BBA News MAY '09

May 2009

YO U R L I N K T O B L A C K B U S I N E S S E N T E R P R I S E IN SOUTHERN C ALIFORNIA ~ OV E R 3 9 Y E A R S O F S E RV I C E ~

35th Annual Awards Dinner IN RECOGNITION OF BLACK MUSIC MONTH

In This Issue…

5 Cover Story: Tribute to a Legend 6 Tracking the Economy’s Recovery 12 Black Leadership for Johnson Products Again 17 Couple Sparks Buy Black Trend 29 USAID Awards Education Grants to US & African Colleges

DINNER CHAIR

DONALD T. STERLING OWNER, LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS AND STERLING PROPERTIES

THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2009 MILLENNIUM BILTMORE HOTEL 506 SOUTH GRAND AVENUE, DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES

Black Tie Optional

Reception: 6:00pm - 7:00pm Awards Dinner Program: 7:00pm - 9:00pm Dessert Reception to Follow

Pres. Obama Has His... You Get Yours!

Black Business News

SPECIAL COMMEMORATIVE LIMITED EDITION

Now On Sale!

A commemorative limited-edition magazine, unlike any other special tribute issued to recognize the election of Barack H. Obama as the 44th President of the United States of America, has been published by the Black Business Association.

To order your copy, call the BBA office at (323) 291-9334 or email to: mail@bbala.org

Hurry! Buy Your Copy Today - Quantities are limited!

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

Recognizing Our Rhythm And Blues-iness

T

he second quarter of the year includes a tremendous number of recognitions including, but not limited to, Easter, Earth Day, Small Business Month, Honor Days for Mothers and Fathers, Jackie Robinson Day, Administrative Professional Day, and Asian Pacific Heritage.

Freedom rang at the 20th Annual Los Angeles Black Business Expo and Trade Show (BBX) at the start of May, showcasing a slice of black-owned enterprise at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The BBA extends big kudos to HAROLD HAMBRICK as a true business warrior for investing time and money to ensure our community’s consistent delivery of this important outreach event each year. Even during this economic uncertainty for many people, the BBX made its mega-event a success for all who participated. Our Los Angeles Mayor ANTONIO VILLARAIGOSA participated in the opening ceremonies along with Inglewood Mayor ROOSEVELT DORN and State Assemblyperson CURREN PRICE, each sharing the importance of recycling economic patronage with blackowned and operated enterprises.

Also a rich tradition during the second quarter is remembering a dynamic force on the American landscape built by black music. June is formally recognized as National Black Music month and it is a real cultural phenomenon with a hundred plus reasons how it plays such a significant importance to our total American cultural. Although the essence of American black music goes back more than three hundred years, people love to give recognition to the 1960’s as the ear of black awakening in

the black music industry as there was such an emergence of money earned by a lot of great entertainers.

The BBA will install a small contribution to recognize the significance of the nationally acclaimed Black Music Month during our 35th Annual Awards Dinner to be held on June 4, 2009 in Beverly Hills. There are hundreds of black entrepreneurs and corporate executives that we rarely hear about as they operate are behind the stage of sound making the business of music flourish domestically and abroad.

One such hero unfortunately passed away just last year, who epitomized the business of music, Mr. Jheryl Busby, who handled west coast promotion and marketing for Stax Records to promoting product for labels such as Casablanca, CBS, A&M, and Atlantic. He was a Long Beach State University alumnus who enjoyed a stellar career in music, who was the first Vice President of MCA Records’ black music division in 1984.

Everyone knows and loves Berry Gordy’s dynamic growth and sale of Motown Records, but what about Steve Stoute an urban advertising legend; Sylvia Rhone, current president of Motown Records. How about Executive Producer VJ Ralph McDaniels; Entertainment Attorney Londell McMillan; Businesswoman Cathy Hughes, founder of Radio One and TV One, [radio owning and operating upwards to 69 radio stations in 22 cities].

How about Andre Harrell, formation of Uptown Records; Marvet Britto a brand strategist, Dr. Dre who helped put west coast hip-hop on the map; or Russell Simmons, Def Jam Records, onto fash-

ion, television, film and finance arenas; Gwendolyn Quinn, founder of the President of the African-American Public Relations Collective (AAPRC); Master P, artist management and ghetto-centric film projects, plus an urban fashion line.

The business of black music helps us acknowledge the work Mathew Knowles, manager of R&B group Destiny’s Child, a Fisk University grad who shaped the world renowned Beyonce Knowles; and power publicists like Patti Webster; Cassandra Mills; The Dean Brothers; Dyana Williams; June Ambrose; Sean Garrett; and Jermaine Dupri.

I want to close this sampling of black music business shakers with one man who stands head and shoulders as the see President’s Message page 23

2009 Events

June •Annual Awards Dinner TBD •Trade Mission to Washington, DC September •Black Busines Day Conference & Luncheon October •Utilities Procurement Exchange Summit & Awards Luncheon • Call for information •

3 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

323-291-9334

Over 35 years of service Founded 1970 Starlett Quarles, urban X marketing

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

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

PRODUCTION MANAGER Narishima Osei

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS W. Gladney ▪ C. Collins

PHOTOGRAPHY Ian Foxx ▪ Sabir • N. Osei

LAYOUT/TYPESETTING Lion Communications Copyright © 2009 by Black Business Association.

All Rights Reserved.

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. 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

STAFF Earl “Skip” Cooper, II, President/CEO Kesha Vontreese, Administrator Brett Byers, Special Projects Manager

COMMITTEE COORDINATOR

CORPORATE PARTNERS 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 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

In This Issue…

3 President’s Message

Recognizing Our Rhythm & Bluesiness.

5 Cover Story: Tribute to Parren J. Mitchell

6 Tracking the Progress Toward Economic Recovery 7 Economic Recovery Mood Survey Results 10 California’s Recovery.

Gov 12 New Leadership for Johnson Products 14 BBA’s 35th Annual Awards Dinner 17 Experiment Kicks Off Buy Black Trend 26 Africa Focus •Contraceptive Services Revamped.

•UN Initiative Protects Women.

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

BBA ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER

JUNE 4, 2009

29 USAID Gives Education Grants 33 Ex-IM Bank Offers Workshops on Using the Services 41 SBA News Stimulus Bill Plan of Action

50 Calendar Columns

18 - Financial Management Atty. Caprice Collins

40 - Wendy’s World Wendy Gladney

Cover image - SaveTheDateCentral 4 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

My Tribute to a Legend

by Tracey L. Pinson, ESQ

O

n May 28, 2007, our nation lost a giant in the Black community and a pioneer for the ability of small busi-

and minority business program. Parren was a tough, fiery and outspoken advocate for small and minority businesses,

(l-r) Tracey L. Pinson, Esquire with Representative Parren J. Mitchell nesses to receive a fair share of government contracts. Representative Parren J. Mitchell (D-MD) died in a Baltimore nursing home at the age of 85 after suffering from complications from pneumonia.

