BBA News JUN 10 by Black Business News Group

In This Issue... President’s Message…page 3 U.S. Crises in the Gulf…page 6 California Recovery…page 15 World Cup Update...page 41 We Remember: Dr. Alphonso Hamilton…page 26

Dear AEG Partner: AEG is pleased to announce the launch of our new

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

https://supplier.aegworldwide.com

President’s Message Earl “Skip” Cooper, II President/Chief Executive Officer

Sole Points of Influence: Segregated Socioeconomic Outcomes

his month the Black Business Association (BBA) proudly produces your Black Business News featuring the Federation International Football Association’s (FIFA) World Cup Tournament 2010. This is historic event is being hosted for the first time by an African nation. South Africa was chosen over Morocco and Egypt in an all-African continent bidding process. Like the Olympics, this contest only takes place every four years, having last been held in Germany in 2006. The mammoth construction and event organizing of the World Cup should inspire both public and private American-run enterprises that can benefit by incorporating business models shaped by the racially-reconciled South African nation. This deserves particular note for the reason that major American industries and U.S. governmental agencies continue to grapple with the most comprehensive and effective business models for ensuring inclusion of all qualified suppliers, categorized by race and gender. One shortcoming in American supply chain racial inclusion management derives from annual ethnic spend goals that are still being considered and/or revised by advocacy groups, interven-

ers, political alliances, and business executives. A larger concern that we should all have is that goals are not being set by all races, just by those members who are part of protected classes, which thereby makes the spend results too limited to effect positive and parity inclusion for all suppliers. As it has for more than forty years, the BBA continues to seek out inclusion processes that create the largest impact on long-term contracting and the most sustainable areas of job creation for the unemployed and underemployed populace. Coincidentally, from 1962 to 1990 Nelson Mandela was imprisoned by an apartheid government, while during that period America was awakening to corrective civil reconciliation to engage black-owned business enterprise in the public and private business sectors. Today’s business climate increasingly necessitates the talents of multifaceted decision makers coming from

small business, large corporate, political, trade and business association backgrounds. Each has a varying level of constituency, with all deserving economic parity. Economic and political leaders like Mandela are becoming memories due to the large diversity of people, consequently diminishing the single point of influence upon socioeconomic change. On this point I would offer the observation that, in contrast to Mandela leading his party in negotiations that led to multi-racial democracy

3 T June 2010 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

see President’s Message on page 26

Over 40 years of service Founded 1970 Kevin M. Caliup, Treasurer AIA/E-World Strategy Narishimah Osei, Parliamentarian Osei & Associates Gwen Moore, Director GEM Communications Candida Mobely-Wright, Director Voices, Inc. Angela Walton, Director Melador Technologies, Inc. Angela Reddock, Esq., Legal Counsel

Black Business Association P.O. Box 43159, Los Angeles, CA 90043 323-291-9334 Fax: 323-291-9234 www.facebook.com Search: Black Business Association mail@bbala.org www.bbala.org

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

PRODUCTION MANAGER Narishima Osei

STAFF

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ian Foxx ▪ Sabir • N. Osei

Earl “Skip” Cooper, II, President/CEO Kesha Vontreese, Administrative Consultant Steven Turner, Economic Development Editor Tony Hayward, Marketing Director

LAYOUT/TYPESETTING

CORPORATE PARTNERS

W. Gladney ▪ C. Collins

PHOTOGRAPHY

Lion Communications

AEG American Honda Motor Company AT&T Bank of America The Boeing Company California Lottery Citibank Coca-Cola Enterprises Comerica Bank Department of Water & Power Donald Sterling Corporation Fannie Mae IBM

BBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ted Davis, Chairman IsComp Systems, Inc. Nathan Freeman, Vice Chairman Figueroa Media Group, Inc. Eugene Jones, Secretary NVA Financial Group, Inc.

Kaiser Permanente LAEDC Los Angeles World Airports Northrop Grumman Corporation Raytheon Company S.C.R.P.C. Sempra Energy Southern California Edison Swinerton Builders Toyota Motor Sales, Inc. Turner Construction Company Union Bank of California USBank Verizon Walt Disney Company WellPoint Wells Fargo Bank Lyceum Management Services, Ex Officio Hollis Smith, Ex Officio Paulette Williams, Ex Officio

AFFILIATES African American Unity Caucus Association of Black Women Entrepreneurs Black Women’s Network California Black Chamber of Commerce California Council of Black Chambers The Greenlining Institute Minority Business Enterprise Legal Defense & Education Fund National Black Business Council The National Association of African American Chambers of Commerce The National Black Chamber of Commerce Pan African Film & Arts Festival Recycling Black Dollars

2010 Events

February Black Business Awards Dinner - 36th Anniversary of the BBA March Salute to Black Women August BBA 40th Year Celebration November Utilities Procurement Exchange Summit & Awards Luncheon • Call for information •

323-291-9334 4 T June 2010 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

About the BBA… Since 1970, the Black Business Association (BBA), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, headquartered in Los Angeles, has been instrumental in the incubation and development of more than 15,000 African-American businesses. Nationally, we have access and influence with more than 85,000 African-American-owned and women/ minority-owned firms via strategic alliances with more than 100 women/minority trade associations in more than 42 states nationwide.

___ Our Mission ___ The Black Business Association’s mission is to advocate and promote the development of African-American owned businesses with the goal of creating a firm economic base that support the self-determination and survival of the African-American and urban community by: •

Identifying and creating financial opportunities for the growth and stability of African-American owned businesses;

•

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

•

Being a conduit for the merging of resources, values, profits, technology and people;

•

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

•

Providing training for entrepreneurial professional development;

•

In This Issue… 3

President’s Message Segregated Socioecono Outcomes

6 8 13 15

Crisis in the Gulf MBDA News-Disaster Cleanup Contract Opportunities Deepwater Oil Spill Response California RecoveryContract Agreements & Business Retention

Let’s Move!

Africa Focus Hope for Africa Ogunles Purchasing Gatwick Airport World Cup Update

10,000 10 000 Small S ll Businesses B i Initiative Launches

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

SBA News

Developing coalitions that support our political endeavors to effectively achieve public recognition and political influence for African-American business owners.

___ Advocacy ___ The Black Business Association maintains very effective working relationships with elected and appointed officials for the support of African-American business development. Locally, statewide and in Washington, DC, we are constantly aware of pending legislation that might affect our member’s businesses, their growth and even their ability to conduct business. When legislation is being considered that affects our mission, the BBA quickly mobilizes to work with key policy makers to support, defeat or modify the bill and pursue the BBA position. As an organization, we are constantly at the helm, securing innovative means and policies that protect our constituency and their business interests. &

Contracting Program “Parity”

Calendar

Columns 29 -Keeping the Vacation House in the Family 35 - Take A Look! 55 - Books to Consider...

BBA Action Alert 02 - AEG Supplier Portal 17 - Help for Haiti 19 - NBA All-Star 2011 Call for Vendors Cover image - savethedate.com U.S. Small Business Administration

2007 - Journalist of the Year Award Minority Business Development Agency

2010 - Media Firm of the Year

Remarks by President Obama in Meeting with Bipartisan Leaders of Congress Crisis in the Gulf, energy agenda, and job growth

ell, I want to thank all these leaders for engaging in a very substantive conversation, and I’m going to be relatively brief in summarizing it. Obviously the top of our list was our continued response to the crisis in the Gulf and what’s happening with the oil spill. We gave them an update on all the measures that are being taken, the single largest national response in United States history to an environmental disaster. But we had a frank conversation about the fact that the laws that have been in place have not been adequate for a crisis of this magnitude. The Oil Pollution Act was passed at a time when people didn’t envision drilling four miles under the sea for oil. And so it’s going to be important that, based on facts, based on experts, based on a thorough examination of what went wrong here and where things have gone right, but also where things have gone wrong, that we update the laws to

make sure that the people in the Gulf, the fishermen, the hotel owners, families who are dependent for their livelihoods in the Gulf, that they are all made whole and that we are in a much better position to respond to any such crisis in the future. So that was a prominent part of the discussion, and I was pleased to see bipartisan agreement that we have to deal with that in an aggressive, forward-leaning way. Even as we deal with that crisis, we’ve still got an economy that’s on the mend, but there are a lot of people out there who are still out of work. There are a lot of families who are still struggling to pay the bills. And so a major part of our discussion was how could we continue to build on the progress that’s been made in the economy and, in particular, how can we make sure that that has an impact on job growth and the day-to-day improvements that people are seeing in their own lives. A couple of things that we discussed was passing the package of tax extenders and unemployment insurance and so forth that is important to give families confidence that they’re going to be able to get back on their feet but also give businesses confidence in terms of what their tax structure is going to look like going forward. A prominent area that we want to see movement President Barack Obama meets with bipartisan members of Congress, including, from left, House Ma- on, hopefully in jority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, and Speaker Nancy this work period, Pelosi, D-Calif., in the Cabinet Room of the White House to discuss the upcoming work period, the is on small busieconomy and the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill. (Official White House Photo)

6 T June 2010 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Thad Allen, left, who is serving as the National Incident Commander, and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, right, brief President Barack Obama about the situation along the Gulf Coast following the BP oil spill, at the Coast Guard Venice Center, in Venice, LA. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

nesses. They are the primary drivers of jobs in our economy. We are still seeing problems for small businesses when it comes to being able to obtain loans to expand or hire new people or just maintain their inventories. And so we’ve got a package of measures that have been worked on on a bipartisan basis that would help in terms of capitalizing small firms that would eliminate capital gains taxes for startups and small businesses. Those measures need to be put in place. We need to get that done, because the work of repairing this economy is not complete. We think that it is important during this work period to finish the financial regulatory bill. The financial markets I think deserve certainty, but more importantly in my mind consumers and the American people deserve to know that there’s a regulatory framework that is in place that protects consumers, investors, ordinary folks, and assures taxpayers that they never again are put in a position where they’ve got to bail out somebody because of their irresponsible acts. And we also think that it’s important to complete a supplemental, a package that ensures that our young men and women who are in uniform fighting in Afghanistan get all the

support that they need. So we’re going to have a busy agenda going forward. There are some immediate things that we have to deal with. There are also some medium- and long-term issues that we’ve discussed that have to be dealt with. One that was prominent was the issue of how we deal with debt and deficits. And there were actually some very constructive conversations around the table about ways that we could start making significant progress, not necessarily even waiting for the Financial Commission on some steps. For example, I’ve already called for a three-year freeze on discretionary spending. There was a good conversation among the leadership in terms of how we adhere to that number. And there were some other creative suggestions both from Republican and Democrats about further progress that we could make on that front. In that same category of thinking about the next generation, I want to close by just talking about my personal belief that we have to move on an energy agenda that is forwardlooking, that creates jobs, that assures that we are leaders in

7 T June 2010 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

see President Obama on page 47

Minority Business Development Agency - Business Development News www.mbda.gov

Building a New Haiti: Business, Commerce and Investment

he American Chamber of Commerce of the Dominican Republic (AMCHAMDR) in collaboration with the U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service is pleased to announce the upcoming event “Building a New Haiti: Business, Commerce and Investment”. This event, June 9-11, 2010 at Club Indigo in Port au Prince, Haiti will provide a unique opportunity for companies to take part in an historic international endeavor: the building of an economically sustainable Haiti.

Objectives: Disseminate information on Haiti reconstruction strategies, programs and procurement practices of the Haitian Government, Multilateral and Donor community, including the United Nations, World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and U.S. Agency for International Development. Provide a space to facilitate direct business networking between American, Haitians and Dominicans companies.

About the Event: This event will combine formal presentations about the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) with sectoral and project opportunities, sources of financing, and other resources available to companies interested in doing business in or with Haiti.

Who should attend: U.S. Businesses

Dominican Businesses Haitian Businesses Non-Governmental Organizations

Minority Business Development Agency Summit 2010 Washington, DC June 8 - 10, 2010

there has been tangible progress, too. The 2010 MBDA Summit will feature discussions on: • the legal landscape confronting race-based business programs • revised regulations and policies associated with minority business programs • new programs and strategies for minority business growth • legislative activities of stakeholders and Congress In addition, the Summit will include opportunities for stakeholder collaboration, business meetings and a congressional reception. With your participation, we can continue to build a strong global network of minority businesses, and strengthen and devise strategies designed to increase the capacity of MBEs so they are economically viable and sustainable into the future.

he purpose of the MBDA Summit is to bring minority entrepreneurs, thought leaders, practitioners and stakeholders together in for a single purpose: to strengthen public policies and programs directed at fostering the growth and competitiveness of minority business enterprises. Much energy and enthusiasm was generated during the first Summit last year and

8 T June 2010 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

Venue: Walter E. Washington Convention Center 1200 H Street NW Washington, DC 20012

Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week MED WEEK 2010

President Barack Obama is briefed about the situation along the Gulf Coast following the BP oil spill, at the Coast Guard Venice Center, in Venice, LA,. Pictured, from left, are U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Thad Allen, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism John Brennan, Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) to advise the Secretary of Commerce on key issues pertaining to the growth and competitiveness of the nation’s Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs).

