire Mind Kids IC SCHOLARSHIP Non-profit Organization; a professional speaker; a ty mentor to underserved and fostercare youth; a 3.7 G.P.A Apple Valley Hi High h S School h l Graduate, G and a Bio-Chemistry Freshman Major at Howard University. She is an athlete and the recipient of the prestigious Mary Ann Mitchell Scholarship. “I met Mrs. Mary Ann when I was only four-years old and she was consistently involved in my life until her passing; I was only 12. It’s befitting that I would be honored with this scholarship because a year after her passing, I was asked to speak at the very first Break the Cycle Reception and MaryAnn Mitchell Scholarship Awards Banquet which
ms
was held in 2009. It was hosted by the National Black Business Council (NBBC) (www.nbbc.org) and sponsored by Comerica Bank. Comerica, NBBC and I have come full circle and Mr. Don Kincey was sitting in the audience as I spoke. Delivering my speech before this huge audience, I knew, then, I was college bound, however, I didn’t know how I was going to pay for college, but I knew I was going. As I was giving my speech, I silently prayed that I would, one day, receive the Mary Ann Mitchell Scholarship and five years later, I am blessed to be the recipient. It couldn’t have come at a better time. This scholarship has given me the opportunity to fully participate in all aspects of college life. It has given me opportunities that I could only have dreamed of and I am so grateful to God, Comerica Bank, the Regalettes and everyone who helped to make this happen. This experience is transforming my life. When I say I stand on strong shoulders of GIANTS, I am very fortunate to have had so many strong women in my life: my grandmother, Delores Williams, Aunties (none biological): Mary Ann, Roz (Rosalind Pennington) Shirley (Shirley Franklin) and Sheila (Sheila Robertson) and so many more. All of these women demonstrated exemplary standards in everything they did, and they expected me to
deliver these same standards in every area of my life. As a result of the molding, grooming, building morals, character; and values—I learned strong work ethics; the
true meaning of EXELLENCE; and giving back to others. Special thanks to all of these women and everyone who has been a part of my village. My commitment to honoring this scholarship is to continue to strive to demonstrate exemplary and excellence in every area of my life, and never to forget my history, and the many who have contributed so much to my life.”
About Millionaire Mind Kids (MMK) Millionaire Mind Kids’ (MMK) is a 501 (c)(3) None-profit Organization that provides educational services to underserved youth across San Bernardino County, Victor Valley Cities. Over the 10 years, MMK has provided Financial Literacy, Life Skills Education, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) and Aviation Career Training Academies to more than 2,500 youth. MMK are ever-expanding youth and family programs that functions as a part of communities to keep youth engaged in educational and positive activities during school breaks; assist schools with preparing students to compete in the 21st Century’s career market; connect high-school aged youth to local internships; assist educators with reducing high school drop-out rates; and closing educational gaps amongst underserved youth. Contribute to the continued success of MMK by making a donation at www.mmk4u.
com. And follow the work of the program on Facebook: www. facebook.com/pages/MillionaireMind-Kids-MMK-SmartCenter/415944971855923.
77 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Community/Public Interest - Obituary
Comer Cottrell,
Consummate Businessman and Author, Dies
T
he venerable Comer Cottrell passed recently. This groundbreaking entrepreneur changed lives in California, Texas and around the world. The details of his life are more than adequately described in the book he published in 2008. That story is described here. The Black Business Association was blessed to have received his guidance.
This article was originally
printed January 2008.
F
ormer Black Business Association (BBA) Board chairman, Comer Cottrell has published his autobiography “Comer Cotrell”. As the book cover declares Mr. Cotrell’s is “a story that will inspire future entrereneurs”. The press release for the new book states: “The quintessential entrepreneur must have the ability to learn,
a willingness to take risks, the strength to maintain a no-nonsense approach, and the power to be courageous. Comer Cottrell is an “entrepreneur’s entrepreneur,” a visionary who saw opportunity and took advantage of it. From selling rabbits in rural Mobile, Alabama, to the sale of the Pro-Line Corporation for 80 million dollars, he was a trailblazer. A respected mentor, Mr. Cottrell penned Comer Cottrell: A Story That Will Inspire Future Entrepreneurs (www.amazon.com) to encourage future entrepreneurs by providing them with a “core value system,” some insightful and powerful practical advice, and the cando attitude that Mr. Cottrell learned from his own entrepreneurial experience. He defines how to turn dreams into reality—one step at a time —and outlines entrepreneurial “must-haves,” such as delayed gratification! An icon among African American business leaders, bankers, politicians, entertainers, and athletes, Mr. Cottrell set high standards for himself by adhering to his mother’s recipe for success: to abide by the “golden rule,” and to “make his word his bond.” Instilled with honesty and integrity, Pro-Line was built on the “learn-entrepreneurialskills-as-you-go” principle. A witty storyteller, Mr. Cottrell traces his
80 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