From 1983 until 1986 I had the privilege to work as legal counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Small Business. Representative Mitchell was the Chairman of this Committee. During this time I was able to participate and witness first hand the masterful work of “Parren”, as he was affectionately known, in spearheading legislation that would establish aggressive programs to increase federal contract awards to small and minority businesses. As the champion for small business and the “godfather” of minority business, Parren worked tirelessly to ensure that federal agencies and major prime contractors fulfilled their legal requirement to support the small

and most government officials and major prime contractors feared testifying before his Committee. They knew that their prepared testimony would not be good enough for Parren. He pushed the government and corporate contracting officials to recognize that small and minority businesses were essential to the government industrial base and he would not accept the perennial argument of “lack of capacity” as an excuse for not engaging these companies.

Parren authored Public Law 95507 which, among other things, gave strength to the offices within executive agencies charged with advocating for small businesses also known as the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU).

Through this law, he put teeth in the government subcontracting program for small businesses and devised liquidated damages for noncompliance.

Parren recognized that small business-

es are the engine of innovation and thus created the Small Business Innovation and Research (SBIR) Program.

He realized the critical need for small business contractors to receive timely government payments and authored the Prompt Payment Act. In 1982, Parren was responsible for the 10 percent minority business goal for the award of government contracts in the public works area under the Surface Transportation Assistance Act. This legislation paved the way for the numerous statutory goal programs that the federal government now has for contracting with various categories within the small business community. He was the catalyst behind the legislation assigning a 5 percent goal to the Department of Defense for contract awards to minority businesses.

Clearly the list is endless regarding the social and economic impact that Parren Mitchell had during his tenure in the United States Congress. Once he retired from the Congress he carried on his work through the Minority Business Legal Defense and Education Fund (MBELDEF). Unfortunately the organization lacks strong support and funding needed to sustain viability.

(l-r) Young “Skip” Cooper with Rep. Parren J. Mitchell In October 2006, I had the honor and the pleasure to receive an award of excellence from the Parren Mitchell Foun-

5 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

see Tribute to a Legend page 34

Track Government Economic Actions and Fund Opportunities Mission of Recovery.Gov •Education: Explain the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act;

•Transparency: Show how, when, and where the money is spent;

•Accountability: Provide data that will allow citizens to evaluate the Act’s progress and provide feedback.

T

he American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is an unprecedented effort to jumpstart our economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century. The Recovery and Reinvestment Act is an extraordinary response to a crisis unlike any since the Great Depression. With much at stake, the Act provides for unprecedented levels of transparency and accountability

so that you will be able to know how, when, and where your tax dollars are being spent. Spearheaded by a new Recovery Board, this Act contains builtin measures to root out waste, inefficiency, and unnecessary spending.

This website, Recovery.gov, will be the main vehicle to provide each and every citizen with the ability to monitor the progress of the recovery.

As the centerpiece of the President’s commitment to transparency and accountability, Recovery.gov will feature information on how the Act is working, tools to help you hold the government accountable, and up-to-date data on the expenditure of funds.

The site will include information about Federal grant awards and contracts as well as formula grant allocations. Federal agencies will provide data on how they are using the money, and eventually, prime recipients of Federal funding will provide information on how they are using their Federal funds. On our

end, we will use interactive graphics to illustrate where the money is going, as well as estimates of how many jobs are being created, and where they are located. And there will be search capability to make it easier for you to track the funds.

The first incarnation of Recovery.gov features projections for how, when, and where the funds will be spent -- which states and sectors of the economy are due to receive what proportion of the funds. As money starts to flow, far more data will become available.

Availability/Distribution Time Line One of the main goals of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is to provide quick relief to families who are hurting, and to invest in projects that will create jobs immediately. Funds will reach these projects in the coming weeks, and as they do, you will be able to judge whether these resources are being allocated as effectively as possible.

Visit the Timeline section of the Recovery.gov website to know when the funds that will aid you, your family, your community, or your business are being allocated and where to find the funds you need.

6 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

Survey Shows Mood of Americans on the Economy

T

he Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation conducted a national survey of Americans to gauge their opinions about the roles of government and the private sector in achieving economic recovery. What follows are a few examples of the findings that reveal a stark and fundamental gap between the national policy agenda that led to the initial stimulus package and the attitudes and beliefs of the American people. The responses point to a key and unrecognized reason as to why the public has not been satisfied with the overall stimulus package.

Find the complete report at http://www.kauffman.org/uploadedFiles/Enterpreneurship/Entrepreneurship_and_Economic_Recovery_poll.pdf.

The Survey Shows...

•Despite the collapse of Wall Street, 89 percent of Americans say that capitalism is still the best economic system for our country. (Slide: 1)

Agree

Disagree

89%

90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20%

9%

10% 0%

Despite the collapse of Wall Street, capitalism is still the best economic system for our country. It is not perfect, but it is better than the alternatives.

•53 percent of Americans say that a better stimulus package that creates more jobs could be crafted, while 25 percent say the current stimulus will create sustainable jobs. (Slide: 21)

see Survey on page 9

The Stimulus Package 60%

Will create sustainable jobs

53% 50%

40% 30% 25% 20%

A better package that will create more jobs could be created

It will not

12% 10%

create $800 billion sustainable economic stimulus jobs package

53% say that a better stimulus package that will create more jobs could be crafted.

One-quarter say that the stimulus package will create sustainable jobs.

12% say it will not create sustainable jobs.

7 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

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You are proud. You are committed. You are a leader. You are an ethnically diverse business owner, and you deserve a bank that can help you fulfill your dreams. Union Bank of California’s Business Diversity Lending program recognizes this and offers a variety of smart financing options and flexible, less restrictive lending requirements.Whether you need short-term financing to help run your day-to-day operations, or long-term financing for new equipment or building improvements, your dream of running a successful business is well within your reach.

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To see if you qualify, stop by your local branch, call 1-888-818-6060, or visit unionbank.com/diversebizloans Crenshaw Branch: Karen Smith, Branch Manager, 3501 W. Jefferson Boulevard, (323) 737-3483 Ladera Heights Branch: Renee Givhan, Branch Manager, 6719 La Tijera Boulevard, (310) 342-1779 This is not a commitment to lend. Financing subject to credit and any applicable collateral approval. Other restrictions may apply. Eligible borrowers must meet all criteria for the Business Diversity Lending program. Financing available to businesses located in California, Oregon or Washington.Terms and conditions subject to change. ©2008 Union Bank of California, N.A. Member FDIC

Survey Shows Mood

Cash in on Your Authentic Voice

from Survey on page 7

•Americans narrowly support the stimulus package, 51 percent to 44 percent.

(Slide: 17)

May 16, 2009 • 9:00 a.m.-5 p.m.