August 23 - 27, 2010 Omni Shoreham Hotel Washington, DC

ational MED Week is the major conference dedicated to empowering minority business owners with the knowledge and tools necessary for success. The theme for MED Week 2010 is “Strategies for Growth and Competitiveness in the Global Economy”.

New Advisory Council Established

he Department of Commerce announces the establishment of the National Advisory Council on Minority Business Enterprise (NACMBE). The purpose of the NACMBE is

Disaster Contracting Assistance Center (DCAC) The Disaster Contracting Assistance Center (www.disastercontractingassistance.gov) provides a central point of reference for businesses, especially minority-owned businesses, womenowned businesses and small- and medium-size enterprises, to register for and become aware of federal contracting opportunities. While the DCAC does not award contracts, our mission is to ensure that businesses understand the process and are aware when

opportunities become available.

Contractors Wanting to Assist in Cleanup in the Aftermath of a Disaster If you are a small business interested in helping with Federal response to a disaster, you will do three things: FIRST STEP: Register in the Central Contractor Registry at www.ccr.gov. Once you have accessed the website, go to “Help” link on the top of the page and read the CCR Handbook. It will tell you all the information you will need to register. To begin your registration go to the CCR Home page and select “Start a New Registration” on the left hand side of the page. At the end of the registration, small business will be asked to com-

9 T June 2010 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

see MBDA.GOV on page 11

MBDA.GOV from page 9

plete SBA’s Supplemental Page. For information on registration assistance, contact: Toll-Free Phone Nbr: 1-888-227-2423 Outside U.S.: 1-269-961-5757 DSN: 661-5757 CCR Email: ccr@bpn.gov Hours of Operation are 9 - 5 (EST) Monday - Friday. Voice mail messages will be taken if all lines are busy; all calls will be returned. SECOND STEP: Register in FEMA’s Debris Removal Contractor Registry (DRCR): https:// asd.fema.gov/inter/nerr/home.htm. FEMA has established a web-based Debris Removal Contractor Registry (DRCR), specifically for state and local governments to use to identify and pre-qualify available debris removal contractors. For questions or technical difficulties, please email fema-rims@ dhs.gov. All vendors interested in doing business with FEMA should send an e-mail to FEMA-Industry@dhs.gov. THIRD STEP: The Army Corps of Engineers also has its Disaster Resource Contractor Registry at http://www.lrl.usace.army. mil/DisasterEquip/ (firms must also be register in CCR). The Corps of Engineers has developed this contractor registry for assistance with their disaster response mission. The Corps of Engineers uses its engineering and contracting capabilities to support FEMA and other Federal, State and local government agencies in a wide variety of missions during natural and man-made disasters. Information in this registry will be used by Corps of Engineers offices that are looking for specific goods or services during emergencies. Submission of information is voluntary. Information will be considered For Official Use Only within the Federal government. Submission of information to this registry

DOES NOT expressly or implicitly commit the Federal government to procurement of products or services. For any questions regarding the Army Corps Contractor Registry, please email disasterresponsereg@ lrl02.usace.army.mil. Also, the following resources are available for assistance. FEDBIZOPPS Once you have registered with CCR, you can go to www.fedbizopps.gov. This is the single government point-ofentry for Federal government contract opportunities over $30,000. Managed by the General Services Administration, FedBizOpps allows businesses to sign up for e-mail notification of open contracts related to specified fields. At the website, on the right hand side, under Related Links, click on “Vendor Notification Services”, which will allow you to receive email alerts by contract number, classification or all contract notices. Information on registration assistance: You can reach the FedBizOpps Help Desk by clicking on the “Help Desk” link on the bottom of the FEDBIZOPPS web page, calling 877-472-3779 or sending an email to fbo.support@gsa.gov. The Help Desk is open between 8am and 6pm EST (M-F). Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) PTACs form a nationwide network of procurement professionals dedicated to providing you: www.aptac-us.org An understanding of the requirements of government contracting, and the know-how to obtain and successfully perform federal, state and local government contracts. At little or no cost, PTACs provide a wide range of assistance covering every phase of government contracting – from initial registrations through contract completion. Small Business Development Centers

Offer One-stop assistance to individuals and small businesses by providing a wide variety of information and guidance in local, easily accessible branch locations. For any other contracting opportunities, please contact the state, county, or other local municipalities in the area that you would like to do business in, to find out what is available and what their requirements may be.

Your Chance to Send Comments to Small Business Task Force

n April 26, 2010, President Obama established the Interagency Task Force on Federal Contracting Opportunities for Small Businesses to develop proposals and recommendations to ensure that small businesses, includTask Force public ing firms hearing on June 28, owned by 2010 from 1:00 women, minorities, p.m. – 4:00 p.m. in socially the auditorium of and economically the Department of d i s a d Commerce located at vantaged 1401 Constitution individuals, and Avenue, NW, serviceWashington, DC disabled veterans, 20230 have fair access to Federal Government contracting. MBDA is one of the federal agencies on the Task Force and welcomes this opportunity to advance the interests of the Nation’s more than four million minority-owned firms. In support of the Task Force, the Department of Commerce, along with the Office of Management and Budget and the Small Business Administration, is hosting a public hearing on June 28, 2010 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. in the auditorium of the Department of Commerce located at 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230. We welcome your views and rec-

11 T June 2010 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

see MBDA.GOV on page 47

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary

Statement By The President After Meeting With BP Executives THE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon, everybody. I just concluded a constructive meeting with BP’s chairman, Carl-Henric Svanberg, and I raised two issues at the meeting. First was the containment of the oil that is still spewing into the Gulf. As I mentioned last night, my administration has directed BP to mobilize additional equipment and technology, and in the coming days and weeks, these efforts should capture up to 90 percent of the oil that is leaking out of the well. Now, that’s not good enough. So we will continue to press BP and draw on our best minds and resources to capture the rest of the oil until the company finishes drilling a relief well later in the summer that is expected to stop the leak completely. The second topic revolved around the issue of claims. As I traveled across the Gulf I heard growing frustration over the pace at which claims had been paid. And I also heard concerns about whether BP will make resources available to cover legitimate claims resulting from this disaster. So this discussion today was essential. Currently, under federal law, there is a $75 million cap on how much oil companies could under certain circumstances be required to pay for economic damages resulting from a spill such as this. That amount obviously would be insufficient. That’s why I’m pleased to announce that BP has agreed to set aside $20 billion to pay claims for damages resulting from this spill. This $20 billion will provide substantial assurance that the claims people and businesses have will be honored. It’s also important to emphasize this is not a cap. The people of the Gulf have my commitment that BP will meet its obligations to them. BP has publicly pledged to make good on the claims that it owes to the people in the Gulf, and so the agreement we reached sets up a financial and legal framework to do it. Another important element is that this $20 billion fund will not be controlled by either BP or by the government. It will be put in a escrow account, administered by an impartial, independent third party. So if you or your business has suffered an economic loss as a result of this spill, you’ll be eligible to file a claim for part of this $20 billion. This fund does not supersede either individuals’ rights or states’ rights to present claims in court. BP will also continue to be liable for the environmental disaster it has caused, and we’re going to continue to work to make sure that they address it. Additionally, BP voluntarily agreed to establish a $100 million fund to compensate unemployed oil rig workers affected by the closure of the deepwater rigs. We’ve mutually agreed that Ken Feinberg will run the independent claims process we’re putting in place. And there will be a three-person panel to adjudicate claims that are turned down. Every effort will be made to expedite these claims. Ken has long experience in such matters, including running the fund that compensated the victims of 9/11. And I’m confident he will ensure that claims are administered as quickly, as fairly, and as transparently as possible. BP’s liabilities for this spill are significant -- and they acknowledge that fact. We will continue to hold BP and all other responsible parties accountable. And I’m absolutely confident BP will be able to meet its obligations to the Gulf Coast and to the American people. BP is a strong and viable company and it is in all of our interests that it remain so. So what this is about is accountability. At the end of the day, that’s what every American wants and expects. The structure we’re establishing today is an important step towards making the people of the Gulf Coast whole again, but it’s not going to turn things around overnight. And I want all Americans to know that I will continue to fight each and every day until the oil is contained, until businesses recover, and until the Gulf Coast bounces back from this tragedy, as I know it will. One last point. During a private conversation with Chairman Svanberg I emphasized to him that for the families that I met with down in the Gulf, for the small business owners, for the fishermen, for the shrimpers, this is not just a matter of dollars and cents; that a lot of these folks don’t have a cushion. They were coming off Rita and Katrina; coming off the worst economy that this country has seen since the Great Depression, and this season was going to be the season where they were going to be bouncing back. Not only that, but this happened, from their perspective, at the worst possible time, because they’re making their entire income for the year in the three or four months* during which folks can take their boats out, people are coming down for tourism. And so I emphasized to the chairman that when he’s talking to shareholders, when he is in meetings in his boardroom, to keep in mind those individuals; that they are desperate; that some of them, if they don’t get relief quickly, may lose businesses that have been in their families for two or three generations. And the chairman assured me that he would keep them in mind. That’s going to be the standard by which I measure BP’s responsiveness. I think today was a good start, and it should provide some assurance to some of the small business owners and individuals down in the Gulf who I was visiting with that BP is going to meet its responsibilities. But I indicated to the chairman that, throughout this process, as we work to make sure that the Gulf is made whole once again, that the standard I’m going to be applying is whether or not those individuals I met with, their family members, those communities that are vulnerable, whether they are uppermost in the minds of all concerned. That’s who we’re doing this work for. All right. Thank you very much, everybody.

BARACK OBAMA

Response to the Deepwater BP Oil Spill Claims and Escrow Fact Sheet INDEPENDENT CLAIMS FACILITY A new, independent claims process will be created with the mandate to be fairer, faster, and more transparent in paying damage claims by individuals and businesses. • To assure independence, Kenneth Feinberg, who previously administered the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, will serve as the independent claims administrator. • The facility will develop standards for recoverable claims that will be published. • A panel of three judges will be available to hear appeals of the administrator’s decisions. • The facility is designed for claims of individuals and businesses who have been harmed by the oil spill; local, state, tribal, and federal government claims will continue to be handled directly by BP. • The facility will decide all claims as expeditiously as possible, and in any event within the existing statutory timeframe. • Dissatisfied claimants maintain all current rights under law, including the right to go to court or to the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund. • Decisions under current law by the independent claims facility shall be binding on BP. • All claims adjudicated under this facility have access to the escrow account for payment.

ESCROW ACCOUNT BP has agreed to contribute $20 billion over a four-year period at a rate of $5 billion per year, including $5 billion within 2010. BP will provide assurance for these commitments by setting aside $20 billion in U.S. assets. •

BP has reaffirmed its commitment to pay all removal costs and damages that it owes as a responsible party. It will not assert any liability cap under OPA to avoid liability.

•

The creation of the escrow account will provide assurance to the public that funds will be available to compensate the injured.

•

This account is neither a floor nor a ceiling on liability.

•

The escrow account is to be used to pay claims adjudicated by the independent claims facility, as well as judgments and settlements, natural resource damage costs, and state and local response costs.

VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION FOR RIG WORKERS • •

BP will contribute to a foundation $100 million to support unemployed oil rig workers. The Administration’s May legislative proposal would create a new program of unemployment assistance, modeled after the Disaster Unemployment Assistance Program, to provide benefits to workers who lose their jobs as a result of a spill of national significance.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH MONITORING • •

BP has previously committed $500 million for the ten-year Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative to improve understanding of the impacts of and ways to mitigate oil and gas pollution. As a part of this initiative, BP will work with governors, and state and local environmental and health authorities to design the long-term monitoring program to assure the environmental and public health of the Gulf Region.