involvement in the evolution of African Americans in business and in many of the major events in the twentieth century. Equally important, Mr. Cottrell emphasizes the necessity of giving back as a price of success: He rose to the top without compromising his values, and like a true humanitarian, he took pride in providing others with opportunities to achieve their own success. Young entrepreneurs will gain tremendous knowledge from the template of basics offered throughout the book. The points are simple but profound, and if followed, they will lead to ultimate triumph! Earl “Skip” Cooper, II, President/ CEO, Black Business Association commented that “Comer Cottrell represents the combination of entrepreneur sucess and committment to the African American community. Comer has assisted many other African Americans to be successful entrepreneurs and has always been willing to share his expertise and experiece with others. Comer was a very strong and important force for building the Black Business Association into a strong Black business support organization in the 70’s. Comer ws awarded the first Life Membership of the BBA in 1979. We congratulate Comer on his new book and encourage all to read and purchase the book.” Founder of Pro-Line and philanthropist Comer Joseph Cottrell was born December 7, 1931 in Mobile, Alabama to Comer J., Sr. and Helen Smith Cottrell. As a youngster, Cottrell and his brother, Jimmy, turned a pair of bunnies into a business, including selling their progeny as Easter bunnies, meat and fur. At age seventeen, Cottrell joined
the United States Air Force where he attained the rank of First Sergeant and managed an Air Force PX in Okinawa. Cottrell attended the University of Detroit before leaving the service in 1954. He joined Sears Roebuck in 1964 and rose to the position of division manager in Los Angeles, California. In 1968, with an initial investment of $600.00, Cottrell and a friend got into the black hair care business. Then, with his brother, Jimmy, Cottrell manufactured strawberry scented oil sheen for Afro hairstyles and founded Pro-Line Corporation in 1970. By 1973, he made his first million dollars in sales. In 1979, Cottrell took the $200.00 “Jeri Curl” out of the beauty shop and into black homes with his $8.00 Pro-Line “Curly Kit”, which increased his sales from one million dollars a year to ten million dollars in the first six months. Shortly thereafter Cottrell moved Pro-Line to Dallas, Texas. At the top of the ethnic hair care business, Cottrell became a part owner, with George W. Bush of the Tex-
as Rangers professional baseball team in 1989; turning a $3 million dollar profit on a $500,000.00 investment. He recently founded FCC Investment Corporation. In 1990, he purchased and restored the 131-acre, HBCU, Bishop College campus for $1.5 million and transferred it to A.M.E. Paul Quinn College. Cottrell was a trustee of Northwood University and a member of the Dallas Chamber of Commerce, the North Texas Commission, and the Dallas Citizens Council. He was the former chairman of the Texas Cosmetology Commission and vice chair of the Texas Youth Commission. He has been a board member or officer of NAACP, National Urban League, YMCA, Dallas Family Hospital, Better Business Bureau, Compton College Foundation, Paul Quinn College and Baylor University Foundation. Cottrell was former vice chair of the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce. The recipient of scores of awards, Cottrell hosted a yearly “Taste of Cottrell” event in Dallas.
81 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Community/Public Interest - Obituary
Black Business Expo President Harold Hambrick Dies Community Treasure, Health Care Advocate and President of the Los Angeles Black Business Expo (BBX)
H
arold Hambrick, Jr., President of the Los Angeles Black Business Expo (BBX) and the second largest African American-focused consumer show in the country has died. He was 71. Born in New Orleans and raised in Slidell, Louisiana, Hambrick graduated from a segregated high school with 50 classmates. Three days after graduation, he left the state to join his parents and siblings in Los Angeles. Realizing that he wanted to be a part of the developments in Watts, he left a job at IBM in 1967 to join the South Central MultiPurpose Health Service Center, which later became Watts Health Foundation (WHF), and later Watts Health Systems (WHS). For more than 35 years, he served in several capacities, including Vice President of Public Affairs. He was involved with WHF/WHS in its heyday, when the conglomerate had several business interests, including BBX, purchased from visionary entrepreneur Barbara Lindsay, the creator of the Black Business Expo, as a seven year old entity in 1996. While Hambrick is widely known for his role with BBX, he has been influential in the field of healthcare for more than 40 years.
Black Business Association President "Skip" Cooper with LA Black Expo President Harold Hambrick
82 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Community/Public Interest - Obituary Since joining WHF/WHS, he has championed the cause of access to health care for residents of low income communities. While serving as V.P., under the leadership of Dr. Clyde W. Oden, Jr., President and CEO of WHF/WHS, Hambrick traveled throughout California and across the country to ensure that the plight of the underserved was heard by governmental agencies and legislative bodies. Active in the California Black Health Network, he also served on the Community Advisory Council at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. Additionally, according to Dr. Oden, in the 1970s and 80s, Hambrick founded the Western Association of Community Health Centers and the California Community Health Institute (CCHI). He was co-founder of the
Health Care Coalition for the Truly Needy and a member of the National Association of HMOs. A graduate of Pepperdine University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Hambrick was also the owner of an income tax service in the Crenshaw district for more than 30 years. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Marguerett, three children, Jeffrey, Sharon and Tyra, one grandchild and one great-grandchild, four siblings and a host of relatives and friends. A detailed obituary may be found at www.bbala.org under the
Resources folder. Isidra Person-Lynn House of the Rising Sons Media isidrapersonlynn@gmail.com
Expo President Harold Hambrick is flanked by Brenda Shockley (l) and then Councilwoman Jan Perry.