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The Stimulus Package

51% of Americans favor the $800 billion economic stimulus package that was just passed.

44% oppose it.

• • 51%

50%

• •

44%

Favor Oppose

40%

$800 billion economic stimulus package

•

•Americans have their doubts that the stimulus package will spur the entrepreneurship that they hold as so important. 72 percent think that the government could do more to encourage entrepreneurs (Slide: 22).

U.S. Government and Entrepreneurship

Almost three-quarters of respondents think the government should do more to encourage entrepreneurship.

15% say the government should not.

72%

• •

60% 50%

Discover your ‘authentic voice’ Learn how to leverage your “authentic voice’ for financial success Increase your exposure in the marketplace Improve your communication skills Inspire yourself to maximum success Create a deeper connection to your spirituality Uncover new revenue streams Cash in on your authentic voice

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Are you looking for greater financial rewards?

Are you seeking greater spiritual fulfillment?

Do you seek more authenticity in your life?

60%

Not sure 15% 13%

10%

Should the U.S. government do more to encourage entrepreneurship?

While 60 percent of Americans say they are more skeptical about the stability of our capitalist system following recent events, they have not abandoned their faith in entrepreneurs. And 89 percent say that capitalism is still the best economic system for the country despite the collapse on Wall Street. These findings collectively suggest that Americans are looking to entrepreneurs more than the government for the solutions that will lead us to sustainable economic recovery. The American people fully recognize that policies that encourage entrepreneurship are critical to creating lasting jobs and revitalizing the economy.

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Learn more and register at www.cashinonvoice.com or call 323-734-7144

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9 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

Economic Recovery News

T

he Governor of California’s Recovery Act Task Force is taking the following actions in relation to federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act stimulus funds: • I-405. This afternoon, the Governor will appear at the groundbreaking of the Sepulveda Pass Widening Project in Los Angeles – the largest highway infrastructure project in the nation to use Recovery Act dollars. $190 million in Recovery Act dollars have kick-started the project, which will total over $1 billion and mean 18,000 jobs.

• Discretionary Grants for Transportation. Caltrans will conduct a stakeholders meeting today to discuss the Recovery Act Supplemental Discretionary Grants for a National Surface Transportation System. The U.S. Department of Transportation will be issuing criteria on the application for these funds by May 18, 2009.

Additional announcements: • LaHood and Light Rail Funds.

The U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Raymond La Hood announced that Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority received a $66.7 million Federal Transportation Agency grant for the Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension. This project will extend light rail service from Union Station in Los Angeles to Pomona Avenue and Atlantic Boulevard in East Los Angeles for a total of six miles of new tracks and nine new stations.

Week-end Re-cap: • Summer Jobs. On Monday, the Governor participated in a press conference with Mayor Villaraigosa at Los Angeles City Hall to announce an investment of $20 million in Recovery Act Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funds for the HIRE LA’s Youth Program. Because of the Recovery Act funding, the program this year will be able serve 7,000 additional youth.

These funds are part of the $415

“Access to Capital & Banking: Surviving In Tough Times”

•

•

•

Small Business Financial Management Workshop

10 AM-12:30 PM May 29, 2009 U.S. Bank Branch Community Room Slauson and Crenshaw Boulevards, Los Angeles Advanced registration preferred because space is limited: Call 323-291-9334 or send an e-mail message to mail@bbala.org.

Provide your name, the number of people attending, company, telephone number, e-mail address, and industry category.

million pushed out to 49 Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs), about which the Governor sent a letter to local officials.

Caltrans Highway Projects. Caltrans announced this week that is has exceeded the federal government’s expectations – in just half the time – for obligating Recovery Act funds to highway construction projects. As of last Friday, Caltrans had obligated funds for 80 transportation projects, totaling $1,010,837,708 in Recovery Act funds, surpassing the $900,000,000 federal minimum threshold for obligation mandated by the July 1, 2009 deadline to avoid the use-it-or-lose-it provisions of the Recovery Act. The list of projects is posted on Caltrans’ Web site.

Education Funding. Estimates for the level of Recovery Act funding that will be awarded to the individual school districts were be made available for the Title I and IDEA funds this week. The awards will be made through the Department of Education.

State Energy Program – Another First For California. Governor Schwarzenegger announced that California is the first state in the nation to submit the application for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) State Energy Program (SEP) funding. The California Energy Commission, the agency responsible for administering the $226 million in authorized Recovery Act funding, successfully completed the state’s paperwork for the SEP to ensure that California can move forward in working with stakeholders to develop program guidelines.

The Task Force can be reached through its web site, www.recovery. ca.gov, or by telephone at (916) 3224688.

10 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

Los Angeles World Affairs Council presents

His Excellency Jakaya Mrisho

Kikwete President of the

United Republic of Tanzania speaking on

“Africa’s Challenge in the Global Economic Crisis” Wednesday, May 20, 2009 • 7:30 p.m. dinner InterContinental Hotel • 2151 Avenue of the Stars • Los Angeles, CA

LAWAC Members: $57 • Guests of LAWAC Members: $67 General admission: $72 • Tables of Ten: $570 Event Information & Reservation Form: www.lawac.org or call (213) 628-2333 For links to President Kidwete’s bio and remarks before the IMF conference visit: www.lawac.org Deadline for cancellations and refunds is Monday, May 18th

International Business Forum hosted by

Riverside-Obuasi Sister City Committee International Relations Council of Riverside

Friday, May 29, 2008 • 2:00 pm - 5:30 pm Riverside Marriott Hotel, 3400 Market Street Riverside, California 92501

Featuring these presentations: A Little Taste of Ghana (Subayo Foundation); Shovel-Ready Business Projects in Obuasi, Ghana (ASK GHANA, LLC); Doing Business in Ghana: Opportunities and Resources (Gathers Strategies, Inc.); Investing In The Culture of Obuasi (Vincate & Associates); and Growing the Business People of Tomorrow, Today (SIFE).

Admission is Free but Pre-registration is required. Seating is limited.

R.S.V.P. to Lisa Brown at lisabrown1966@gmail.com or 951-684-1966 Business Forum Chair, Dr. Chipasha Luchembe, AIMS

GLOBAL NETWORKING BREAKFAST “Doing Business in South Africa” Wednesday – May 20, 2009 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

(Includes Continental Breakfast) Presented by: Etienne van Straaten, Consul Political, South African Consulate Dwayne Gathers, Gathers Strategies, Inc. Special Report: Brett Tarnet,Tarnet Insurance Services, will provide an update from The Export Import Bank of the United States Annual Meeting that was recently held in Washington DC. Brett will discuss Ex-Im programs for trade finance and what Ex-Im is doing to support US exporters as part of the US government’s recovery plan. Significant new program announcements will be shared as well.