Deepwater Horizon Incident Joint Information Center Phone: (985) 902-5231 (985) 902-5240

www.peirsystem.com/go/site/2931 www.whitehouse.gov 13 T June 2010 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

Gov. Schwarzenegger Announces Contract Agreements with Four State Employee Unions

Significant Reforms Include Rolling Back 1999 Pension Increases and Requiring At Least 10 Percent Employee Pension Contributions

overnor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced tentative contract agreements with four state employee unions that include significant first steps toward pension reform and reining in the state’s growing pension costs. The agreements roll back the expansion of pension benefits adopted in SB 400 in 1999 and will move pension contributions for all employees in the four unions to a minimum of 10 percent, among the highest employee contribution levels in the nation. “I am absolutely committed to getting pension reform done because we cannot continue down this unsustainable path that has taxpayers on the hook for $500 billion in debt,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “I applaud these four unions for stepping up and taking these

first steps in helping to reform our state’s out-of-balance pensions and I encourage other public employee unions to negotiate on behalf of their members and California taxpayers. I will continue to fight for taxpayers and work with

any union that comes forward and is ready to negotiate reforms.” The four union agreements include a major step towards pension reform in rolling back retirement formulas used to calculate pension payments for new employees by: · Requiring new employees to work additional years to receive full benefits · Basing final retirement compensation on the highest three years of wages instead of the highest year, ending pension “spiking” in the last year of work · Increasing the amount employees must contribute toward their retirement to a minimum of 10 percent The current formulas, negotiated under the prior administration and enacted into law by the legislature in 1999, have been responsible for driving up

the state’s unfunded pension liability and creating unsustainable pension benefits. Just today, California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) voted to increase the state’s required contributions towards pensions

by an estimated $600 million in fiscal year 2010-11. In addition to the pension changes, unions agreed to the Governor’s proposed employee compensation savings for next year in his January budget proposal. On top of agreeing to increased employee pension contributions, unions agreed to one day of unpaid personal leave per month during fiscal year (FY) 2010-11, the equivalent of just under a 5 percent pay cut. The Administration is already moving forward with the remaining five percent reduction in the cost of the state workforce payroll through Executive Order S-01-10, which requires all department directors to reduce their payrolls by 5 percent. These agreements are projected to save the state $72 million in

FY 2010-11. If similar agreements are reached with the state’s eight other employee unions, state savings in FY 2010-11 would total $2.2 billion, $1.2 billion General Fund. see Recovery.CA on page 22

15 T June 2010 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

16 T June 2010 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

Haiti’s Haiti Community Hospital (HCH) Update by Josiane Hudicourt-Barnes

ere we are at the beginning of May and it will son be 4 months since the Earthquake hap-

pened. The frantic pace of emergency care has abated and the hospital is quiet after 2 pm every day. In the morning the outpatient clinics are crowded but there are few hospitalized patients, few mothers giving brith. I haven’t seen a baby in the neonatal room for more than 2 weeks. The ICU is empty and the emergency room is often very quire. People have to pay for care at HCH and people don’t have money. Only 2 patients are left from the Earthquake:

15 year-old Judeline with her multiple traumas, and Anese, the first time mom and amputee. Anese’s baby boy is two weeks old now and she is just waiting for a spon in a tent camp that the Organization for International Migration promised to find for her. Judeline is likely to trave to the USA for further treatment. Djimmy, the boy with the external fixator in the photos on our website (www. haitihosp.com), finally had his fixator removed by Dr. Bernard this week. The wound care area in the first courtyard is no longer in use, and La Pepinniere replanted flowers and plants in the two

viders, and referring patients to Handicap International for prostheses, until we get our own lab. The Swedish and Colombian delegation that will help us with the prosthesis workshop arrives next week. Meanwile HCH will be featured for a few moments at the end of this Sunday’s (May 2) Extreme Makeover Home Edition. The family who is getting the new home has a double amputte girl who donated two of her old prostheses to Renane, our poster child from the thank you note, and to another little girl named Louisemil. Since the last week’s news spotlighted the bankruptcy of Hatian private hospitals, HCH feels lucky. We have had no lay-offs and we are still working.

courtyards. We had a paintinf crew two weekends ago freshening up the staircase walls and the coffee area walls, and we had a mural painted on the far wall of the main courtyard. Three weeks ago, Rainmaker guys built a wood and tarp structure over the concrete platform next to the ER entrance for the Global Therapy Group to have their own work space. Judeline is their main patient with 2 one-hour sessions every day. Judeline has been transformed by the therapist. She no longer has to be begged to get out of bed, and she smiles all the time. Most other physical therapy cliens are outpatients who walk in for help or in-patient stroke victims. Gobal Therapy is in for the long haul and is making connections with other pro-

You, our great friends and relatives in the United States, Canada, Haiti, and the world have sent us contributions. Thanks to all of you, we made our payrolls and bagan to pay our bills without charging patients for 3 full months. We even bought a tiny box van to do errands because the hospital truck can no longer be repaired. We also continued to feed a meal of rice and beans every day to patients and staff. April 12th was a very upsetting day because we began charging patients. Charges at HCH are usually 10-15% of the cost of a fully private hospital ($4 per visit, $6 per hospitalization bed) but is is still money that folks don’t have. The hospital emptied out and the emergency room became quiet. Today there are 20 hospitalized patients. The few earthquake victims left in hospital were allowed to remain for free. Outpatients from the erthquake will also continue receiving free services. Thankfully, this week we received a grant from Direct Relief International for $25,000 to continue some free services for 3 months. We will continue to have an outdoor

17 T June 2010 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

see Help For Haiti on page 49

You’re invited! June 10, 2010

meet the buyers

Metro’s Strategic Business Unit (SBU) Chiefs and Procurement Sta=

Thursday, June 10, 2010 9:00am – 12 noon Metro Headquarters Plaza Level One Gateway Plaza Los Angeles, CA Sponsored by:

Metro and the Transportation Business Advisory Council (TBAC) This is an excellent opportunity for all small businesses to meet Metro’s SBU Chiefs, Project Managers, Buyers and Contract Administrators in Communications, Construction/Project Management, Audit Services, Administrative Services, Planning, Financial Services, Bus and Rail Operations for upcoming contract opportunities. TBAC is comprised of 15 business organizations that represent hundreds of small business owners, many of whom are certiﬁed to do business with Metro.

Metro CEO Art Leahy and the Metro Board of Directors have long supported contracting with small businesses on Metro contracts. We look forward to seeing you there. Please save the date!

Please respond to Lizette Garcia via email at garciael@metro.net. Remember to give the company name, address, phone number and the name of attendee(s).

NBA 2011 All-Star Game Management is Seeking Minority Vendors NOW! Sunday, February 20, 2011 • Staples Center, Los Angeles

he 2011 NBA All-Star Game and associated festivities will be held in Los Angeles at the Staples Center. Vendor opportunities for the 3-day program of events abound, however, vendors interested in providing services for this special event must register and be approved. Registration begins on May 17, 2010. The NBA All-Star Vendor Diversity Program of the National Basketball Association (NBA) has been providing opportunities to Woman and Minority owned vendors to participate in the All-Star procurement process for over a decade. Working in partnership with local certifying agencies and business advocacy groups the NBA will identify woman and minority-owned businesses in the Greater Los Angeles area. Through the efforts of these partners the NBA will disseminate information and applications to the local business community. Upon completion of the application process a Woman and Minority Vendor Database will be available on the NBA All-Star Vendor Diversity web-site. This database will serve as a resource for NBA Staff, Partners, and Primary Contractors seeking to procure goods and services for All-Star. While participation in the program does

not guarantee a bid opportunity it does provide on-going information on the procurement process and through the guide introduces these business to potential purchasers for All-Star and its related activities. The first step in the process is to complete the application on the All-Star Vendor Diversity at www.nba.com/allstarvendordiversity. In addition to the application, you will find FAQ, Vendor Guide, Certifying Agencies and Green Iniative information. The vendor services required include but may not be limited to: Advertising • Public Relations Marketing • Audio / Visual Catering • Florist Construction / Building Materials Courier Services • Electrical Services Drug Testing / Medical Supplies Employment Services - Temporary Staffing Event Management • Fencing Furniture Rental Gifts (items, baskets) • Graphic Design Hardware Suppliers IT • Telecomm Janitorial Services Supplies Office Machines/Rental Copiers, etc. Office Supplies • Painters Photography Printing: Banners, Signs, Invitations

Minority Vendor Registration Began May 17, 2010 Ends September 1, 2010 Promotional Products Security Services Shipping • Trucking Transportation: Bus - Car Services Warehouse Space • Waste Removal &

www.nba.com/allstarvendordiversity

19 T June 2010 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

Congratulations to the Honorees

U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION AND LOS ANGELES AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HONOR COMPANIES AND ENTREPRENEURS DRIVING ECONOMIC RECOVERY Thirteen small business owners and champions will be honored at the 29th Annual Small Business Awards in conjunction with National Small Business Week Observance The 29th Annual Small Business Awards go to 13 distinguished entrepreneurs and business champions in recognigtion of the concept that Small business is the engine of the Los Angeles economy. The SBA and the L.A. Area Chamber are proud to recognize the small business successes that are helping to accelerate economic recovery in the region and across the nation.

Award Recipients Small Business Person of the Year: Igor Pasternak, Worldwide Aeros Corp. (Montebello, CA) Small Business Exporter of the Year: Viken K. Momdjian, Vitamec USA, Inc. (Van Nuys, CA) Innovation Through Technology Business of the Year: Saskia Strick, International Checkout, Inc. (Van Nuys, CA) Family-Owned Business of the Year: Pete F. Huntsinger, Huntsinger Ranch, Inc. (Santa Clarita, CA) Small Business Journalist of the Year: John Krikorian, Business Life Magazine (Glendale, CA) Women in Business Champion (tie): R. Christine Hershey, Hershey/Cause (Santa Monica, CA) Women in Business Champion (tie): Shen Yen, Sansonic Electronics (USA), LLC (El Monte, CA) Veteran Small Business Champion: William M. Connell, All American Surf Dogs (Carpinteria, CA) Financial Services Champion: David M. Mellman, USC Credit Union (Los Angeles, CA) Minority Small Business Champion: Patricia Gracia, Power Media Group (Santa Clarita, CA) Entrepreneurial Success Award: Jay Kim, Tornado Air Management (Temecula, CA) Small Business Development Center Service Excellence and Innovation Award: Star Van Buren, Director, El Camino College SBDC (Hawthorne, CA) Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Business Center of Excellence: Marlen G. Bello, Director, Valley Economic Development Center (VEDC) (Van Nuys, CA)

A full listing of the 2010 award winners with bios is available at: http://www.sba.gov/ca/la/index.html.

21 T June 2010 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

Recovery.CA from page 15

The Governor’s Administration will continue to negotiate in good faith with the unions on all aspects of the pension reform measures. However, Governor Schwarzenegger has indicated he will not sign a budget without four elements of pension reform that must be done legislatively separate and apart from any memorandums of understanding: 1. Roll back the expansion of pension benefits adopted in Senate Bill 400 (Chapter 555, Statutes of 1999) for all new hires upon adoption by the legislature. 2. Permanent five percent increase in employee pre-tax contribution toward retirement benefits. 3. Calculate the retirement rate based on the highest three years of wages during employment instead of the highest single year. 4. Require CalPERS’s chief actuary to submit a report to the legislature describing how contributions would change if a lower investment return was assumed and the impact on future state budgets

if CalPERS fails to achieve its assumed investment return, and have that report evaluated by a qualified third party. The tentative agreements announced today cover 23,000 employees represented by the California Association of Highway Patrolmen (CAHP), California Department of Forestry Firefighters (CDFF), California Association of Psychiatric Technicians (CAPT) and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). All four agreements would require current and future employees to pay more of their own money into the pension plan, which reduces the state’s costs. For the Miscellaneous category, employees’ contribution would increase from 5 to 10 percent of pay; for the Safety category, it would increase from 6 to 11 percent; for the Firefighters, it would increase from 6 to 10 percent; and for the CHP officers, it would increase from 8 to 10 percent. In addition, the CHP officers agreed that in 2013 they will resume pre-funding their members’ retiree health benefits in an amount equal to 2 percent of their pay. Their union was the first to begin prefunding retiree health benefits in an amendment to their contract last year.

The CAHP agreement is for July 3, 2010 to July 3, 2013. The CDFF agreement is for July 1, 2010 to July 1, 2013. The agreements with CAPT and AFSCME would run from July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2012. The agreements are subject to ratification by union members and the legislature.

Governor Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Los Angeles’ Efforts to Retain Businesses and Create Jobs

overnor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement after joining Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to announce the city’s proposal of a Business Tax Holiday and that Baxter’s BioScience business, a biotechnology company, has decided to continue its investment in California, a decision based largely on the recent expansion of the East Los Angeles Enterprise Zone:

614 W. 7th Street (between Grand and Olive) L.A. 90014 • 213 612-0107 The coupon expires 6-01-10 and is for Dine-in Only. View our full menu at Sandellasdowntown.com. 22 T June 2010 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

Higher Education Leaders Receive TCWF Champions of Health Professions Diversity Award

hree extraordinary higher education leaders have been honored as the 2010 Champions of Health Professions Diversity by The California Wellness Foundation (TCWF). University of California San Diego Asso-

Sandra Daley, MD ciate Chancellor Sandra P. Daley has advocated for academic enrichment programs that reach disadvantaged students, as early as in middle school, who are interested in health and science careers. Stanford University’s Ronald D. Garcia developed a nationally recognized admissions procedure that considers the whole path a student applicant has taken, leveling the playing field and increasing the diversity of the student population. Jeffrey S. Oxendine, at the University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health, uses

his background in business and public health to create programs that develop and increase diversity in the health workforce. TCWF honored these three leaders at its eighth annual “Champions of Health Professions Diversity Award” ceremony in San Francisco. In recognition of their efforts to reach out, mentor and support disadvantaged students preparing for health careers, the honorees each received a cash award of $25,000. Increasing California’s health workforce and its diversity is important for improving the health of Californians. Our state’s population continues to grow and, by 2020, it will be older and significantly more ethnically and racially diverse. Already there are shortages of workers in nearly all sectors of the health workforce. A workforce that mirrors the racial and ethnic diversity of California will provide the cultural competence and language proficiency necessary to provide high-quality health care for all Californians. “Given the changing demographics of our state and the current shortage of health workers, we must encourage and support young people in California to consider pursuing jobs and careers in health fields,” said Gary L. Yates, TCWF president and CEO. “These leaders have pioneered programs and policies that track, support and guide students on a path from underresourced schools to higher education and health professions.”