83 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Community/Public Interest - Obituary
Geoffrey Holder, Multitalented Artist, Dies at 84 By Jennifer Dunning and William McDonald, New York Times
secondary school in Trinidad. There he struggled with a stammer that plagued him into early adulthood. “At school, when I got up to read, the teacher would say, ‘Next,’ because the boys would laugh,” he said in an oral history interview. Growing up, Mr. Holder came under the wing of his talented older brother, Arthur Aldwyn
T
he dancer, choreographer, actor, composer, designer and painter, Geoffrey Holder, who used his manifold talents to infuse the arts with the flavor of his native West Indies and to put a singular stamp on the American cultural scene, not least with his outsize personality, died recently in Manhattan from complications of pneumonia. He was 84. Few cultural figures of the last half of the 20th century were as multifaceted as Mr. Holder, and few had a public presence as unmistakable as his, with his gleaming pate atop a 6-foot-6 frame, full-bodied laugh and bassoon of a voice laced with the lilting cadences of the Caribbean. Mr. Holder directed a dance troupe from his native Trinidad and Tobago, danced on Broadway and at the Metropolitan Opera and won Tony Awards in 1975 for direction of a musical and costume design for “The Wiz,” a rollicking, all-black version of “The Wizard of Oz.” His choreography was in the repertory of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the Dance Theater of Harlem. He acted onstage and in films and was an accomplished painter, photographer and sculptor whose works have been shown in galleries and museums. He published a cookbook. Geoffrey Lamont Holder was born into a middle-class family on Aug. 1, 1930, in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, one of four children of Louise de Frense and Arthur Holder, who had immigrated
from Barbados. Geoffrey attended Queen’s Royal College, an elite
Holder, known to everyone by his childhood nickname, Boscoe. Boscoe Holder taught Geoffrey
84 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Geoffrey with his son Léo
painting and dancing and recruited him to join a small, folkloric dance troupe he had formed, the Holder Dancing Company. Boscoe was 16; Geoffrey, 7. Geoffrey Holder’s career mirrored that of his brother in many ways. Boscoe Holder, too, went on to become a celebrated dancer, choreographer, musician, painter and designer, and he, too, left Trinidad, in the late 1940s, for England, where he performed on television and onstage. Geoffrey Holder took over the dance company, as its director and lead performer, and he took it to New York City in 1954, invited by the choreographer Agnes de Mille, who had seen the troupe perform two years before in St. Thomas, in the Virgin Islands. She arranged an audition for the impresario Sol Hurok. To pay for the troupe’s passage, Mr. Holder, already an established young painter, sold 20 of his paintings. Mr. Holder had the good fortune
to arrive in New York at a time of relative popularity for all-black Broadway productions as well as black dance, both modern and folk. Calypso music was also gaining a foothold, thanks largely to Harry Belafonte. For a while Mr. Holder taught classes at the Katherine Dunham School and was a principal dancer for the Metropolitan Opera Ballet, in 1955 and 1956. He continued to dance and direct the Holder Dance Company until 1960, when it disbanded. In the meantime, at a dance recital, he caught the attention of the producer Arnold Saint-Subber, who was putting together a show with a Caribbean theme. Thus did Mr. Holder make his Broadway debut on Dec. 30, 1954, as a featured dancer in “House of Flowers,” a haunting, perfumed evocation of West Indian bordello life, with music by Harold Arlen and a book by Truman Capote, based on his novella of the same name.