Economic Alliance Building BFG Board Room, 2nd Floor 5121 Van Nuys Blvd.

Sherman Oaks, CA. 91403 Parking is not available in the building garage

Updates & Registration on www.vitainternational.org

Make Your Reservations Today!

Johnson Products Under Black Ownership Again “We are looking to rebuild to be as big as possible so we can be strong, retain earnings and invest enough money in Johnson Products to propel it to grow,” Brown said. “We were fortunate enough to acquire a well capital-

hair care industry starting in the 1950s, and a next stage of growth for a legendary company that has been an iconic figure and model of success for African Americans,” Mrs. Cottrell-Brown said.

Both Browns have extensive experience in the ethnic hair care arena, having both held senior executive positions with the Pro-Line International, Inc. Their passion and business savvy is what Cottrell-Brown said will provide them with a platform to bring product innovations and promotions to a unique

ized company and we are positioned to survive in tough times.”

Cottrell-Brown, who will serve as executive vice president of Johnson Products, said the company’s past success and recent resurgence is an opportunity to fill a void.

“The acquisition of Johnson Products represents the renewal of a family of products that revolutionized the ethnic

multi-cultural consumer group and reintroduce the brands to a new generation.

“We have an outstanding, motivated team, and we are extremely excited and optimistic about the future of this new venture,” she said.

Comer Cottrell, founder of Pro-Line International, said he is excited and pleased to congratulate the Browns on

by Patrice J. Holmes, Contributing Writer, Louisiana Weekly

A

n 18-month long acquisition has brought new life to one of America’s most recognized market leaders in African-American hair care products.

Johnson Products has been sold from Proctor & Gamble (P&G) to Eric and Renee CottrellBrown, daughter and son-in-law of former Pro-Line owner Comer Cottrell. Brown, who will serve as chief executive officer for the company, said Johnson Products has a chance to return to the greatness it once enjoyed.

“This represents an opportunity for Johnson Products to come back to the legendary position it once held,” Brown said. “It has been viewed as a beacon in the African-American corporate arena and the highest degree of professionalism.”

P&G sold its Johnson Products Company unit to a newly formed independent entity comprised of Los Angeles-based private equity firms Rustic Canyon/Fontis Partners, LP and St. Cloud Capital LLC, along with Plus Factor, LLC, where Brown is the owner, and Opus Capital Partners. With this transaction, Brown said the four venture capitalist companies played a tremendous role in making the Johnson Products transition a success.

12 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

their acquisition of Johnson Products.

“We have always had a great deal of respect for the company and its founder. The acquisition will perpetuate the legacy of minority ownership and contributions to the industry.”

Founded in 1954 by George Ellis Johnson, Sr., Johnson Products, formerly headquartered in Chicago, has been a mainstay brand for more than a half-century in the African-American community. In 1971, the company became the first minority-run enterprise to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Through peaks and valleys of business developments, Johnson Products has been sold and bought to companies like Carson in Savannah, Georgia, L’Oréal, Wella, and finally Proctor & Gamble, each of which Cottrell-Brown said could not make Johnson Products the center of their business attention.

Today, under the leadership of the Browns’ full focus, Johnson Products, which has annual sales of more than $23 million and participates in a global market that the company estimates to be approximately $1.8 billion, offers more than 30 hair care products, including the Gentle Treatment and Ultra Sheen brands and the management team brings more than 55 years of experience to the newly formed company.

It has helped launch some of the industry’s most successful ethnic hair care brands, including the Soft & Beautiful, Comb-Thru and Just-For-Me product lines.

The new transaction also means changes for JP’s geographical makeup. The company is currently headquartered in California, with products manufactured in Mexico. But the Browns, who have been married for 28 years, said they hope to create jobs by

moving the manufacturing to the U.S. and bringing the core of sales and marketing to their new Dallas office.

In bringing the epicenter to North Texas, the Browns said they will continue to partner with their community as they have done in the past by reaching out to services and organizations that focus on African-American education, wo_men and youth like the United Negro College Fund, and Boys and Girls Clubs.

“Johnson Products will look for opportunities to partner with organizations that mean something to the community-they need volunteers and leadership in corporate America,” said Mr. Brown who has been on the advisory board at University of Texas at Arlington and served with UNCF in Dallas and Junior Achievement. “Im_proving the community also allows them to buy our products.”

Johnson Products has been supported by leading food, drug and mass retailers as well as beauty and barber suppliers for more than 50 years. Jay Forbes, president of the Forbes Connection LLC and former vice president of Drug Store News, said he welcomes JPC back to the forefront of the ethnic hair care industry.

“In a market that demands innovation, creativity and thoughtful product positioning, I cannot think of two more talented individuals who better understand the ethnic consumer and the retail community,” said Forbes.

“I’m certain that Renee and Eric, with their collective experience over many years contributing to the growth of the Pro-Line family business, will excel in re-energizing Johnson Products, a great legacy company with outstanding brands.”

The Brown’s are equally confident in

the transformation they can make in the Johnson Products name. Historically, African-American hair care companies have slipped through the cracks, many closing, being sold and vanishing from store shelves, but Johnson Products founder believes this will be the revival the African-American hair care industry needs.

“It makes me extremely happy to know that the brands of Johnson Products will be owned by people who understand the African-American consumer market and care about the brands,” said Johnson, 82, whose company became part of Procter & Gamble in 2003.

“Eric Brown and Renee Cottrell-Brown will be successful in re-energizing the company, and I wish them the very best in their endeavors.”

13 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

Our Economic Recovery Plan (OERP) Do Business with

BBA

Member Businesses & Advertisers

35th Annual Black Business Association Awards Dinner

YO U R L I N K T O B L A C K B U S I N E S S E N T E R P R I S E IN SOUTHERN C ALIFORNIA ~ OV E R 3 9 Y E A R S O F S E RV I C E ~

35th Annual Awards Dinner IN RECOGNITION OF BLACK MUSIC MONTH

In Reconition of

BLACK MUSIC MONTH Thursday, June 4, 2009 Millennium Biltmore Hotel 506 South Grand Avenue Downtown Los Angeles, CA 90071

The Black Business Association Annual Awards Dinner

honors corporations, government agencies and individuals that have been most supportive of the growth and development of the Black Business Association (BBA) and the African American business community as a whole. This gala event also salutes those outstanding entrepreneurs, professional executives and corporations who serve as examples of the great results possible when “Best Practices” are applied to operating a business or corporation, or to achieving professional excellence.

Black Music Month

celebrates the extraordinary talents and creativity of African-American singers, musicians, and composers whose achievements have enriched our culture and enhanced our lives. Often born out of great pain and strong faith, that music has allowed African Americans to endure tremendous suffering and overcome injustice with courage, faith, and hope. By speaking to the human experience and expressing heartfelt emotion, AfricanAmerican artists have inspired people across the generations in America and around the world with their vision and creativity. Moreover, throughout the course of American history, black musicians have used their great talents to share the richness of the AfricanAmerican experience and to develop a uniquely American style of music enjoyed throughout the world.