Sandra P. Daley is the associate chancellor and chief diversity officer at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Daley also serves as director and principal investigator for the UCSD Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP), which provides academic support and resources to underrepresented and low-income students beginning in the seventh grade. HCOP has achieved impressive results, with more than 90 percent of participants entering college and more than 30 percent of those college graduates continuing on to graduate or professional school. “Higher education is incredibly important to our society from so many vantage points,” Daley said. “The data show that for each and every student who attends and graduates from college with a bachelor’s degree, our state gets a return on its investment 10 years after the student graduates. Supporting higher education makes economic sense.” Ronald Garcia, PhD Ronald D. Garcia is the assistant dean of minority affairs and program director of the Center of Excellence in Cultural Diversity at the Stanford University School of Medicine. Garcia is a senior lecturer at Stanford’s Center for Education in Family and Community Medicine and the associate director and director of admissions of the Primary Care Associate Program, offered jointly by Stanford University Medical Center and Foothill College. He pioneered a nationally recognized, higher education admissions procedure that looks at “distance traveled” by students in order to increase diversity in medical and health professional schools. “The Association of American Medical Colleges is looking for new ways to evaluate medical school applications,” Garcia said. “We’ve been doing that at Stanford for the past 20 years. We examine the context of a candidate’s achievement in terms of his or her economic, social, educational, geographical, racial, ethnic and linguistic background.” Jeffrey Oxendine, MBA, MPH Jeffrey S. Oxendine is the associate dean of public health practice and

Sandra Daley, MD

23 T June 2010 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

see TCWF Champions on page 37

Recovery.CA from page 22

“I applaud Mayor Villaraigosa and the city of Los Angeles on their continuing efforts to bring companies and jobs to the Los Angeles area. For our economy to recover we need the private sector to add jobs, and the proposed Business Tax Holiday and recent expansion of the East Los Angeles Enterprise Zone are two surefire ways to do exactly that. It’s great news that Baxter’s BioScience business has decided to continue its investment and preserve jobs right here in California as a direct result of the East Los Angeles Enterprise Zone expansion, and I look forward to celebrating the passage of the Business Tax Holiday and the new businesses it will bring to California.” &

Soul D’Licious

Southern Cooking with a Creole Twist

Chef D’

Executive Chef/Owner 562-326-6863 • Chefsouldlicious@yahoo.com www.souldlicious.net

A taste that will have your Soul begging for more.

Catering to your Soul... Corporate Events • VIP Presentations Movie/Video Sets • Wedding/Baby Showers Special Events • Private Chef Banquets Full Service Catering & Seasons Company, We Come to You…

President’s Message

In Memory of Alphonso (“THE FREEDOM MAN”) Edgar Hamilton from page 3

in 1994 for South Africa, America’s current socioeconomic climate requires a broader level of understanding regarding all aspects of race and gender in supplier inclusion processes. There are some who believe in setting goals for specific races and ethnicities of contract bidders, assuming that contract-awarded business owners belonging to designated racial classifications will hire like people as employees once their deals have been achieved. However, post contract award management by the public and private sectors that would encourage or monitor hiring along racial lines is not transparent enough, with firms not being asked to disclose their ethnic or unemployed hiring patterns s part of contract award requirements. This almost universal flaw in equitable supply chain management approaches can be seen throughout the cities of America where commercial corridors are eroding and unemployment rates among African Americans are near those of the Great Depression era. In South Africa, in preparation for the World Cup, transparency in contracting and hiring was well documented in the building of five new football stadiums and remodeling five existing ones. Labor unions, political groups, and grassroots organizations all knew the pay increments for every job available, and contractors were encouraged and monitored to train and hire local residents for each contract. In essence, this was a prime example for the world to view the practice of transparency in contracting. Here in America, there are a select sole points of influence that want to limit annual spend goals for black-owned business suppliers to the level related to their population percentage of the respective state where they receive business. For example, in California there are those who suggest that the annual

17th September 1946 – 1st June 2010 BBA Member and Champion Full Name: Born: Passed: Age: Location: Country: Father: Mother: Birth Place: Spouse: Children:

Alphonso Edgar Hamilton 17th September 1946 1st June 2010 63 years of age Bakersfield, California The United States Willie George Hamilton Aldean “Williams” Hamilton Flint, Michigan Betty Hamilton Cometrice Denise, Alphonzo Earl, Andre’, Omar, Tony, Simone’ and Eric Siblings: Lonnie (deceased), Ronald, Donald (deceased), and Michael Occupation: Publisher Alphonso was not just your average Publisher/Community Activist/ Civic Leader. His mottos, including “JUST CLIP THE COUPONS” and “SAY FREEDOM!”, were his beliefs as well. He was a peopleperson who shined when it came to helping others in the community. His work ethics, along with exceptional community volunteer involvements, speak to Alphonso’s life-long goals. Alphonso has been praised by elected officials, scholars, and other civic leaders of Los Angeles for his diligence and superb ability to form and nurture relationships. Alphonso received numerous honors and awards in recognition of his outstanding service to the community. To those who knew him, he was widely viewed as a dedicated humanitarian who strived to keep people informed about the importance of Black History, “The Freedom Deserved”, and the value of Family Relationships. His striving for Equality ignited his drive towards achieving and maintaining excellence. Alphonso was a perfectionist by nature, who dedicated his life towards FREEDOM for all. My father was no more a perfect person than the next, but was perfect in his dreams and desires to help with his making a difference to all who knew and shared his visions. Though he never claimed to be a self-righteous man he left a remarkable imprint on the lives of all who knew and loved him. I’ll miss him but do know his spirit shall never die. Keep his joy alive. “JUST SAY FREEDOM”! His Eldest Child, Cometrice

see President’s Message on page 38

26 T June 2010 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

Small Business Transportation Resource Center-SW

Business Development:

Getting to That Paperless Office - It’s

Worth It

Learn more about the US Department of Transportation’s Financial Assistance Programs

by Samuel Greengard

Teleconference Free Workshops

Short-Term Lending & Bonding Assistance

consider it nothing short of a cruel irony that my paperless office is overflowing with paper. Piles and piles of paper. Documents, invoices, advertisements, catalogs, brochures, business cards, receipts, and assorted flotsam and jetsam. Sorry, I refuse to file things that I’ll probably never want to retrieve anyway. Bulletin: computers are pretty good at handling all this stuff. Everything I actually want stays in the computer, goes on a personal cloud, and it’s all accessible via my laptop and iPhone. I have search tools to find data and documents quickly. Yet, apparently, I’m one of only a handful of people in the Western Hemisphere who hates paper. Xerox found that, on average, U.S. office workers print 10,000-12,000 sheets of paper per year. Paper consumption in the U.S. has tripled over the last decade. We now blast through more than 700 billion sheets of paper annually. (Read this article = www.informit.com/articles/ article.aspx?p=1338346). I still hear about people printing all their e-mails! And how often do I receive an invoice or statement through the mail when a PDF would do just fine? Um...let’s see...every single day. Meanwhile, accounts payable departments can’t figure out how to set up EFTs and Apple seems to be the only major brick-and-mortar retailer that can e-mail me a receipt. It’s downright pathetic that in an era of business intelligence, document management systems, mobile devices, e-signatures and electronic funds transfers this is the best we can do.

Date

Time

Wednesday, February 10 Friday, March 19 Thursday, April 22 Thursday, May 13 Wednesday, June 23

3:45 – 5:15 PM 2:00 – 3:30 PM 3:45 – 5:15 PM 3:00 – 4:30 PM 3:45 – 5:15 PM

RSVP is required. Only 20 people will be invited per teleconference call. Reservations are taken on a first come, first served basis. Please reserve a date and time. RSVP to Carrolyn Kubota, Project Director, at (415) 348-6262 or via email at carrolyn@uspaacc.com. Once you receive confirmation, you will be informed of the teleconference number and pass code. Our SBTRC-Southwest office is operated by the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization’s (OSDBU) Regional Partnership Division of the US DOT in an effort to increase the number of small businesses that are prepared to compete for, and enter into, transportation-related opportunities. Our purpose is to offer a comprehensive delivery system of business training, technical assistance, and dissemination of information targeted toward transportation-related small business enterprises within the Southwest region.

Instead of finding reasons why you can’t get rid of paper, let’s think about how we can do so--and save a pile of money in the process. Most companies have already figured out that they can post statements online and pocket a chunk of change by reducing mailing costs. But wait, there’s more... Businesses can crumple the paper jam and reap huge productivity gains by viewing matters in a more holistic way. According to the Association for Information and Image Management, the lifecycle cost of a typical document is over $20. I’m not advocating the elimination of paper but it is certainly feasible to reduce it, merge two parallel universes, and wind up with more efficient and cost effective processes.

How to transform paper into pixels? 1). Build effective document management systems and develop efficient workflows. Make it easy for workers to transfer PDF files across systems and devices, including smartphones. (Go to this site for more information = www. consulting.xerox.com/thought-leadership/document-technologies/enus. html)

2). Establish policies that dictate how people will handle documents and data. 3). Make printing a bit of a hassle. If you have to walk across the office you might think twice about printing 22 calendar items on separate sheets of pa-

27 T June 2010 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

see Paperless Oﬃce on page 47

MYTHS ABOUT WILLS, TRUSTS & PROBATE 7 Costly Mistakes You Cannot Afford to Make! Our FREE SEMINAR Will Show You How Can Avoid… 1. PROBATE DELAYS and needless expenses!

MYTH: Estate Planning is just for the Wealthy

FACT: These mistakes can happen to any of us, and a proper estate plan can help avoid them

2. INHERITANCE LOSS for your children in case of a 2nd marriage or blended family!

3. ESTATE TAXES – give your money to your family instead!

4. LOSS of FAMILY HOME and assets from skyrocketing nursing home costs!

5. LOSS of IRA or 401k benefits!

6. LOST ASSETS if your

You can EASILY avoid these MISTAKES and GAIN the CONTROL and SECURITY you and your family deserve today.

Myths About Wills, Living Trusts & Probate Seminars

Los Angeles Airport Area Saturday, June 5

TO LEARN MORE… REGISTER FOR ONE OF OUR FREE SEMINARS TODAY!

children divorce or they are inexperienced in managing money!

10:00 am – 12:30 pm Westchester Loyola Library 7114 W. Manchester Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90045

Saturday, June 26

7. WRONG CHOICE between Wills and Living Trusts learn which is right for you!

Attend a FREE SEMINAR and Receive a FREE CONSULTATION $375 value!

Hosted by:

CAPRICE L. COLLINS COLLINS LAW GROUP An Estate Planning Law Firm 3330 West Manchester Boulevard Inglewood, CA 90305 Attorney CAPRICE L. COLLINS is a Harvard Law School graduate and a noted speaker on Estate and Legacy Wealth Planning. Her seminars are entertaining, informative and easy-to-understand. The Collins Law Group is the only member of the prestigious American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys in the South Bay and Greater Los Angeles areas.

10:00 am – 12:30 pm Westchester Loyola Library 7114 W. Manchester Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90045

REFRESHMENTS AND CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST SERVED

Seating is Limited! Call or Register Online!

(310) 677-9787 ext. 10 | www.collinslawgroup.com

Financial Planning:

Keeping Your Vacation Home in the Family by Caprice L. Collins, Esquire

acation homes hold a special place in our hearts. Everyone with a vacation home in the family has memories of special times shared with family and friends. Summer weekends and holidays at the lake or mountain home give a rare chance for families and friends to bond without the distractions of the outside world. But, without careful planning, the vacation home can tear families apart after the passing of the parents. That’s what happened to the Jackson family. Bob and Jean had purchased a lake home shortly after they got married. They spent precious times there with their children and grandchildren. It’s where their son, Bobby, took his first steps and where their daughter, Lisa, learned to fish and appreciate the outdoors. They spent most holidays and special occasions at the lake. But when Bob and Jean died, Bobby and Lisa could not agree on how to divide the property. Their parents’ Trust said each should get ½ the value. But did that mean they needed to sell the property? Who would pay for the upkeep and do the work? If they kept it, who could use it during the holidays? Understandably, they both were emotionally attached to it. The lake home’s increased value compounded the problem because it represented the majority of the economic value left by their parents. When

way to plan for your vacation home – like having a shared use agreement in your estate plan. Not planning, or not planning with sufficient provisions for the vacation home, like the Jacksons, is the wrong way to plan. A qualified estate planning attorney, who focuses his or her practice in estate planning, can help you keep it in the family while avoiding family discord. & www.collinslawgroup.com

the arguments escalated, the fight became more bitter and it finally ended up in court. The judge ordered a sale of the lake home. Due to inadequate planning, the Jacksons’ cherished lake home did not stay in the family but, rather, tore the family apart. But, this horrible outcome could have been avoided. Since both their kids wanted the lake home, they could have had their Trust specify a shared use arrangement. The arrangement could have specified a method to divide the use and the expenses. Their Trust could have provided a fund for shared expenses. In other family situations, life insurance could provide the liquidity to allow the vacation home to go to one child while other assets went to others. Whether your vacation home is a cottage or an estate, by the water or in the mountains, a time share or a ranch, your vacation home is an invaluable asset and the focal point of much of your family’s history. There is a right

Caprice L. Collins is a top rated Harvard Law School trained attorney, fellow alumni with President Elect Barack Obama and a noted speaker on Living Trusts and Estate Planning. Ms. Collins’ law practice is devoted exclusively to Estate/Business Planning and Trust Administration. She is the only South Bay/Central Los Angeles member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, a distinguished organization of attorneys recognized by Money Magazine and Suze Orman as a first choice for Estate Planning legal services. Her seminars are “inspiring, entertaining and easy-to-understand.”