Directed by Peter Brook at the Alvin Theater , it starred Diahann Carroll and Pearl Bailey, and among its dancers was a ravishingly pretty young woman named Carmen de Lavallade. She and Mr. Holder married in 1955, had a son, Léo, and sometimes shared the stage. Both wife and son survive him. Boscoe Holder died in 2007. One character Mr. Holder played in the musical was the top-hatted Baron Samedi, the guardian of the cemetery and the spirit of death, sex and resurrection in Haitian Voodoo culture. Mr. Holder relished Samedi: he played him again in the 1973 James Bond film, “Live and Let Die” . His Voodoo villain in “Live and Let Die” was of a piece with much of his film career: with his striking looks and West Indian-inflected voice, producers tended to cast Mr. Holder in roles deemed exotic. In “Doctor Dolittle” (1967), he was a giant native who ruled a floating island as William Shakespeare (the see Geoffrey Holder on page 86
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Community/Public Interest - Obituary Geoffrey Holder from page 85
10th). In Woody Allen’s “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex* but Were Afraid to Ask” (1972),
Geoffrey Holder with Carmen de Lavallade he played a sorcerer. In “Annie” (1982), he was the Indian servant Punjab. An exception was the 1992 romantic comedy “Boomerang,” in which he played a randy director of commercials working for Eddie Murphy’s playboy advertising executive. Mr. Holder was multitasking before the term gained currency. In 1957, he landed a notable acting role playing the hapless servant Lucky in an all-black Broadway revival of Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot,” directed by Herbert Berghof. The show, just seven months after the play’s original Broadway production, closed after only six performances because of a union dispute, but the role, with its rambling, signature 700-word
monologue, lifted Mr. Holder’s acting career. That same year, he choreographed and danced in a revival of the George and Ira Gershwin musical “Rosalie” in Central Park. And he received a Guggenheim fellowship in painting. Painting was a constant for him. Whether life was hectic or jobs were scarce, he could usually be found in the SoHo loft he shared with Ms. de Lavallade, absorbed in work that drew on folk tales and often delivered biting social commentary. On canvases throughout the studio, sensuous nudes jostled for space with elegantly dressed women, ghostly swimmers nestled beside black Virgin Marys, bulky strippers seemed to burst out of their skins, and mysterious figures peered out of tropical forests. His work was shown at the Corcoran Gallery in Washington and at the Guggenheim Museum in New York. And then there was his photography, and his sculpture. His visual creativity extended to costume designs, “The Wiz” being just one showcase. Another was John Taras’s 1982 production of “The Firebird” for the Dance Theater of Harlem, in which the Russian fairy tale was relocated to a tropical forest. Mr. Holder designed both the sets and the costumes, one of which was a blend of 30 or 40 colors. He earned another Tony nomination for best costume design for the 1978 Broadway musical
“Timbuktu!,” an all-black show based on the musical “Kismet.” He also directed and choreographed “Timbuktu!" Mr. Holder’s dance designs were equally bold. Reviewing a 1999 revival of “Banda” by the Dance Theater of Harlem, Anna Kisselgoff wrote in The Times, “Mr. Holder is a terrific showman, and his mix of Afro-Caribbean rituals, modern dance and even ballet’s pirouettes is potent and dazzling.” Other Holder dance classics were “Prodigal Prince” (1971), a dreamlike re-creation of the life and work of Hector Hyppolite, the Haitian folk painter, for which he also composed the musical score; and “Dougla” (1974), an evocation of a mixed-race Caribbean wedding. (Dougla refers to people who are of African and Indian descent.) In 1959, he published a book on Caribbean folklore, “Black Gods, Green Islands,” written with Tom Harshman and illustrated by Mr. Holder; in 1973, he produced “Geoffrey Holder’s Caribbean Cookbook.” He himself was the subject of books and documentaries, including “Carmen & Geoffrey” (2009), by Linda Atkinson and Nick Doob. Mr. Holder said his artistic life was governed by a simple credo, shaped by his own experience as a West Indian child who had yet to see the world. “I create for that innocent little boy in the balcony who has come to the theater for the first time,” he told Dance magazine in 2010. “He wants to see magic, so I want to give him magic. He sees things that his father couldn’t see.” www.nytimes.com/2014/10/07/ arts/geoffrey-holder-dancerchoreographer-and-man-of-flair-diesat-84.html?smtyp=cur&bicmp=AD&bic mlukp=WT.mc_id&bicmst=140923272 2000&bicmet=1419773522000
86 October 2014 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
International
Somalia's Government Launches Postal Service From BBC News
The cash machine is in an upmarket hotel
T
he government has also introduced Postcodes nationwide for the first time in the country's history. The postal service fell into disuse when long-serving ruler Siad Barre's regime collapsed in 1991. Its reintroduction is the latest sign that some normality is returning to Somalia after more than two decades of clan and religiousbased conflict. Recently, Somalia's first-ever Cash Withdrawal Machine (ATM) was installed in the capital, Mogadishu. Minister of Posts and Telecommunications Mohamed
Ibrahim said Somalis would now be able to receive letters from abroad. The next phase would be to make it possible for them to send letters to friends and relatives who live abroad, he said. Mr. Ibrahim told the BBC he was excited about the re-launch of the service. Many young Somalis had never been exposed to a postal service, and he would be "very happy" to teach them about "something that is taken for granted around the world", Mr Ibrahim said. Most Somalis communicate via
email and mobile phones or send handwritten letters via friends. This progress takes place while African Union and government forces are battling an insurgency by militant Islamist group al-Shabab. It has been driven out of most of its urban strongholds and its leader Ahmed Abdi Godane was killed in a US air strike last month. However, the group still carries out sporadic attacks in cities and controls large swathes of territory in rural areas. www.bbc.com/news/worldafrica-29606447#
89 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
International
Newly formed Atlanta organization to host Zambia Golden Jubilee Celebration in Atlanta Zambians Promoting Leadership in America (ZLA) is a recently formed organization based in Atlanta GA. ZLA founder, Freda Mwamba Brazle, said the organization's objective is centered around demonstrating leadership, taking responsibility and collaboration. Born in Chinsali, Northern Province, Mwamba Brazle is a graduate of the Leadership Atlanta class of 2006 and possesses a Bachelors in Management Information Systems and Master of Science in Accounting from Pace University, New York City. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Master Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma. Her impressive education background is coupled with over 20 years experience in the corporate world which includes employment with The Coca-Cola Company, General Electric, Arthur Andersen Consulting, Bank of America and WellPoint where she has held various executive roles.