The BBA/Black Music Month Celebration combines our annual business awards dinner with the recognition of Black Music Month to honor the Motown organization on the 50th anniversary of the founding of Motown. We celebrate the daring and creative risk-taking of the Motown founders and artists; and the creativity, wisdom and entrepreneurial zeal needed to be successful “over the long haul”. We honor the Motown Family as entrepreneurial heroes.

Among the awardees are: Smokey Robinson, Lifetime Achievement; Miller London, Jr., Business Pioneer; and James DuBose, Rising Star.

Black Tie Optional 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm VIP Reception 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Awards Dinner & Program 9:00 pm – 10:00 pm Dessert Reception For more information or reservations: Call 323.291.9334 E-mail: mail@bbala.org

Dinner Chair

Donald T. Sterling

Sponsors AEG AT&T Southern California Edison Verizon Sterling Properties American Honda Motor Company Comerica Bank Wells Fargo Bank Northrop Grumman Corporation Dickerson Employee Benefits Southern California Gas Co. METRO Pacific Coast Regional Western States Petroleum Assn.

14 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

Lifetime Achievement

W

illiam “Smokey” Robinson, Jr. is a renowned American R&B and soul singer-songwriter, record producer, and record executive. Robinson is noted for being one of the primary figures associated with Motown Records, second only to the company’s founder, Berry Gordy. Robinson’s countless hits, and consistent contributions to the Motown label earned him the title of the “King of Motown”.

As both a member of Motown group The Miracles and a solo artist, Robinson recorded thirty-seven Top 40 hits for Motown between 1960 and 1987, and also served as the company’s vice president from 1961 to 1988.

Smokey’s hit songs also earned him the title “America’s poet laureate of love”. During the course of his 50year career in music, Robinson has accumulated more than 4,000 songs to his credit.

In 1972, he left the Miracles and began a solo career while continuing his duties as vice president of Motown. In 1988, Robinson published his autobiography, “Smokey”, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist. In 1999, Smokey received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

In 2004, Robinson’s company, SFGL Foods, launched a line of frozen foods called “Smokey Robinson’s ‘The Soul is in the Bowl’”.

At its Commencement Convocation in May 2006, Howard University

Business Pioneer

M

iller London’s illustrious career began at Motown Records in the late 60s, where he held senior executive posts in sales and marketing.

He was hands-on and instrumental in the careers of many of the company’s legendary artists such as Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5, and Smokey Robinson & The Miracles.

Mr. London, after more than 23 years, left Motown in the early nineties to head up the black music division of RCA Records. From there he segued to A&M Records, where he was President of Black Music, working with such artists as Vesta, the Sounds of Blackness, For Real, and a host of others.

In 1994, Mr. London transitioned to the music trade-publishing sector as President of Urban Network. He remained with the company for nine years, while under the helm of Clear Channel. In 2003, Mr. London acquired the Urban Network trademark from Clear Channel and re-launched the respected branch and its flagship magazine, where he is now Publisher & CEO. conferred on Robinson the degree of Doctor of Music, honoris causa.

In December 2006 Robinson was a Kennedy Center honoree. In March 2009, The Miracles were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Rising Star

J

ames DuBose, founder and CEO of DuBose Entertainment in Hollywood, California, has spent over 18 years in television production and believes his creativity, determination and ability to understand his audience has served him well throughout his career. In the Fall of 2008, DuBose served as executive producer for several shows including his third season of “Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is” and his first season of the new original series “Brother to Brutha” both on BET. He also shepherded two one-hour specials “The Single: Monica” and “Dreamland” for Peachtree TV and has several shows in various stages of development with artists, celebrities and sports figures that will come to fruition later this year. There is no doubt that James DuBose is a prolific producer of reality programming who has become the “go to guy” for some of today’s biggest names.

DuBose recognizes the good fortune that has enabled him the freedom to create and enjoy his own brand of “quality, intelligent programs.” A married father of two young girls, DuBose is enjoying the success he always believed was possible. DuBose’s philosophy, “I have unwavering faith in God and myself, so I always knew that if I continued to do my part, God would truly take care of the rest. Too many people live for the day when they will ‘arrive.’ The trick is to enjoy the journey. That’s the key.”

15 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

Break The Cycle and MaryAnn Mitchell Scholarship Awards Thursday, June 11, 2009 Marriott Los Angeles Airport PRESENTED BY NATIONAL BLACK BUSINESS COUNCIL, INC. (NBBC) 501 (c) 6 INSTITUTE OF THE NATIONAL BLACK BUSINESS COUNCIL, INC. (INBBC) 501 (c) 3

California Black Chamber of Commerce/Chamber Foundation

2009 Annual Events and Activities Calendar www.calbcc.org

June 19th Juneteenth Community Educational Fundraiser Sheraton Grand Hotel, Sacramento, CA A program dedicated to our young adults to celebrate the history of the African American contribution to the United States and California.

August 19th-21st Ron Brown Business Economic Summit & Youth Scholarship Awards Wyndham Hotel, San Jose, CA This is our main event and major fundraiser for the Chamber & Chamber Foundation. The Summit addresses supplier diversity issues, corporate matching efforts, state and federal contracting & procurement opportunities.

Our Youth Entrepreneur Summit & Scholarship Awards will climax the Ron Brown Memorial event topped off with exceptional world renowned entertainment.

Quote of Note...

“I have always believed that our role as lawmakers is not to stifle the market, but to strengthen its ability to unleash creativity and innovation.”

35th Annual Black Business Association Awards Dinner • June 4, 2009 16 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

President Barack H. Obama

Our Economic Recovery Plan: Midwest Couple Set Example From N’Digo Megapaper

B

eginning January 2009, John and Maggie Anderson embarked on a year-long pledge to purchase whatever goods and services they need from businesses that are at least 51% black-owned. Included in the profile are businesses that contribute to neighborhoods that are home to substantial numbers of African American families.

They call this endeavor the “Empowerment Experiment.”

The experiment has garnered nationwide attention, positive and negative.

But whatever one thinks, the Empowerment Experiment has put the “Recycling Black Dollars’ and “Buy Black” campaigns of old back on our minds.

While reaching a 100% goal is still impossible because African Americans do not yet own every type of business out there. We can, though, do the research in each of our communities to find the African American owned businesses and become customers.

Black owned businesses are the second largest employer of blacks in the country. The U.S. government is the first. Our Economic Recovery Plan

(OERP) has to include buying from and doing business with African American owned firms. The more black dollars that we cycle through the community the more jobs that are retained, the more small businesses that will keep their doors open, the fewer homes that will be foreclosed on, and the more stable property values will be.