OUR ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN OERP

Do Business with BBA Member Businesses & Advertisers

29 T June 2010 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

YOUR LINK TO AFRICAN AMERICAN BUSINESS OWNERS

CELEBRATING OVER 40 YEARS OF SERVICE

SPONSORSHIP PROPOSAL

presented by the

BLACK BUSINESS ASSOCIATION For more information, contact the Black Business Association at: (323) 291-9334 | mail@bbala.org | www.bbala.org

Financial Planning:

Marriage and Money: Planning for a Blissful Financial Future

reparing to tie the knot is an exciting time in a couple’s life—and an ideal occasion to start preparing for a secure financial future together. Before saying “I do,” couples should sit down to develop a financial strategy for the wedding and life beyond the big day. According to theweddingreport.com, approximately 2.2 million couples marry each year in the United States. Considered to be a once-in-a-lifetime occasion, a wedding is a major milestone, and consumers tend to allocate significant budgets to the event and related purchases. Even though theweddingreport.com reports a 24% decline from the 2007 average wedding cost of $28,704, the 2008 average was still significant at $21,814. The estimated 2008 wedding market value was $61.4 billion. “A wedding is expensive, but it doesn’t have to be a financial burden,” says Vicki Brackens, a financial services representative with MetLife. “With proper planning, couples can ensure that their finances add value to their relationship, rather than detract from their union. Ideally, couples should work toward financial stability to help their wealth grow with their love over time.” The following are tips for planning a successful marriage and financial future before saying “I do:” •

Review each other’s credit re-

•

• • • •

•

ports and monthly income statements; Discuss who will handle the day-to-day financial decisions such as paying bills, budgeting and saving for future goals, i.e. children’s college education, a home, and retirement; Create a detailed, written financial strategy; Decide whether you will have a joint bank account(s); Choose medical benefits policies; Complete or update wills; Review the beneficiaries on any retirement and saving accounts; and Consider buying life insurance policies to protect each other should anything happen to either person

For more information about how to begin building a stable financial future beyond the wedding, call 1-800-METLIFE to speak with an experienced representative or visit www.metlife.com to review the online resources for securing one’s financial well-being.

Vickie Brackens, MetLife

of insurance, employee benefits and financial services with operations throughout the United States and the Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific regions. Through its subsidiaries and affiliates, MetLife, Inc. reaches more than 70 million customers around the world and MetLife is the largest life insurer in the United States (based on life insurance in-force). The MetLife companies offer life insurance, annuities, auto and home insurance, retail banking and other financial services to individuals, as well as group insurance and retirement & savings products and services to corporations and other institutions. For more information, visit www.metlife.com.

About MetLife MetLife, Inc. is a leading provider

31 T June 2010 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

Rainbow PUSH LA Trade Bureau

The Rainbow PUSH LA Trade Bureau (RPC/Bureau) is focused on the implementation of economic, social, and education initiatives, as well as growing the office to become a strong voice for our constituents and Trade Bureau Members. Rainbow Push LA is connecting our Trade Bureau members with our Trading Partners for the purpose of doing business. Rainbow Push LA is committed to connecting our members to new opportunities that will not only bring us through the recession, but beyond it. Our innovative ideas are expressed through powerful programmatic pieces that are designed with everyone in mind. Please use the information below to contact the Los Angeles office to request a contact information form that may be completed then faxed or e-mailed to us. The information will reconnect us with you and will aid Mr. Israel in his upcoming meetings with corporate trading partners. Regina Black, Office Manager Rainbow PUSH/CEF Los Angeles, 1313 W. 8th Street, Suite 232, Los Angeles, CA 90017 Office Number: 213.483.3500 Fax Number: 213.483.3577 Email: rblack@rainbowpush.org Website: www.rainbowpushla.org

32 T June 2010 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

Where to go? There are forests, parks and play spaces all over the country. So no matter where you live, you won’t have to go very far to get outside. Find a place to get moving outside: Find forests and parks near you Enter your zip code or city and state and find nearby places to hike, bike, fish, camp and more. Find Federal lands, trails and waters (www.recreation.gov/welcome.

Let’s Move Outside!

do?topTabIndex=Home)

et’s Move Outside! is one of the ways we will work to meet our goal of solving the epidemic of childhood obesity within a generation. Kids need at least 60 minutes of active and vigorous play each day, and one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to meet this goal is by playing outside. Let’s Move Outside! gives parents the tools they need to get their families moving outdoors. By linking parents to nearby parks, trails and waters – and providing tips and ideas – Let’s Move Outside! will help families become healthier and develop a more active lifestyle. The U.S. Departments of the Interior (DOI) and Agriculture (USDA) are leading a coordinated Federal effort to get kids moving outside. Together, these agencies oversee more than one-fifth of the nation’s landmass, including nearly 200 million acres of National Forest, 84 million acres of National Parks, and over 60,000 miles of National Trails. Join First Lady Michelle Obama, along with doctors, teachers, land managers, community leaders, and others in this nationwide campaign to tackle the challenge of childhood obesity by unplugging and reconnecting outside.

Visit Recreation.gov and find national parks and recreational lands near you, even find your perfect camping site. Find a local playground (http://playspacefinder.kaboom.org/)

Search by location or play ground name and find a place to play in your community.

trails across all 50 states. One of the best ways to experience these trails is through local events and programs that bring people together in the great outdoors. A wealth of free, online resources is available to help your family plan an outdoor adventure and share your stories. Let’s Ride! Biking is a fun, family-friendly activity that can help improve endurance and balance. Use your bike as a means of “active transport” to get places faster and get healthier. Explore your community by bike to get your family active. Resources The National Trails System contains over 1,000 multipurpose recreational trails across all 50 states. One of the best ways to experience these trails is through local events and programs

What to do? Let’s Move Out- that bring people together in the great side Activities outdoors. A wealth of free, online reIdeas to get you started enjoying the great outdoors. Let’s Explore! Traveling by foot is a fun, easy and affordable way for your family to get moving and connect with the great outdoors. From a walk on the beach to a mountain hike, there are an infinite number of new places to explore. Activities like hiking and walking have been shown to improve cardiovascular health and build stronger bones. By incorporating these activities into your family’s routine, you will be on a healthier path. Resources The National Trails System contains over 1,000 multipurpose recreational

sources is available to help your family plan an outdoor adventure and share your stories. Let’s Swim! When the weather is warm, there is no better way to cool off – or get fit – than by splashing around. Swimming burns more calories per hour than almost any other activity, and has been shown to improve cardiovascular health and lead to greater strength and flexibility. It’s also low-impact, making it an ideal activity for people with disabilities or those recovering from an injury. Resources The Bureau of Reclamation works with Federal and non-Federal partners

33 T June 2010 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

see Let’s Move on page 34

Let’s Move from page 33

to provide quality recreation opportunities on lakes, reservoirs, and rivers across the 17 Western States. Opportunities for swimming and water sports abound at National Seashores and other units managed by the National Park Service. Let’s Play!

Active time in natural areas has also been shown to improve coordination, balance, and agility among young people. One of the easiest ways to ensure your children’s mental and physical health is to set aside time for play each day. Outdoor play can take place in a variety of settings, including nearby parks and open spaces, community gardens, or your own backyard. Encourage your

Kauffman Foundation to Accept Proposals for Entrepreneurship Dissertation Fellowship Grants Program will award grants of $20,000 each to 15 doctoral scholars The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation announced today that the 2010-2011 Kauffman Dissertation Fellowship Program’s online Request for Proposals is available now through Sept. 15, 2010. The Kauffman Foundation will award up to 15 Dissertation Fellowship grants of $20,000 each to Ph.D., D.B.A. or other doctoral students for the support of dissertations in the area of entrepreneurship.

“Since its establishment in 2003, the Kauffman Dissertation Fellowship Program has awarded fellowships to 108 world-class scholars,” said Robert J. Strom, Ph.D., director of Research & Policy at the Foundation. “The study of entrepreneurship has immediate applications for policymakers, educators, service providers and entrepreneurs, and we look forward to the 2010-2011 Fellows’ contributions to this exciting field.” This competitive program is open to students seeking doctoral degrees from accredited U.S. institutions of higher education. This program is intended for students who are in the process of formulating their dissertation proposals as well as doctoral candidates with recently approved dissertation proposals. It is expected that applicants will complete their dissertations by the conclusion of the 2011-2012 academic year. Graduate students interested in applying for the Kauffman Dissertation Fellowship Program can find the Request for Proposals online at www.kauffman. org/kdfp/. All proposals must be submitted via the online application by 7 p.m. Central on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010. Please direct all questions to kdfp@ kauffman.org. Recipients may use the grant to pay for costs associated with their dissertation, including data collection and analysis, databases, specialized hardware/ software and travel. & Contact: Lacey Graverson, 816-932-1116, lgraverson@kauffman.org, Kauffman Foundation

children to be creative and try new activities that will expand their minds and improve their health. Unstructured does not mean unsupervised: when your children go outside, make sure you know where they are and ensure that they’re not alone. Resources Outdoor play can take place in a variety of settings, including nearby parks and open spaces, community gardens, and your own backyard. Encourage your children to be creative and try new activities. Let’s Move Outside Programs “Let’s Go Outside” in a National Wildlife Refuge Imagine fields and forests, mighty rivers and wetlands, and snowcapped mountains; places where great bison rumble, wild orchids bloom, and millions of magnificent birds call home. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Wildlife Refuges encompass some of the country’s most scenic landscapes and provide homes for some of its most interesting creatures. These protected areas are an ideal place for families to connect with each other and with the natural world. Miles of trails provide safe, fun routes for hiking and biking, while a range of waterways, ponds, and marshes are open to swimming, canoeing and fishing. With some 552 locations across the country, the National Wildlife Refuge System offers something for everyone. One of the best ways to experience the wonders of a Refuge is through a guided tour or program. Each year, the Fish and Wildlife Service reaches millions of children and families through its “Let’s Go Outside” campaign, which offers environmental education and recreation components. Activities include everything from hiking and hunting to wildlife photography and fishing lessons. Visit a National Park and Become a Let’s Move Outside! Junior Ranger

34 T June 2010 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

see Let’s Move on page 61

Technology:

Take a Look! by LaSandra Stratton Check out what these firms and organizations have to offer for your personal interests, personal wealth building, and business expansion opportunities.

http://extranet.marvell.com/ moby/moby.jsp# Marvell created a fund to support the development of e-Learning software and applications for children all over the world. The Moby Tablet, expected to be priced at $100, supports high end features such as 1080p full-HD encode and decode, advanced 3D graphics capability, power-efficient Marvell 11n Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/FM/GPS connectivity, and multiple software standards including full Adobe Flash, Android™ and Windows Mobile. The tablet format computer is expected to be unveiled in eary 2011. Register at the website to receive updates. Jim Neusom (jneusom@yahoo.com) InterServe Networks/City Lights Software, Inc.

www.WordPress.org WordPress is a state-of-the-art publishing platform (blogging) with a focus on aesthetics, web standards, and usability. WordPress is both free and priceless at the same time. You can download WordPress 3.0 right now at WordPress.org, or upgrade

directly from your WordPress dashboard. The 13th major release of the immensely popular blogging software has been six months in the making by more than 200 contributors, and the highlighted new features include: • A new default theme called Twenty Ten • New APIs that allow for the easy implementation of custom backgrounds, headers, shortlinks, menus (no more file editing), post types and taxonomies • A new multi-site functionality that makes it possible to run one blog or 10 million from the same installation • A lighter interface • Contextual help on every screen • 1,217 bug fixes and feature enhancements • Bulk updates allowing users to upgrade 15 plugins at once There is also a video tutorial on the WordPress site that shows all of the new features.

http://convio.com Convio, a constituent engagement solution provider for non-profits, and payment service PayPal have announced an agreement that enables nonprofits to collect donations online. Convio currently provides services for 1,300 non-profits and those us-

ers will gain access to reporting tools and benefit from the discounted rates PayPal offers to 501(c)(3) charities. “By adding PayPal as an integrated donation option to their sites, the nonprofits we serve will have access to PayPal’s more than 84 million active accounts. We consistently heard from our nonprofits that they wanted to provide their donors with the convenience of PayPal,” said Sara Spivey, Chief Marketing Officer of Convio. There are currently 100,000-plus nonprofits collecting donations online through PayPal services for non-profits.

www.draper.com Diabetics monitoring their glucose levels may soon put the days of painful finger-sticks behind them. Instead, they can go through the one-time ordeal of getting inked with a nanoparticle tattoo. Heather Clark, a scientist at Draper Laboratories, has developed a nano ink particle that constantly samples glucose levels in the skin. Injected subcutaneously, the ink changes color in response to glucose content. The nano ink particles are tiny, squishy spheres about 120 nanometers across. Inside the sphere are three parts: the glucose detecting molecule, a color-changing dye, and another molecule that mimics glucose. If the molecules mostly latch onto glucose, the ink appears yellow. If glucose levels are low, the molecule latches onto the glucose mimic, turning the ink purple. A healthy level of glucose has a “funny orangey,” color, according to Clark. The sampling process repeats itself every few milliseconds.

http://blackboard.com/Mobile Blackboard has released Mobile Learn for Android-based phones; Apple iPhone and iPod; and BlackBerry devices. Mobile Learn includes two-way communication between students and teachers, access to gradebooks, blog access and commenting, discussion board participation, and student-tostudent e-mail communications. Mobile Learn is available now for higher education institutions in the United States and Canada. K-12 institutions and international users will be able to access the software beginning in August. It will be available for additional mobile platforms “later this year.” & Submitted by LaSandra Stratton BBA member, Chair of the BBA International Trade Committee.