When asked why she decided to host Zambia Golden Jubilee event and how it relates to ZLA, Freda said, "I am one of many Zambian born professionals who have made significant strides in the United States. Zambia's 50th year anniversary is the perfect time to take stock of how far Zambia has come and how Zambians in the Diaspora have developed. Zambia's 50th birth year is the perfect
time to launch "Zambians Promoting Leadership in America." Freda Mwamba Brazle decided that she was going to apply what she had learned about community and transformational leadership to plan a memorable event for Zambiaಬs 50th Golden Jubilee in Atlanta. Understanding that success is best achieved with like-minded people,
Freda Mwamba
she pulsed several contacts, both Zambian and non-Zambian to interest them in joining her in making a statement about her country of origin. The response was overwhelming and the idea was given life.
90 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
International SPEAKER LINE-UP
Innocent Mulenga
Thomas Konditi
The members of the planning committee are made up of Zambian professionals from diverse backgrounds and experience. "There are so many skilled and talented Zambians in the US. I feel privileged to work with such an impressive team of leaders in their own right. Take a look at their profiles on our website," she exclaimed. The jubilee celebrations will take place on Saturday, October 25th, 2014 at the Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway Hotel. An impressive list of speakers include: Geri Thomas President of Georgia Operations and Global
Hugh Molotsi
Diversity & Inclusion Executive at Bank of America Corporation. Nairobi-based Thomas Konditi, the Chief Financial Officer for GE Africa. Hugh Molotsi, Vice President of Technology Innovation at Intuit. Zambia-based Innocent Mulenga, Zambian Primatologist at Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage. Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphange in Zambia has provided care and protection to about 200 Chimpanzees since it opened. Entertainment will be provided by 3D the Boss, Ollie Patterson, the Soweto
Geri Thomas
Street Dancers, and Damien Musuka. ಯThe Golden Jubilee event is our way of giving back to our country of origin by sharing the untold story and showcasing Zambia to the American audience. We are a proud, humble and friendly nation and home to The Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world." Freda added.
GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATION October 25, 2014 Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway Hotel
Tickets can be purchased online at www.ZambiaJubileeAtlanta.com For additional information please email zambiajubileeatlanta@gmail.com
91 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
AFRICAN EXPANSION ECONOMIC SUMMIT 2014 / Durban, South Africa 10-14 November 2014 Durban International Convention Centre The African Economic Expansion Summit is an annual global gathering of international investors, business executives, financiers and government officials to discuss, showcase, review and create business partnerships. Several infrastructure channels and project pipelines have been identified for pre-selected African States to submit pre-screened projects to the Project Initiation Committee under the following sectors: Transport:
Services:
Social:
Agriculture:
Energy:
• Ports/Shipping • Road Network • Rail Network • Airports
• Electricity • Water • Telecoms & ICT
• Schools/Universities • Clinics/Hospitals • Tourism
• Production • Processing • Distribution
• Generation • Distribution • Sustainable & Alternative
International project and consulting companies and interested businesses/investors will be able to present their focussed projects and services to government decision makers from across sub Saharan Africa. Interested parties from Africa and overseas will be able to showcase their infrastructure projects and services through targeted exhibitions, project due diligence presentations and other marketing materials. The Summit’s diverse array of marketing channels includes site visits, plenary sessions, panel discussions, break-away sessions and one-on-one interactions will deliver a unique professional experience and networking platform to move deals forward. The AEES gives Africa a new platform to drive economic activity and investment profiles about what’s happening on the continent as it relates to infrastructure projects. African delegations from Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union, West & East African Regional Economic Communities, and various African member states to showcase their economies critical infrastructure projects. The Summit co-hosts, the South African Province of KwaZulu-Natal and Rainbow/PUSH Africa believe this unique professional networking experience offers an exceptional insight into Africa’s future infrastructural opportunities and challenges. We look forward to your participation at the AEES, we believe there is an appetite to build new partnerships and become part of the African growth story. Registration and Information: Website: www-aees.co.za E-mail: info@aees.co.za
International
Download the NEW!! Zambia-USA Chamber of Commerce App from the
Apple App Store or
Google Play Store Search: "Zambia USA Chamber"
Find links to the chamber website and facebook page, and embassies; access business resources; receive breaking news; view relevant video presentations; communicate via Twitter, smartphone and e-mail.
www.zambiausachamber.org
94 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
CATALOGUE SHOWS GALORE!! MARKET TO INDIA The American Business Corner (ABC) outreaches to U.S. business community and connects them to India Chambers of Commerce members in 13 India cities. Display your marketing material and catalogs across India for an annual membership fee. Select one or all of the following cities: Madurai, Coimbatore, Trivandrum, Kochi, Mangalore, Vizag, Guwahati, Bhubaneswar, Patna, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Surat and Indore http://export.gov/india/americanbusinesscorners/index.asp
MARKET TO SAUDI ARABIA CS Saudi Arabia invites U.S. Companies to register for the upcoming “Jeddah-Saudi-Arabia Catalog Show." Registration fee $100. The show will be hosted by the U.S. Commercial Service in partnership with the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce & Industry, on Wednesday, November 19, 2014.