We have a duty to preserve our families and our communities. During this economic downturn there is the temptation to hold on to every dollar. It is important to spend the money you have wisely, but now is not the time to be completely i n s u l a r.

Spending some of your disposable income with Afr i c a n Ameri-

OERP Starts Here!

Plaza.

W h i l e there visit the gift shop in the Museum of African Art and take out a membership (take out a membership at CAAM while you have a fist full of dollars).

Celebrate the windfall with a Sweet Potatoe Cheesecake from Harriet’s on Centinela or a specialty cake from Gwen’s. Maybe dinner at the acclaimed Harold & Bell’s.

In the supermarket, look for Glory Foods canned products on the shelves with Michelle’s Syrups then search the freezer section for Smokey Robinson’s soul meals.

B

egin your search for businesses with which to spend the coming Economic Stimulus monies right here with the BBA. The Black Business News is repleat with ads from many of our leading businesses. Visit the website (www.bbala.org) and look for our listing of advertisers.

So, where to start. Try having lunch at Uncle Darrow’s to take the time to design your spending plan. Visit Degnan Square and the surrounding Crenshaw Business District for shopping and lunch. Consider a double order of Phillps Bar-b-que and don’t forget to try the Chicken Sausage Sandwich at Earl’s Grille.

Go shopping at the African Marketplace in the Crenshaw-Baldwin Hills

can and neighborhood businesses will help us all get through the current challenge.

John Anderson is quoted as saying “ There is a higher sense of duty to make sure these extablishments are thriving.

As we strengthen the African American community economically, we’re helping society as a whole. And I think people are starting to understand what the endgame is.”

Invest the time it takes to search out the African American businesses in your community. Look for business organizations that have listings, seek our business owners that attend your church, look through the advertisers in your community newspapers, and exsee Recovery Plan on page 22

Go past the supermarket to get your meats from Money Saver’s Meats on Florence. This is where you will find really great chicken sausage (hot or mild) along with a variety of creole sausages and products. Money Savers also carries products from some little know black producers.

For liquid refreshment look for “Sparkle”, a new sparkling water product on the shelves of neighborhood stores.

Afraid to spend your money? Put it in

17 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

see OERP on page 22

19 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

Financial Management:

Preserve Your Legacy, Not Just Your Money

by Attorney Caprice L. Collins

ample, if your daughter is a physician and is sued for malpractice, the assets which you left for her in the Sentry Trust would not be in jeopardy.

In addition, a Legacy Plan includes Powers of Attorney for financial matters and health care matters, as well as a “HIPAA� power which ensures that those in need (whom you designate) have access to your health information. Perhaps most importantly, the Legacy Plan incorporates the My Legacy Workbook, in which you can share treasured memories, cherished values, and hard-earned lessons which you wish to preserve and pass on for those left behind.

You have more to share with your

Attorney Caprice L. Collins is a member of the BBA, a Harvard Law School graduate, a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys and has been engaged in the practice of law for the last 29 years. For more information or to attend an upcoming seminar, call (310) 677-9787 ext. 5 or visit the firm website at www. collinslawgroup.com.

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eath and incapacity are natural parts of the process of life. We are born; we grow up; we may experience incapacity; and we eventually pass away. Along the way, we develop our values and accumulate assets and experiences. Sure, when we die, we want to pass along our assets to our family while paying the least possible taxes, but, what is most important is passing along our lifetime of values and experiences.

A new paradigm in estate planning is emerging, Legacy Planning. This allows your plan to consider everyone and everything that is important in your life. It considers not only how much money and assets you are going to leave to your family, but also your life story, your goals, your experiences, and your values.

The heart of Legacy Planning is a Family Wealth Trust. This Trust leaves your tangible assets to your family. You may choose to leave the assets in the Family Wealth Trust so that your beneficiary has the ability to withdraw all the assets at any time, called an Access Trust for the beneficiary. While an Access Trust may provide divorce protection, it does nothing to protect against other creditors. However, you may also choose to leave the assets in your Family Wealth Trust so that your beneficiary is protected from the risks of potential future creditors by leaving the assets in a continuing discretionary Trust, sometimes called a Sentry Trust for the beneficiary. With a Sentry Trust another person is the Trustee and makes decisions regarding when it is appropriate to make distributions to the beneficiary.

This allows the Sentry Trust to protect your beneficiary from the many perils and pitfalls of life, even if you cannot be there to protect them yourself. For ex-

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family than the things which you have accumulated during life. Legacy Planning recognizes that your most valuable possessions may be the values and life lessons you have to share‌because the best things in life aren’t things.

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20 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

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Los Angeles,will CAbe90045 Caprice L. Collins is a top rated Harvard Law School trained attorney, fellow alumni with President 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 Central Los Angeles/South Bay 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 said to be “entertaining, inspirational and easy-to-understand.”

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Our Recovery Plan

OERP Starts Here

from Economic Recovery Plan page 17

change references with your neighbors and friends. Attend black expos across the nation to find African American businesses and to identify those businesses that contribute to your community.

Like the Andersons, build a database of businesses for your community to share with your neighbors. The Anderson’s website is www.eefortomorrow. com. Look at what they have done then create your own.

Take an active role in the national economic recovery process. Start in your neighborhood by spending near home. Look for funding and other economic relief options by checking the many economic recovery websites on display on the BBA website and on the White House website - www.whitehouse.gov.

OERP is a contact sport. Take an active role. Cycle those dollars around the community - Recycling Black Dollars is back in style.

the bank - Founders, OneUnited, Watts Credit Union.

Take a walk on the African side and go shopping and dining in Little Ethiopia, between Olympic and Pico on Fairfax. Great foods, clothing, gifts and groceries.

This meager list does not scratch the surface of what is available in Los Angeles. And we have not mentioned your favorite eating or shopping establishment. All the more reason for you to promote these Black-owned businesses among your friends and associates.

Build business for your Fave Five.

Plus, there are great shopping centers and dining sites in Inglewood, Compton, Riverside, Carson, Burbank, Glendale and all of the cities that surround Los Angles.

As was said above, OERP is a contact sport. Take the blinders off. Discard the negative attitudes about Black businesses (you might be one yourself).

Get out into your community and recycle the dollars that you have.

The Recovery Needs You!

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22 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

New Leaders for California Legislative Black Caucus Foundation

T

he California Legislative Black Caucus Foundation (CLBCF) recently elected a new chair and board members. The new officers will be in place to lead the 5th annual business and professional conference to be held Thursday through Saturday, May 14th, 15th and 16th, in the Sheraton Gate-

Yvette Chappell-Ingram

Shaw/Yoder, Inc.; Clinton Killian, attorney-at-law; Edmond Lelo, executive vice president, Wells Fargo Bank; Tamara Rasberry, governmental relations advocate, CA State Council of SEIU; Melanie Shelby, managing director, Gray, Greer, Shelby and Vaughn and new member, Danny Bakewell, Jr., president and executive editor of the Los Angeles Sentinel and President and COO of The Bakewell Company, overseeing 4.5 million square feet of residential, retail, office, industrial and commercial space throughout Southern California.