35 T June 2010 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

Bakewell Family to Purchase LA Watts Times by Brandon I. Brooks

Fundamentals of Small Business Exporting -SCORE Los Angeles

his two hour workshop is designed to assist small business managers, owners, professionals and employees in exporting their products and services abroad and to prevent them from making costly mistakes. Discover how to take your business into the exciting international arena.

(l-r) Publishers Melanie Polk (LA Watts Times) and Danny J. Bakewell, Sr. (Los Angeles Sentinel) (Photo Credit: Brittani Tilford)

ublishers of two of Los Angeles’ most historic Black newspapers, Danny Bakewell, Sr., Publisher of the Los Angeles Sentinel and Melanie Polk, Publisher of the L.A. Watts Times announced that they are in the final stages of an exclusive negotiation for Bakewell Media to purchase the L.A. Watts Times. Los Angeles Sentinel Publisher and Chairman of Bakewell Media, Danny Bakewell, Sr. said, “I am proud and honored that Melanie chose me and my family to continue the great legacy of the Watts Times, its founders and her parents. We thank and applaud her for the great work she has done in making this newspaper one of Black L.A.’s finest.”

Melanie Polk, publisher of the LA Watts Times said, “The L.A. Watts Times has been a part of my life since I was very young and while it is bittersweet for me to move on, it has been my commitment to see that the L.A. Watts Times lives on. Long before Danny Bakewell purchased the Los Angeles Sentinel, he demonstrated his love and commitment for the Black press. Having witnessed and benefited from his work on our behalf, I am confident he will carry the L.A. Watts Times to new heights for our community and advertisers alike.”

Congratulations

Where & When Admission: $25.00 in advance, $35 at the door Date: Wednesday, June 23, 2010 Time: 10:00 am to noon Location: SCORE Classroom 330 N. Brand Blvd, Suite 190 Glendale, CA 91203 Parking is available in the parking structure for a fee of $9 per day. There is also metered parking on the street in front and on the side of the building.

Presenter: Ayse Oge is an International Trade Consultant, Speaker and Trainer. Ayse Oge taught Global Business at Long Beach City College and a Senior Consultant of the Center for International Trade Development, Long Beach. Ayse was a presenter on Global Business at the 2010 California Governor’s conference in Oakland, CA. Ayse Oge is also currently serving as Chairwomen of the Valley International Trade Association and her work has been featured by Business Week Online and Fox Business Online.

36 T June 2010 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

www.scorela.org

U.S. Commercial Service International Trade Webinar Schedule

The U.S. Commercial Service - Your Global Business Partner. With offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration uses its global Network and international resources to connect U.S companies with international buyers worldwide. If you have any questions about these initiatives, please contact your local U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist. To find the trade specialist nearest you please visit http:// www.buyusa.gov/home/us.html. Webinar Series: A Basic Guide to Exporting Venue: Your Computer Cost: $40.00 each webinar 1) Export Documentation for New to Export Date/Time: June 2, 2010; 2:00-3:00 PM ET Registration: https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration.jsp?SmartCode=0Q7N 2) Taking Advantage of NAFTA Date/Time: June 9, 2010; 2:00-3:00 PM ET Registration: https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration.jsp?SmartCode=0Q7P 3) Finding Harmonized Codes, Duties and Taxes Date/Time: June 16, 2010; 2:00-3:00 PM ET Registration: https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/new-

TCWF Champions from page 23

directs the Center for Public Health Practice at the University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health. He founded UC Berkeley’s Center for Multicultural Health and Center for Health Leadership, and serves as a faculty member in Health Policy and Management at the School of Public Health and the Haas School of Business. He is also co-founder and president of Health Career Connection (HCC), a nonprofit that has inspired and empowered more than 900 undergraduate students in California, New England and New York to discover and pursue health careers. “There are many programs where

WebinarRegistration.jsp?SmartCode=0Q7Q 4) Understanding Export Controls Date/Time: June 23, 2010; 2:00-3:00 PM ET Registration: https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration.jsp?SmartCode=0Q7R 5) Cashing in with U.S. Free Trade Agreements Date/Time: June 30, 2010 2:00-3:00 PM ET Registration: https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration.jsp?SmartCode=0Q7S 6) Using e-Commerce and Social Media Date/Time: July 7, 2010; 2:00-3:00 PM ET Registration: https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration.jsp?SmartCode=0Q83 Webinar: Terminating an International Distributor Venue: Your Computer Cost: $75.00 Date/Time: June 8, 2010; 9:00 a.m. PST, 12:00 noon EST Learn more/register: http://www.buyusa.gov/ict/termdistrib. html More Events and Conferences Find information on a series of up coming conferences and events focused on international trade issues and opportunities by searching www.buyusa.gov. &

students have defied the odds and achieved tremendous success,” Oxendine said. “Collectively, we need to support and replicate the many programs working effectively in middle schools, high schools, community colleges and beyond to help students understand their career options, level the playing field, and provide services along the way to make students successful.” The California Wellness Foundation is a private independent foundation created in 1992 with a mission to improve the health of the people of California by making grants for health promotion, wellness education and disease prevention. The Foundation prioritizes eight issues for funding: diversity in the health professions, environmental health, healthy aging, mental health, teenage pregnancy prevention, vio-

lence prevention, women’s health, and work and health. It also responds to timely issues and special projects outside the funding priorities. Since its founding in 1992, TCWF has awarded 5,828 grants totaling more than $735 million. Please visit TCWF’s website at www.calwellness. org for more information. &

37 T June 2010 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

AFRICA VILLAGE BY WOMEN 2010

Ratanga Junction - Capetown, South Africa June 5 - July 11, 2010

eading Women of Africa (www.leadingwomenofafrica.com) launches Africa Village By Women, 2010, the first of an annual cultural display representing Africa as a whole. The 32 day event takes places during the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup and opens on June 5, 2010 at Ratanga Junction, Century City, Cape Town - South Africa. Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, former President of Zambia, in support of this event, is ready to champion yet another noble cause to boost economic empowerment for women. The Africa Village by Women 2010 will include an EXPO and a number of proceedings, ranging from Gala dinners, executive breakfast and events, celebrating the rich and diverse cultures of Africa, together with music concerts, fashion shows and art exhibitions.

Africa Village By Women Event Line Up

President’s Message from page 26

spend goal for black-owned business enterprises be set at 6.5%, since that is the recorded number of blacks living in the state of California as of 2009. One immediate challenge to such a single point of influence is that this percentage excludes roughly 3%-5% of mixed heritage like the current U.S. President, who was last reported as being black. Presumably, by employing this type of business model in other states the annual spend goal would be roughly .05% if we lived and conducted business in Utah. The BBA fosters the belief that economic parity must remain at the forefront of supply chain outreach and contract engagement. In light of the fact that there would have been a far greater number of blacks living and owning businesses in America had racial discrimination and Jim Crow laws not taken place for so long, the ill-effects from that lamentable governance in this country still prevail when you check out the scarcity of blacks among current corporate executive suites and managing boards. Besides, if you were to

1. Trade Show/Exhibition: 32 days of showcasing African Women creations and innovations as well as other opportunities 2. Opening Ceremony Gala dinner, June 5, 2010: Promoting unity of Africans and highlighting the role of women entrepreneurs, in socio-economic sustainability in Africa. 3. Top Executive Breakfasts: With celebrities, leaders, personalities, role models and other women’s platforms. Daily activities include public appearances and addresses, autograph signing and many more. 4. Fashion Show: Witness the sensation of African beauty! Africa’s renowned beauty and clothing design collections. 5. Live Entertainment and Talent Competition: Live concerts by Africa’s most talented artists. 6. Closing Ceremony Gala Dinner: July 10, 2010 For enquiries about the AVBW2010 and logistic planning purposes please contact Leading Women of Africa, USA Representative Ms. Aze Malawo, M.P.A, M.A on 206-419-1580 or 425-242-8443 or send e-mail enquiries to: Aze.Malawo@ hotmail.com or Azem@leadingwomenofafrica.com. &

employ the simple-math quota in goal setting, you should also use it for setting white supplier goals for multi-racial inclusion. That way, the white percentage annual spend goal in California would come in at 42.3%, since that is the current percentage of non-Hispanic whites now residing in the state. Instead of receiving 75-80% of the state’s contracting annual spend, there would

38 T June 2010 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

see President’s Message on page 53

Trade Shows in Nigeria & South Africa contact: www.gathersstrategies.com

July 25-27, 2010 The only event that focuses on the A-Z of the Continentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Food & Beverage Industry

FACT SHEET 2010

SAITEX 2010 FACT SHEET Southern African International Trade Exhibition d 25-27 July West African International Telecommunications Exhibition and Conference with the Nigerian ICT Business Solutions Expo e Lagos, Nigeria 1-3 June 2010 f

International:

Hope for Africa Despite the Gloom Bringers by Gregory Simpkins

a c k in the

1990s, there were Africa policy people who were labeled “Afropessimists” because of their unrelentingly Gregory Simpkins Africa Rising 2010 gloomy outlook on Africa’s future. Given the continuing conflicts, denial of rights, manipulation of elections and other negative trends, one could look at the glass as half empty and getting lower. However, you would have to ignore strong positive trends that cannot be easily cast aside.

Even though the global economic crisis crippled economies across the planet and even caused a dip in commodity prices and timidity in investment that slowed African economic growth, the continent has survived with bright prospects moving forward. According to the African Economic Outlook issued by the African Development Bank Group, the average annual gross domestic product growth for 2010-11 is estimated to be 4.5% this year and 5.2% in 2011. That’s up from 2.5% last year. East Africa is seen as leading the way with 6% growth, while North and West Africa are each expected to grow at 5%, while Central Africa is expected to grow at 4% and Southern Africa at just under 4% because it was the hardest hit region. The African agriculture

sector generally experienced good harvests due to favorable weather, but sectors such as mining and manufacturing were hard hit by the drop in commodity prices and aren’t expected to rebound quickly. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Managing Director of the world Bank, recently said that sub-Saharan Africa grew faster that both Brazil and India during the first decade of this century and will continue to grow faster than Brazil during the first half of the second decade of the 21st century. Given the need for fiscal retrenchment in the industrial countries of the world, African countries can benefit from the rebalancing of economies and serve as a new source of global demand. In Liberia, a nation devastated by a long, brutal civil war and a subsequent uprising that chased into exile thenPresident Charles Taylor, current President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf recently said her country’s private sector is being stimulated to create jobs to absorb the many young Liberians who are without work, and her government is introducsee Ambassador Battle on page 43

Ogunlesi of GIP Purchasing Gatwick Airport

debayo Ogunlesi, head of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), announced that GIP is in the process of purchasing Gatwick Airport, London, England. One goal is to make Gatwick a truly first class experience for travelers. Second is to improve the bottom line for the air carriers served

by Gatwick. Mr. Ogunlesi indicates that it will take between 12 and 18 months before passengers begin to notice a difference at the airport. GIP (//global-infra. com) agreed to a £1.51bn deal with Gatwick’s current operator BAA, which represented a “good price”, Mr Ogunlesi said. The GIP fund, which invests in the energy, transport and waste sectors, has already spent over £1bn so far this year, encouraged by falling asset prices. In late 2009, GIP reached an agreement to acquire a 40 percent convertible preferred interest in New Yorkbased Terra-Gen Power from private

equity fund ArcLight Capital Partners. The deal is GIP’s first cleantech investment. Terra-Gen owns or operates geothermal, wind and solar projects in the U.S., that combine, generate some 800 megawatts of electricity. It’s also has 5,000 megawatts of clean power projects under development. About Mr. Ogunlesi Bayo Ogunlesi is the Chairman and Managing Partner of GIP and is based

40 T June 2010 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

“A FEW NOTES ON AFRICA” Leadership Africa USA Leadership Africa USA works with local African partners to provide Africa’s youth the critical leadership skills they need to face the unprecedented challenge of rebuilding postconflict societies. It is proud to announce the launch of a new website - www. leadershipafricausa.org. Features include: Leaders Talk! Blog; in-depth reports of our various country programs and projects; new media library, featuring essays on leadership by students from Senegal, Liberia and Nigeria; videos of workshops and events hosted by Leadership Africa USA; and pictures of our youth leadership program activities in Africa.