Contact: Mai. AbuDabat@trade. gov.
MARKET TO UNITED ARAB EMIRATES The 2nd International Franchise Conference & Franchise Catalogue Show Date: November 18-19, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates US Participation Fee: $500 No. of Brochures: 200 Contact: Manal.elmasry@trade.gov https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/newRegistration.jsp?SmartCode=5K1Y
African Stock Exchanges • Bolsa de Valores of Cape Verde - www.bvc.cv (in Portuguese) • Bond Exchange of South Africa - www.bondexchange. co.za • Botswana Stock Exchange www.bse.co.bw • Bourse Regionale des Valeurs Mobilieres - UEMOA (Abidjan, Ivory Coast) - www.brvm.org • Casablanca Stock Exchange (Morocco) - www.casablancabourse.com/bourseweb/index. aspx • Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (Tanzania) - www. dse.co.tz • Douala Stock Exchange (Cameroon) - www.douala-stockexchange.com/index_us.php • The Egyptian Exchange - www.
• • •
•
•
• • •
egx.com.eg/English/homepage. aspx Ethiopia Commodity Exchange - www.ecx.com.et Ghana Stock Exchange - www. gse.com.gh Johannesburg Stock Exchange (South Africa) - www. jse.co.za/Home.aspx Khartoum Stock Exchange (Sudan, in Arabic) - www.kse. com.sd Libyan Stock Market - www. lsm.ly/_layouts/membership/ login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fEnglis h%2fPages%2fdefault.aspx Lusaka Stock Exchange (Zambia) - www.luse.co.zm Nairobi Stock Exchange (Kenya) - www.luse.co.zm Malawi Stock Exchange - www. mse.co.mw
• Mozambique Stock Exchange (in Portuguese) - www. bolsadevalores.co.mz • Namibian Stock Exchange 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)
International
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 96 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
International
TRADE MISSION: DIVERSIFYING INVESTMENT IN ANGOLA
October 26-30, 2014. The U.S. - Angola Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Commercial Service of Angola in the United States and Angola's Private Investment Agency (ANIP), is pleased to announce our upcoming trade mission to Angola, on October 26 - 30, 2014. Angola's rich history, position as the third largest sub-Saharan African economy, and rank as the United States' second largest trading partner in Africa make it prime for U.S. trade and investment. Traditionally lauded for its natural oil and gas resources, alternative investment opportunities are rapidly emerging. The trade mission will offer the exceptional opportunity to travel on the chartered flight from Houston to Luanda called the "Houston Express" operated by Sonair. The program will include the AngolaUS Business Summit & Roundtable, briefings, matchmaking sessions, meetings with Angolan government and industry officials. Participation fee includes: • Airfare (business class) transportation from Houston, TX to Luanda, ANGOLA on the Houston Express (Only included with registration fee that includes airfare); • Ground Transportation in Luanda (program related); • 5 nights hotel stay at the Hotel Tropico in Luanda; • Interpretation services; • Participation in the Angola - U.S. Business Summit; • Meetings with Angolan government officials, organizations, institutions and companies; • Match-making sessions with companies in your sector; • Admission to all scheduled Trade Mission programs; • All Breakfast meals; • Lunch and Dinner meals where indicated on mission program; • Assistance with visa to Angola; • Opportunity to promote your business in the Trade Mission Booklet. Your response is appreciated by October 6, 2014. www.us-angola.org Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For up-to-date information, please contact Maria da Cruz Gabriel (1-703-203-6481).
konya
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International
One Africa:
Tell the US Government that North Africa is Africa Too!
J
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
RESOURCES FOR GOING GLOBAL Event: East Meets West in Startup Paradise 2014 “Digital Lifestyle” Dates: November 5-7 Times: 9am Cost: $1,000 Registration: http://eastmeetswest.co/en/#sthash.6kmpRtVN.dpuf Location: Honolulu, Hawaii Join us for some golf and networking on November 5th at the beautiful Kapolei Golf course, followed by a VIP dinner. Then on November 6th, we will hold the East Meets West in Startup Paradise 2014 "Digital Lifestyle" Conference followed by a VIP reception at Hawaii Fashion Week at The Modern Honolulu. Finally, on November 7th, network and soak in all the knowledge at our full-day conference followed by a Luau! To Resolve Questions or For More Information: http://eastmeetswest.co/en/activity/ acy219096#sthash.et7gzMIF.dpuf
Event: Sustainable Energy Business Districts (SEBIZ)- Energy Efficiency
Trade Mission to China Date: December 7-13 The mission will focus on business development opportunities in Beijing, Tianjin, Qingdao, and Changzhou. The mission will be unique in that two of the stops will focus on “shovel-ready” projects that have been prepared under the auspices of a US DOE grant. A US firm called Optony (http://www.optony.com) is managing the execution of the grant-related work, and is looking for US firms with efficiency-related technologies that can carry out retrofitting projects. Register or For more information: http://chinauseealliance.org/2014mission
Asian Development Bank Tender Report This Foreign Government Tender report from the US Commercial Service Asian Development Bank Liaison Office (CS ADB) augments our series of regular monthly reports that give U.S. exporters advance information on Asian government tenders. This report covers advance and ongoing procurement, as well as recruitment of consultants for projects that are funded by the ADB. U.S. firms may submit their bids directly to the executing agency listed on the procurement notice. Details of the bidding procedures are stated in the Bidding Documents issued by the executing agency or otherwise stated in the procurement notice. U.S. firms are encouraged to keep in contact with CS ADB, especially if they decide to participate in ADB procurement activities. This office works closely with the Office of the U.S. Executive Director (US/ED) to the ADB to increase American awareness of and participation in ADB’s procurement activities. A summary of the projects is found at: http:// buyusainfo.net/docs/x_751955.pdf and www.export.