CLBCF President Yvette ChappellIngram feels that CLBCF’s new leadership and upcoming conference will solidify the Foundation’s new direction while providing much needed information and resources for organizations and individuals offering an array of social services.

President’s Message from President’s Message page 3

Areva Martin, Esquire way Hotel, 6101 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles.

The new CLBCF board chair is Areva Martin, Esq. and the new CLBCF Vice Chair is Assemblymember Isa-

dore Hall, III (D., 52nd Dist.). Rounding out CLBCF’s recently-installed Executive Committee are Sedrick Spencer, senior regional manager, Hoffman-La Roche Service Corp., also as a vice chair, and treasurer, Gregory Gorman, attorney-at-law.

Other Board members include CLBCF founder, Mervyn Dymally, director, Urban Health Institute, Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science; Andrew Antwih, legislative advocate,

“Small Business Administration 8A Procurement How-To” Small Business Procurement Success Workshop

10 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. June 19, 2009 U.S. Bank Branch Community Room Slauson and Crenshaw Boulevards, Los Angeles Advanced registration preferred because space is limited: Call 323-291-9334 or send an e-mail message to mail@bbala.org.

Provide your name, the number of people attending, company, telephone number, e-mail address, and industry category.

behind the stage of music executive, the incomparable Clarence Avant. In his 40-year career, Clarence Avant has been actively involved in promoting opportunities for African Americans in the recording industry. A Greensboro, NC native, in the late 1960s he successfully engineered the first joint venture between a black American and a major record company; MGM. In 1975, Clarence Avant formed Tabu Record, where his sharp business acumen played a key role in the successful rise of producers Timbaland, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis (also National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Chairman which produces The Grammy Awards) and he is credited with helping Antonio “L.A.” Reid and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds create LaFace Records in the 1980s.

The BBA is actively sharing bid opportunities on its web site www.bbala. org. We invite all subcontractors and procurement professionals to visit our bid opportunities page and make a determination as to how you want to see black enterprise grow and build capacity for creating jobs.

23 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

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25 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

T

he lifting of the Gag Rule, which had prohibited the US government from funding organizations that talk about abortion or offer related services, has been greeted with tears of joy by Kenyan women, but scoffed and criticized by anti-abortion groups. This lifting means that the more than US$ one million (79 million shillings) from United States Agency for International Development (USAID) that was available to Kenyan organizations before the Gag rule was initiated will start flowing again.

It also means thousands of contraceptives including, Microgynon, Microlut and Nordette, whose availability suffered greatly when Bush Administration reinstated the Rule, will be given once again to local organizations that were distributing them. The lifting is a big relief to Family Health Options Kenya (FHOK), which suffered greatly when the Rule was effected. Delighted officials at the organization now say they are likely to reopen the clinics or open new ones once the funding is resumed.

year from USAID towards it contraceptive programmes.

Also affected were FHOK’s clinics which used to function as clinical training sites for the Ministry of Health’s doctors and nurses on how to insert Norplant and IUDs, perform sterilization procedures and improve quality of STI and HIV/Aids counselling. New funding is going to reactivate them.

“In countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Ghana we have witnessed fertility rate rise partly due to this policy. With this new funding, these countries should work to regain the lost gains and bring smiles on the faces of many couples,” says Jo Reinders, Technical Adviser, World Population Foundation.

The Global Gag Rule undermines democracy and puts women’s lives at risk, and hence the steps taken moves away from ideology and toward making sound policies that are based on evidence and reality, according to Serra Sippel, Acting Executive Director at the Center for Health and Gender Equity Other reproductive health experts

reproductive health programmes which was cut will be reinstated.

Organizations that were affected by the rule say reversing of the policy by Obama has come just at the right time when more than 40 percent of births in Kenya are unplanned, and one in four married women have an unmet need for contraceptives, all due to problems facing family planning programmes.

This is according to a study findings published late last year in Guttmacher Institute of Sexual and Reproductive Health Series No. 4 of 2008.

Likewise, lack of access to family planning commodities and information is partly blamed for the approximately 14,700 Kenyan women and girls who die each year due to pregnancy-related complications and another 294,000 to 441,000 who suffer from disabilities caused by complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

Mexico City Policy, also known as the “Gag rule,” was installed in 1984

by President Ronald Reagan. The rule restricts USAID from giving family planning aid to any foreign NGO that provides abortion, abortion counselling and referrals services or abortion related advocacy with their own funds other than those given by US, even when abortion is legal in that country.

Trouble for many Kenyan organizations started when the Bush Administration reinstated this rule in 2001 to

“We hope with the removal of the Rule our partnership with USAID is going to be restored and we now readying ourselves for further consultations on how to regain the lost ground in helping women manage their fertility,” says Muraguri Muchira, the organization’s Director of Programs. The organization lost more than Sh 25 million and over 50,000 cycles of Microgynon, Microlut and Nordette it was receiving every

say many organizations who dependent heavily on USAID contraceptive funding suffered irreparably just because they uttered the word abortion or attended forums where abortion issues were discussed.

To many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, where family planning indicators are saddening, the lifting means the over US$ 35 million (over Sh 2.7 billion) for support of family planning and

undo Bill Clinton orders that had earlier lifted it. Kenyan organizations that offer information or counsel women on safe abortion and post-care services, or participated in discussion on legalizing abortion, were identified and denied funding.

When it happened, rural and urban poor who benefited from these services described the decision as a bitter pill to

International:

Obama Signature Opens Doors for Contraceptives to Kenya

By Arthur Okwemba, African Woman & Child Feature Service www.awcf.org

26 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

“A FEW NOTES ON AFRICA”

SEACOM will launch services with a planned Ready-for-Service date of June 2009. SEACOM is 77% African owned.

SEACOM Ready June 2009

Empowering and protecting Darfur’s women focus of new UN initiative

SEACOM, which is privately funded, will assist communication carriers in south and east Africa through the sale of wholesale international capacity to global networks via India and Europe. From June 2009, the 1.28Tbps 15,000km undersea fibre-optic cable system will provide African retail carriers with equal and open access to inexpensive bandwidth, removing the international infrastructure bottleneck and supporting east and southern African economic growth.

Ensuring gender equality and promoting the participation of women in the search for peace in Darfur are among the aims of a new initiative launched by the United Nations in the strife-torn Sudanese region. Under a cooperation agreement police serving with the joint African Union-UN hybrid operation in Darfur (UNAMID) will team up with the UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) to support innovative measures to boost the standing of women in the region.

Both parties are to enhance gender equality, raise the profile of women and address issues relating to all forms of discrimination against women, particularly in conflict situations.