New Commission Chair Mr. Uchenna N. Nwaorgu has been appointment to chair the 26th District Commission on Trade and Investment

in New York City. Bayo previously served as Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Client Officer of Credit Suisse’s Investment Banking Division with senior responsibility for Credit Suisse’s corporate and sovereign investment banking clients. From

Between Africa and California. His very very successful track record with theAfrican Goodwill Awards and other successful ventures as well his commitment to the growth, exchange and economic empowerment of all African people is to be celebrated. California State Senator Curren Price madd the appointment. www.exim.gov

World Cup Ratings Rise The World Cup, held every four years, is taking place on the African Continent for the first time with South Africa as the host nation. ESPN and ABC are reportedly averaging

nearly five million viewers per round. That’s more than double the number of viewers who watched the first five games of the 2006 World Cup. The Nielsen Company estimates that 14.5 million U.S. viewers watched the England/U.S. game on ABC and Univision -including the pre-game telecasts -- making it the highest-rated U.S. men’s national soccer team game since 1994. “Thanks to social media and enhanced access to games and news from around the world, soccer fever has hit a critical mass in the United States,” said

2002 to 2004, he was Head of Credit Suisse’s Global Investment Banking Department, responsible for worldwide capital markets (debt and equity), mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance and advisory, industry, country and regional banking businesses. Bayo was previously Head of Global Power, Utilities and Project Finance in 1994, and from 1997-2002, served as Head of the Global Energy Group (power, utilities, oil and gas, chemicals, mining and project finance). Prior to becoming an investment banker, he

Stephen Master, Nielsen’s vice president of sports. He also called the high ratings a validation of “soccer’s momentum across America.” FIFA has revealed that the 2010 World Cup has been an unprecedented commercial success - before a ball has even been kicked. Secretary general of football’s world governing body, Jerome Valcke, has said that holding the tournament in Africa has helped FIFA double its income since 2006, when the tournament was held in Germany. “Commercially it has been a success,” Valcke said on Thursday. “In fact, we have increased our income by 50% since 2006 in Germany to 2010 in South Africa.” Valcke added that hosting the World Cup in Africa for the first time had not led to any of FIFA’s commercial partners withdrawing their support. Valcke also confirmed that the extra money would be invested in football development, claiming that “80% of countries in Africa would not have football” if it were not for FIFA’s funding. After 11 matches, spectator attendance to Africa’s first FIFA World Cup is slightly higher than that of Germany in 2006 or an average attendance of 53,019. Find more stories and information at //soccernet. espn.go.com/world-cup SEE YOU ON THE CONTINENT. &

was an attorney with the New York law firm of Cravath, Swaine & Moore. From 1980 to 1981, he served as a Law Clerk to the Honorable Thurgood Marshall, Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Ogunlesi was educated at Oxford University and received a law degree and MBA from Harvard University. &

41 T June 2010 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

What is “Pass It On!” ???

n a few weeks Africare will launch an exciting new campaign to connect you to people overcoming major challenges impacting the African continent-- issues like unsafe drinking water, food insecurity, and the growing number of children orphaned by AIDS. Our new “Pass It On!” campaign

will carry these messages around the world through a series of powerful testimonies and unique stories told directly by the individuals who see, work with, or benefit from Africare’s assistance on the ground. The stories come from more than 20 African nations, covering a variety of key issues. They all carry positive messages of growth and empowerment on the African continent! Beginning September 1st, Africare will introduce you to a new story— once a month for 16 months— from a child, grandmother or Africare staff member who will “have something to tell you” about the important work Africare is

implementing on the ground. Each will be packaged in a format that is ready to “pass on” to a friend or someone you know through video, social network, and even your phone! And if you live in Washington, DC, you’ll see our stories on buses and in Metro stations across the city. Sign-up to receive the messages and support the “Pass It On!” campaign using this special link - www.africare.org/ news/enews_signup.php. Learn more about Africare’s current projects, long history and esteemed leaders at their website - www.africare. org. &

Isiah Washington to Host Truth Dialogue to Educate the Public and Raise Funds for Sierra Leone Based Foundation

overing everything from acting to education, Isaiah Washington will host an intimate roundtable in August 2010. Washington will invite the audience to participate in dialogue during the event which will cover a range of topics including: education in developing countries, investing in development, identity and social responsibility. Washington will provide the environment for stimulating conversation and wants to spur others to action. Sharing what he’s learned from Hollywood to the ghettos of Sierra Le-

one - Mr. Washington wants to provide insight and inspire action. Proceeds from the TRUTH will benefit The Gondobay Manga Foundation, which was founded by Washington after he discovered his direct ancestry to the Mende people of Sierra Leone. The Foundation advocates cooperative planning to achieve positive, timely improvements in the lives of the people of Sierra Leone. By uniting passionate people, the Foundation strives for immediate impact by addressing one village at a time. The Foundation will, exhibit the principles of reform and rightful

Coming Soon!!

THE TRUTH http://tgmfthetruth.eventbrite.com

behavior to the people and government of Sierra Leone. Mr. Washington’s personal path and the vision of the Gondobay Manga Foundation exemplify what is possible when one person’s ancestral discovery leads them home to champion the rights and needs of their people. &

42 T June 2010 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

Hope For Africa from page 40

ing literacy programs to enable those young people to develop skills to fit the evolving marketplace. Confidence in Liberia, she said, has risen to the point that it is attracting foreign investment. In fact, President Sirleaf predicts that in 10 years her country will be self-sufficient and no longer in need of international assistance. In the face of continuing attacks from the Lord’s Resistance Army and other rebel groups, Uganda has had to double its power output in the last five years because of the country’s booming economic growth. New power plants have been added in Tororo, Namanve and Mutundwe in Kampala that add to the existing hydroelectric power generation. Moreover, Uganda is pursuing renewable energy sources, such as the production of electricity from sugar cane waste. Stories of blossoming African companies abound across the continent. Even formerly strife-ridden countries like Angola are seeing an economic resurgence due to a foreign-trained young entrepreneurial class. Madagascar had been a rising economic star until the recent political wrangling led to the overthrow of successive governments. It is hoped that when the latest political upheaval is resolved, the country can resume its upward economic trajectory. Several African countries are usually listed among the world’s frontier emerging markets. They include Botswana, Cape Verde, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Certainly, there is plenty to criticize if you’re looking for reasons to do so, but Africa’s countries have mostly proven to be more resilient than some had supposed. Lying ahead is a demographic surge that has already seen Africa’s popula-

tion grow from 672 million in the year 2000 to 820 million by 2008. Africa is soon expected to join the one billion population club now inhabited only by China and India. Of Africa’s enlarged population, more than 43% is under 14 years of age, making Africa the world’s youngest continent. Africa has faced wars, tyranny, corruption, short-sighted leadership, pestilence, famine, droughts, floods and any manner of other challenges and continues to rise in spite of them. Not

all African countries are succeeding nor will they all succeed in the years ahead. Still, those who do will experience the kind of economic growth and wealth creation that transforms societies. On the floor of the Senate of Imperial Rome centuries ago, it was once asked: “Can anything good come from Africa?” The answer was yes on that day so long ago, and it is still yes today. &

43 T June 2010 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

http://africarising2010.blogspot.com

44 T June 2010 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

Goldman Sachs Launches 10,000 Small Businesses Initiative in the Greater Los Angeles Metropolitan Area Cities of Los Angeles, Long Beach Join Effort to Drive Economic Growth, Create Jobs $20 Million in Small Business Loans to be Provided Through Local Community Development Financial Institutions Business Education Partners to Include Los Angeles Community College District, Long Beach Community College District The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE: GS) today announced the greater Los Angeles 10,000 Small Businesses initiative. Throughout the Los Angeles metropolitan area, the program will offer a unique combination of three resources to help small business grow and create jobs: •

Business and Management Education: Small business owners will have access to a high quality business education developed in partnership with leading national business schools. Through the program, they can develop a business growth plan through a practical business and management education offered by Los Angeles City College, one of the nine campuses in the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD), and The Long Beach Community College District. The education will be free to accepted business owners selected through a competitive application process administered by the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) in partnership with City College and The Long Beach Community College District. 10,000 Small Businesses is also partnering with LACCD’s Los Angeles Southwest College to support the needs of small businesses with a particular focus on minority and lowincome business owners in the South Los Angeles region. Southwest College will build its capacity to enhance its small business curriculum and associated business support services.

•

Access to Capital: Goldman Sachs will commit $20 million of lending capital, in addition to philanthropic support to Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) in Los Angeles County. The investment will increase the amount of growth capital available to small businesses in underserved communities and expand the capacity of the CDFIs to deliver enhanced technical assistance to small businesses. The first CDFI that will be receiving financing from Goldman Sachs will be the Valley Economic Development Center. Additional CDFI partners will enter the program in the future.

•

Business Support Services: Business advice, technical assistance, and networking will be offered to participating small business owners through partnerships with the community colleges and national and local business organizations, as well as the people of Goldman Sachs.

“My number one priority is getting the people of Los Angeles back to work, and the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Initiative is the type of program we need in Los Angeles,” Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said. “Not only will this investment set in motion job creation at the most grassroots level, but it will have a real impact on the lives of the 70% of Angelenos that are employed by small businesses by granting them the opportunity to expand their entrepreneurial enterprise through education, loans, and networking.” “Los Angeles is home to many very talented small business owners,” said Lloyd C. Blankfein, Chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs. “Working with local community development financial institutions and community colleges, we aim to give selected local businesses the resources they need to grow and create jobs.” 10,000 Small Businesses began operations in New York in 2010 where LaGuardia Community College is offering education and Seedco Financial Services is providing access to capital. The program will begin in Los Angeles in August, 2010. Interested small businesses should apply for the education portion directly through the local community colleges and CDFIs. •

Los Angeles City College: www.lacc10ksb.com

•

The Long Beach Community College District: http://www.lbcc.edu/10000smallbusinesses/

•

Valley Economic Development Center: http://www.vedc.org/

MBDA.GOV

President Obama from page 11

ommendations as we seek to identify: challenges faced by small businesses in pursuing federal contracts, best practices for overcoming these challenges, and outreach strategies to match small businesses with contracting and subcontracting opportunities. Particular topics to be explored are those around teaming and mentor-protégé programs, set-asides and bundling, small business training, outreach, data collection, and federal workforce training. The Task Force expects to submit its recommendations to the President before the end of August. Interested parties may offer oral comments at the public meeting to be held on June 28. To attend the public hearing, you must pre-register by June 21, 2010 by sending an e-mail to SB_TaskForce_Comments@sba.gov with your name, organization or business, along with contact information and the topics that you are interested in. Please put “Registration” in the subject line of the email message. Stakeholders may also provide written comments in lieu of, or in addition to participating in the public meeting. To submit written comments, please send them by June 30, 2010 to SB_TaskForce_Comments@ sba.gov. Please put “Comment” in the subject line of the email message. MBDA urges you to participate in this important event and thanks you in advance for your steadfast dedication to minority business development. & www.mbda.gov

Paperless Office

from page 7

from page 47

solar and wind and biodiesel, but recognizes that we are going to be reliant on fossil fuels for many years to come, that we are going to still be using oil and we’re still going to be using other fossil fuels, but that we have to start planning now and putting the infrastructure in place now, putting the research and development in place now so that we end up being leaders in our energy future. I’m actually going to have a group of CEOs this afternoon who’ve come in from a wide range of different industries -- people from Bill Gates of Microsoft to the former chairman of DuPont who have come up with a series of recommendations about how we need to move much more aggressively on the energy agenda. And although obviously our immediate task is to deal with a crisis that is affecting millions of people down in the Gulf, we can’t keep our eye off the importance of having an energy policy that meets the needs of the next generation and ensures that the United States is the leader when it comes to energy policy. We are not yet that leader, and that’s what I want us to do. And so I very much appreciate all the leaders here today who have been very constructive in wanting to explore how we can move that forward. All right, thank you very much, everybody. & www.whitehouse.gov

per. 4). Mandate change. If you make adoption voluntary you can bet people will resist. Yes, there’s an adjustment period but people will adapt quickly if they have no choice. 5. Develop a task force or appoint a czar to reengineer long-established processes that nobody questions (i.e. mailing checks to vendors and suppliers and requiring hard copy signatures). Okay, forget paperless. Just a bit less paper would be a good start. &

Quote of Note... “Ultimately, that’s the purpose of the Recovery Act –-not just to jumpstart the economy and get us out of the hole that we’re in right now, but to make the investments that will spur growth and spread prosperity and pay dividends to our communities for generations to come..”