100 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
RESOURCES FOR GOING GLOBAL gov/ADB/build/groups/public/@ eg_adb/documents/webcontent/ eg_adb_078505.pdf. ᏊᏊᏊᏊᏊ Marketing: Promote Your Company on the New Commercial News USA Website The newly redesigned Commercial News USA website makes it easier for buyers around the world to find American companies with products and services ready for immediate export and for U.S. exporters connect with buyers worldwide. Commercial News USA features hundreds of products and services from U.S. exporters. For more information and/or to review the current
issue of the magazine, please visit www.thinkglobal.us. ᏊᏊᏊᏊᏊ 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 www.buyusa.gov/home/us.html or contact Bobby Hines at bobby. hines@trade.gov.
Cultural Interiors West C &
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
105 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
https://nubianskin.com
Nubian Skin launched with a carefully edited collection of lingerie and hosiery to provide the essential underwear needs of women of colour. Headquartered in London, Nubian Skin delivers worldwide and looks forward to growing the company’s offering and expanding its reach. So for all you beautiful women, next time you need a nude pair of holdups or maybe a nude strapless bra to go under that stunning white halter dress, Nubian Skin is only a few clicks away. Empowering Women. Embracing our Colour. Find us at: https://nubianskin.com
Collection Bed, Bath & Beyond
http://bsmith.com/shop
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
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 109 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Eso Won Books African American Books 4327 Degnan Boulevard Leimert Park, Los Angeles
Back to School - Back to Reading Come see our unsurpassed collection of books, music, videos, children’s books, and games!
323-294-0324
www.esowonbookstore.com ďƒ” //esowon.booksense.com for Calendar of Events
Books to Consider...
Geoffrey Holder's Caribbean Cookbook by Geoffrey Holder
G
eoffrey Holder, was a larger-than-life presence in the worlds of movies, stage, TV, art, publishing, music, dance – even advertising. Holder's imposing 6'6" frame could barely contain his many talents, and a 1975 PEOPLE profile that ran at the time he won two Tonys for his directing and costuming Broadway's groundbreaking The Wiz
www.amazon.com/Geoffrey-Holders-CaribbeanCookbook-Holder/dp/0670336629
Comer Cottrell: a story that will inspire future entrpreneurs by Comer Cottrell
F
described as Othello d ib d him hi as having h i "a " voice i as deep d Oth ll and as smooth as Caribbean rum." Friends adored him not only for his generous spirit but for his cooking. He even wrote a book on the subject, Geoffrey Holder's Caribbean Cookbook, which included tantalizing recipes for orange rice, king turtle stew, coconut chicken sigurd and salt-fish pie.
ormer Black Business Association (BBA) Board chairman, Comer Cottrell has published his autobiography “Comer Cotrell”. As the book cover declares Mr. Cotrell’s is “a story that will inspire future entrereneurs”. The press release for the new book states: “The quintessential entrepreneur must have the ability to learn, a willingness to take risks, the strength to maintain a no-nonsense approach, and the power to be courageous. Comer Cottrell is an “entrepreneur’s entrepreneur,” a visionary who saw opportunity and took advantage of it. From selling rabbits in rural Mobile, Alabama, to the sale of the Pro-Line Corporation for 80 million dollars, he was a trailblazer. A respected mentor, Mr. Cottrell penned Comer Cottrell: A Story That Will Inspire Future Entrepreneurs to encourage future entrepreneurs by providing them with a “core value system,” some insightful and powerful practical advice, and the can-do attitude that Mr. Cottrell learned from his own entrepreneurial experience. He defines how to turn dreams into reality—one step at a time —and outlines entrepreneurial “must-haves,” such as delayed gratification! An icon among African American business leaders, bankers, politicians, entertainers, and athletes, Mr. Cottrell set high standards for himself by adher-
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ing to his mother’s recipe for success: to abide by the “golden rule,” and to “make his word his bond.” Instilled with honesty and integrity,
A Mayor's Life: Governing New York’s Gorgeous Mosaic by The Honorable David Dinkins
T
P Li b ilt on the th “learn“l Pro-Line was built entrepreneurial-skills-as-you-go” principle. A witty storyteller, Mr. Cottrell traces his involvement in the evolution of African Americans in business and in many of the major events in the twentieth century. Equally important, Mr. Cottrell emphasizes the necessity of giving back as a price of success: He rose to the top without compromising his values, and like a true humanitarian, he took pride in providing others with opportunities to achieve their own success. Young entrepreneurs will gain tremendous knowledge from the template of basics offered throughout the book. The points are simple but profound, and if followed, they will lead to ultimate triumph! www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ sb_noss_1?url=searchalias%3Dstripbooks&fieldkeywords=comer%20cottrell&spref ix=comer+c%2Cstripbooks
he autobiography recounts the life and career of David Norman Dinkins, who defeated Ed Koch and Rudy Giuliani to become 106th and 1st Black mayor of New York City. The New York Times called it a "moving...inspiring account of New York's first black mayor." Set against the backdrop of the rise of Harlem's influence on city politics, which produced several state and national black leaders and energized the base that ultimately led to the election of President Barack Obama, A Mayor's Life deals with Dinkins' childhood in Trenton, NJ, his service in the U.S. Marine Corps, his education at Howard University and Brooklyn Law School, his political career beginning at the Carver Democratic Club and moving through jobs as City Clerk and Manhattan Borough President to his election as mayor. Dinkins discusses his administration's successes, including an historic decrease in the city's crime rate; the cleanup of Times Square; the restoration of dilapidated housing in Northern Harlem, the South Bronx and Brooklyn; the deal to
keep the US Tennis Open in New York City, which Mayor Michael Bloomberg has called "the only good athletic sports stadium deal, not just in New York but in the country"; and the hosting of Nelson Mandela on the South African diplomat's first international visit after being freed from prison. He also discusses its difficulties. "Mr. Dinkins offers insights into his views on race, a subject that he typically skirted as the city’s first African-American mayor, and into how being black shaped his personality." “New York is not a melting pot,” Dinkins writes, “but a gorgeous mosaic….of race and religious faith, of national origin and sexual orientation – of individuals whose families arrived yesterday and generations ago, coming through Ellis Island, or Kennedy Airport, or on Greyhound buses bound for the Port Authority.” www.hamiltonbook.com/Biography/ a-mayors-life-governing-newyorks-gorgeous-mosaic
117 October 2014 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
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
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
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
• Project Vote - www.projectvote.org
Grow With
A crowdfunding platform for projects and ideas benefiting the African-American community. www.blackstartup.com
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Calendar October 25th Cybercrime Small Business Forum Learn to protect your business from Cybercrime at this forum. Admission is free. The presentation begins at 10am at the R.A. Anderson Recreation Center @ Expo Center, 3980 Bill Robertson Lane, Los Angeles. For information or RSVP visit www.cyberinfo@businessmatchmaking.com.
October
16th
2nd-4th 15th Annual Creating Opportunity Conference Using the theme "Thriving in a Changing Economy" the conference includes My Community Rocs and My Church Rocs sessions. The conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. For information visit www.rainbowpush.org
BBA 2014 Procurement Exchange Summit The Summit, Conference and Luncheon will be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Downtown Los Angeles. For informaion on how to participate in the exchange, attend the conference, and the benefits of sponsorship visit www.bbala.org or send an inquiry to the BBA using mail@bbala.org
13th
23rd
Global Automotive Summit The Automotive Project is the only business conference that takes a deep dive into the automotive in-
Successful Women in Business Leadership & Procurement Conference Held at the San Gabriel Hilton, the one day conference features prominent women in discussion on achieveing and maintaining success along with opportunities to network with corporate and government procurement representatives. Detailed information is available at www.publicconnectionsla.com.
dustry for people of color. It will be held at the MGM Grand Detroit Meetings and Events Center. For information visit www.rainbowpush.org.
November 10th-14th
African Expansion Economic Summit 2014 An annual global gathering of inter-
national investors, business executives, financiers and government officials to discuss, showcase, review and create business partnerships. Several infrastructure channels and project pipelines have been identified for pre-selected African States to submit pre-screened projects to
the Project Initiation Committee under the following sectors: Transport, Services, Social, Agriculture and Energy. The Summit co-hosts, the South African Province of KwaZulu-Natal and Rainbow/ PUSH Africa believe this unique professional networking experience offers an exceptional insight into Africa’s future infrastructural opportunities and challenges. For information and registration visit www-aees.co.za or send e-mail to: info@aees.co.za. The conference will be held in Durban, South Africa.
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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 Publish Africa http://wow.gm/publishafrica Rock Me Africa //rockmeafrica.com
www.causecast.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 YouTube Educational Channels http://teacherswithapps.com/197-educational-youtube-channels-know Ventures www.ventures-africa.com
U.S. Government
Organizations Africa Leadership Forum http://africaleadership.org The African Union www.au.int/en Black Business Association www.bbala.org CauseCast
Commerce Department www.doc.gov International Trade Administration http://trade.gov Minority Business Development Agency www.mbda.gov Small Business Administration www.sba.gov State Department www.dos.gov White House www.whitehouse.gov
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