President Barack H. Obama, at the Site of the 10,000th ARRA Road Project

47 T June 2010 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

www.bottomline.com

A Royal Blend of all natural West African herbs and fiery spices www.kingspepper.com 323.291.4267 Before you grill, before you bake,

Buy King’s Pepper

and Shake, Shake, Shake!

What’s In It For Me? •Local, National & International News

•Government & Corporate Contracting and Supplier Opportunity Information •Links to Corporate Partner, Organization Affiliates & Annual Event Sponsor Websites •BBA Annual & Special Event Announcements •Business Operation Education and Information &

Where Do I Find It? •BBA website

www.bbala.org •Black Business News monthly publication •Black Business News/ International - quarterly publication

Black Business News

•Black Business News Internet Edition

International Edition To be added to the International Edition mailing list or to advertise in the publication send an e-mail request to: mail@bbala.org. View the International Edition at www.bbala.org and www.yudu.com Search: Black-Business-News-International

How Do I Participate & Benefit? •Join the BBA at

www.bbala.org •Advertise in the BBA publications •Attend BBA Events Hosted to Benefit the African American Community of Businesses

48 T June 2010 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

•

Text “QUAKE” to 20222 to Judeline has been transformed by the therapist. She no longercharge a $10 donation to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund (the donation will be added to your cell phone bill). Find more ways to help through the Center for International Disaster Information.

Get Information about Friends or Family

uilt in 1984, the Haitian Community Hospital is managed by the Haitian Health and Education Foundation (FHASE), a non-government and nonprofit foundation created in 1972. Through its public health programs, outpatient clinics, and 75-bed inpatient hospital, HCH has provided quality care to upwards of 80,000 people annually. It is committed to and accessible to the most disadvantaged sections of the area. Given its geographic position and services, Haitian Community Hospital aims to serve a population of 250,000 people, mainly from the communes of Pétion-ville (283,052 inhabitants) and Delmas (679,650 inhabitants).

Help For Haiti from page 17

free clinic, and we will begin free consultations for women and children on Monday. By using the grant money to pay the Haitian doctors, we are hoping to actually double the value of the grant by also having guest medical staff to work in pediatrics and women’s care. We know that having fewer patients doesn’t mean that people are not sick. We know that women are having babies without skilled help in their tents or homes, and that every time a child is sick, the mother has to think about whether the child is sick enough to warrant borrowing the money for a medical visit or for transportation to a free clinic. That is an unbearable thought. We know, because too often the decision to go to the hospital is done so late that people die on the way, in the parking lot, or shortly after arrival. Meanwhile, news of millions and billions being donated to Haiti keeps arriving but no large entity, not the Haitian government, not the US government, not the very large non-profits have offered to help us serve the community. & http://haitihosp.org

Also Donate Here to Help •

Contribute online through ClintonBushHaitiFund.org.

The State Department has several resources for inquiring about the welfare and whereabouts of friends and family in Haiti: To Ask For or Provide Information About U.S. Citizens in Haiti: • Email the Task Force at Haiti-Earthquake@state.gov OR • From the U.S. or Canada, call 888407-4747 (Other countries, call 202-501-4444) For U.S. Citizens in Haiti Seeking Assistance or Reporting Their Status/ Whereabouts: • Email the Embassy at ACSPaP@ state.gov OR • Call the Embassy’s Consular Task Force at 509-2229-8942, 5092229-8089, 509-2229-8322, or 509-2229-8672 When contacting any of the numbers or using the emails above, please include the following information: • The full name, date of birth and passport information (if known) of the persons in Haiti you are trying to contact. • Their contact information in Haiti; telephone numbers, email address, hotel name or address (if known) • Your name and contact information, and your relationship to the person in Haiti (parent, spouse, friend etc.) • Any special or emergency circumstances.

Federal Response Info For information on how each federal department and agency is responding to the earthquake in Haiti visit the Help for Haiti website at whitehouse.gov. &

49 T June 2010 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

JWFA

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

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

Advertorial-Jamaal Wilkes Financial Advisors, LLC:

Is Gold In A Bubble? No Way! Classic Cup and Handle Pattern In Market Analysis June

n the front page of all the media outlets is the question if gold is in a bubble. I ride bubbles and look for beginning signs of bubbles. Bubbles are irrational, but there is an old saying that â&#x20AC;&#x153;markets are irrational a lot longer than one can stay solvent.â&#x20AC;? I believe gold is nowhere near a bubble top and believe now is the time to profit on the next major asset class ready to run. Gold is in a classic cup and handle pattern. The cup and handle pattern has historically led to major market moves. See charts and explanations that follow...

You can see by the graph above the major breakout from the six month saucer on excellent volume. Notice how the volume dries up on the handle. Now I expect a major breakout and a run to $1,375 an ounce. Compared to other bubbles gold appears flat.

Above is a chart of the oil index verses the gold and silver index. Notice the run in oil before the credit collapse. This run lasted almost 5 years before it topped. Meanwhile for the past 15 years the XAU has been relatively flat and yet it has had a nice run we have not seen the run up like other asset class bubbles. I believe there are signs that we may be moving into a peak gold area and would not be surprised if there is a global rush to gold as investors lose faith in fiat currencies. The recent collapse of the euro only preludes what will eventually happen with the dollar and treasuries. Now many people have run from the Euro to dollars, but I believe that is temporary. Now is the time, before the masses rush in, to buy gold. This is not the time to be bottom fishing other markets. I believe to stick to strength. The chart above gives me the confidence to know that we have not entered bubble territory yet. &

51 T June 2010 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

Artwear Artwear may be found at: Sika’s / 4330 Degnan Ave., Leimert Park Baldwin Hills Plaza Farmer’s Market each Saturday 10am-3pm

www.gbabyartwear.com

Rooibos Tea House African Red Tea Imports

323-658-7832

533 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles

www.africanredtea.com Nira Levy Maslin, CEO

ww.bbala.org

•Contracting Information •Employment Opportunities •Links to Sponsor Websites •Event Announcements •Resources:

• President’s Message • Financial Management • Meeting Management • International News • BBA Publications • Other Information

Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce & Countryvilla Health Service

13th Annual Celebrity Golf Classic

and

Comedy Night

in support of

Join the Fun! Share the Laughs!

“Awareness of Alzheimer’s and Dementia”

President’s Message from page 38

June 17-19, 2010 East Valley Golf Club Champions Course 36211 Champions Drive Beaumont, CA 92223 For more information call: 909-771-7561 or visit Blackchamberofcommerce.org

be a dramatic shift in the distribution of California’s wealth deriving from a sole point of influence. I am sure many would welcome the latter annual spend goal, but I personally would not want serve as a single point of influence to make that change. The results would surely polarize the nation along racial lines, resulting in even more segregated socioeconomic outcomes that would not yield a lesser divide among the races. We have come too far to allow lim-

ited input that initiates greater segregation. Sadly, this is likely to occur if we believe that there are only a few who speak for the many on our issues. Digital technology is readily available for input from many sources that will help to better achieve a more comprehensive outcome and eliminating segregated results. I truly trust you will enjoy this month’s Black Business News magazine. We look forward to producing many more to help support you in increasing the value of your business enterprise. We also ask that you please visit us online at www.BBALA.org.

53 T June 2010 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

Malik’s Books Online

alik’s Books has closed operations in the Baldwin Hills Mall. Malik’s is now operating as an online bookstore. Malik’s is now available to serve our customer’s needs 24/7 via the world wide web with bigger deals and a larger selection. We will remain as active in the South Los Angeles community as we have always been. Please visit us at www.Malikbooks.com and/or www.autographbooks. com. For other information give us a call at 818-564-5694. If you want to coorespond with us, send letters to Malik’s Books, 3939 Crenshaw Boulevard, #324, Los Angeles, CA 90008. Thank You again for all your support and patronage over the years and visit us on the Web. &

Malik’s Books

www.Malikbooks.com • www.autogrpahbooks.com malikbooks@att.net • 818-564-5694

Give the Gifts of Knowledge, Inspiration, Entertainment. Shop the

Black Book Stores!

Eso Won Books

African American Books 4331 Degnan Ave., Leimert Park, Los Angeles

“Give Books as Gifts to Friends & Family” Check out our unsurpassed collection of books, music, video, children’s books, and games!

Graduation & Father’s Day Gifts EsoWon has it. 323-294-0324 www.esowonbooks.com //esowon.booksense.com for Calendar of Events

Books to Consider... Smart Money Moves for African Americans by Kelvin Boston (www. amazon.com). Operating under a lifelong conviction that proper money management is “the only permanent way to reduce poverty in Black America,” Kelvin Boston--a prominent financial advisor and host of television’s syndicated “The Color of Money”--has developed a strategy to help struggling members of the African American community attain a sound fiscal footing. The book presents his down-to-earth advice on investment, entrepreneurship, credit management, and tax planning, and guides readers through the systematic creation of a reliable financial plan. How to Get Rich When You Ain’t Got Nothing by Melvin B. Miller (www. amazon.com). This book teaches you everything you need to know about: Planning Your Future Wealth, Financing a Car or a Second Mortgage, Becoming an Entrepreneur, The Stock Market, Mutual Funds, Finding a Financial Advisor and How to Buy Insurance. Miller tells you how to assess what you have, understand what you want, and know what you need, from buying a new car, new home, and sending your children to college. The easy-to-follow basic plan for “Getting Rich” teaches you everything you need to know about Saving and Investing. This book has listings of Federal Employment Information Centers, State Government Personnel Agencies, Franchise Directories, Minority Business Development Centers, Mutual Fund Families, Regional Securities and Exchange Commission Offices and more. &

55 T June 2010 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

VERACITY REALTY, INC. “Dedicated to Truthfulness” Let us see what we can do for you in both Commercial & Residential finance!

Jonathan Thompson, Commercial Broker Phone: 800-455-2142 Cell: 323-309-2885

Rhonda Thompson, Residential Loan Officer Phone 800-455-2142 Cell: 323-387-9439 CA Dept. of Real Estate, Real Estate Broker: 01781216 *APR: Includes appraisal, title insurance, escrow, points & other loan cost is 6.487%

Four Season’s Production Multi-Cultural Multi-Functional

Multi-Purpose Multi-Faceted

Manufacturing, Productivity, Growth & Expansion Economical

Globalization

Empowerment

“We’re Fired Up and Ready to Go”

Open Supplier Certification Process The Verizon Communications Corporation is seeking to identify a greater share of African American-owned and operated businesses to match to potential operating contracts. The data base that Verizon procurement management personnel are instructed to review is the California Public Utilities Commission Clearinghouse.

Entrepreneurial Business Development Diversified

Subdivision Product-Mix & Creating Jobs Across America

City by City State by State National and International Trade Exchange

“Yes We Can” “Something New and Excitingly Different on the Horizon” Commercial

Residential

“BBA 2010 Special Recognition Award Winner”

Genell Brown, Artist Designer

Our Community Source Contact: Keasha L. Charles

888-988-8551 Phone & Fax

BBA members wanting to expand market opportunities with a telecommunication company should consider completing a supplier certification application. To obtain an application go to the Internet web address www.cpuc.gov and visit the supplier diversity page for an online application. The BBA encourages all members to participate in this process that works to create greater opportunities for all African-American owned and operated firms. Last year the California Verizon Company reported an annual spend with African American owned suppliers in excess of $40 million.

56 T June 2010 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

Lucy Florence Culture Center 3351 W. 43rd St. Leimert Park Village Los Angeles, CA 90008

Shop our boutiques Enjoy our Cuisine Exquisite Venue for your Special Event ……

Tinashe @ the Boardroom inside Lucy Florence

We are open daily! 1-6pm

Tote & Satchel HANDBAGS, beautifully restored, one-of-a-kind vintage HANDBAGS, the hottest DESIGNER SHOES, Cuff links, sterling silver jewelry, and Italian handmade Murano glass JEWELRY.

OUR ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN OERP

Relax Do Business with BBA Member Shop, Eat, in Businesses & Advertisers Little Ethiopia Experience Africa in America

Culture, Retail, Entertainment Fairfax Boulevard

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

between Pico & Olympic Los Angeles

57 T June 2010 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

between

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

Caltrans Construction

Money for You Can

MEAN

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

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

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

FAME ASSISTANCE CORPORATION

www.bbala.org

FREE CREDIT MANAGEMENT WORKSHOPS

OUR ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN OERP

Do Business with BBA Member Businesses & Advertisers

HELD EACH MONTH AT

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