UNAMID Police are mandated to assist in harnessing the capacity

swallow.

FHOK, which had received approximately 75,000 cycles of pills from USAID in 1999 before the Gag rule came into effect, wept.

The organization had also received Sh 135 million between 1997 and 2001 as support for five of its 14 clinics – in Eastleigh, Kisii, Embu, Mombasa, and Phoenix House-which were offering reproductive health services to the poor.

But when support was withdrawn in line with the Gag rule, the organization was forced to close three clinics and lay-off close to 40 staff members. Services were scaled down by 40 per cent, with the number of tubal ligations done per year declining from over 3,000 to less than 1,000.

A total of 1,560 women, men and children who received services everyday from these clinics could not access them.

“The development threw us off balance, and had to dig in the little saving we had to cater for desperate women, men and young girls who were still

knocking on our doors searching for contraceptives,” says Muchira.

In its monthly report in 2002, FHOK said aproximately 56,000 family planning clients living in slums and densely polluted areas where the clinics operated were going to be denied access to services with the closure of the clinics.

The net effect of all this, the report said, couples, or adolescents who depended on the organisations for Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) and other services were going to find it difficult to control their fertility resulting in unwanted pregnancies and more unsafe abortion.

Equally overjoyed with the lifting is Marie Stopes International (MSI)-Kenya, where staffs describe the action as the best gift this year.

According to staffs at the organization, which runs many clinics in Kenya, the lifting is going to allow more contraceptives to come in and help bridge the huge unmet need of family planning in the country estimated to be over 60 percent.

of women to participate in the peace process through political representation, economic empowerment and protection from sexual and gender-based violence.

Together, UNAMID Police and UNIFEM aim to create an enabling environment for women’s equal and meaningful participation in the process to bring peace to Darfur, where an estimated 300,000 people have been killed and another 2.7 million have been forced from their homes since fighting erupted in 2003, pitting rebels against Government forces and allied Janjaweed militiamen.

SEE YOU ON THE CONTINENT.

Their celebration is for a reason.

When the Gag rule was reactivated, they were forced to close over 10 clinics. More than 2,000 women who were their family planning clients were affected, with over 80 employees being retrenched.

Closure of the clinics in the slums of Nairobi and Kisumu seriously affected the delivery of services in these poor settings. In one of the clinics, more than 400 women who were attended to every day could not access family planning after it was closed.

Pleas by FHOK and MSI-Kenya that they do not procure abortion because it is illegal in Kenya; but offer post-abortion care services just like Kenyatta National Hospital did not soften the stand of the Bush Administration.

At the global level, the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), that also funds FHOK, estimates it lost about $100 million (Sh 7.9 billion) in U.S. funding in the past eight years. This money, it approximates

27 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

see Contraceptives on page 44

28 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

International:

20 Partnerships Awarded in Africa-U.S. Higher Education Initiative Grant Competition

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nick, executive director of HED. “The top 40 winners represent the best of these applications, and plans that are developed as a result of the grants will address a variety of critical development needs. It is our belief that if funding is found to implement these plans, we will see tangible, measurable and sustainable impact made in these African countries.”

“This important initiative continues to illustrate the enormous unmet need for higher education partnerships in Africa,” added Peter McPherson, president of A۰P۰L۰U. “We see this as just the beginning - this is an ongoing campaign to accomplish much more in engaging higher education institutions in Africa.”

HED, funded by a cooperative agreement with USAID, was founded by the six major U.S. higher education associations to engage U.S. colleges and universities in international development. For more information about HED and to view details about the planning grants competition, visit www.

HEDprogram.org.

U.S. Higher Education Institution African Higher Education Institution The American people, Calvin College Milton Margai College, Sierra Leone through the U.S. Agency for InCleveland State University Copperbelt University, Zambia ternational Development, have Colorado State University University Nairobi, Kenya provided economic and huDurham Technical Community College Kigali Institute of Science & Technology, Rwanda manitarian assistance worldGeorge Mason University University Sierra Leone wide for nearly 50 years. For Georgia State University Grand-Bassam University, Cote d'Ivoire more information on USAID, Michigan State University University Malawi visit www.USAID.gov.

North Dakota State University University of Makerere, Uganda Oklahoma State University Hawasa University, Ethiopia Texas A&M University University Namibia The George Washington University University of Moi, Kenya The Ohio State University Gaston-Berger, Senegal Troy University University of Liberia Tufts University Muhimibili University, Tanzania University of Alabama-Birmingham University Zambia University of Connecticut Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia University of the Pacific School of Banking & Finance, Rwanda Virginia Tech University Catholic University, Sudan West Virginia University Catholic University, Mozambique Wheelock College-Boston University Education Winneba, Ghana

he U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Higher Education for Development (HED) announced today 40 paired winners of the Africa-U.S. Higher Education Initiative Planning Grant Competition. Nearly 300 applications were submitted for capacity-building partnerships between U.S. colleges and universities and higher education institutions in Sub-Saharan African nations. Paired winners will receive planning grants from USAID of $50,000 each.

“This competition is an important opportunity to build the kind of higher education capacity critical to the development of Africa,” said Joseph Carney, director of USAID’s Office of Education.

“This initiative was proposed during the Higher Education Summit for Global Development and subsequent regional summit held in Rwanda last year. We are delighted to see this effort moving forward and expect great results from these planning grants.”

These paired institutions will use the grants to develop plans to address regional and national economic development priorities such as engineering, health, agriculture, environment and natural resources, science and technology, education and teacher training/ preparation, and business, management and economics.

HED manages the competition which grew out of the Africa-U.S. Higher Education Initiative (www.aplu.org), a collaborative effort between a number of higher education associations and other organizations, led by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (A۰P۰L۰U), formerly the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges (NASULGC).

“We were elated by the astounding number of highly qualified applications received, and even more pleased by how many applications demonstrated a strong understanding of higher education needs in Africa,” said Dr. Tully Cor-

Join the

BBA! 323-2919334

29 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

Technology:

Take a Look!

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

www.blender.org Blender is the free open source 3D content creation suite, available for all major operating systems. Download this free software then use the tutorials to begin learning the ins and outs of animation.

http://bcaglobal.org The BCA is a nationwide non-profit, educational and networking organization of hospitality and food service professionals with the mission to create exposure and provide educational and professional opportunities for culinary and hospitality professionals of color. BCA provides quality educational and employment resources, job

California Black Chamber Foundation

Annual Juneteenth Community Recognition Luncheon Friday, June 19, 2009 • 11:30 am-2:00 pm Sheraton Grand Hotel • Sacramento, California Celebrate the contributions that African Americans have made not only in the state of California, but the United States of America.

CBCF, 2951 Sunrise Blvd., Suite 175, Rancho Cordova, CA 95742 Tel: 1-916-463-0177 • E-mail: cbcc@calbcc.org • Website: www.calbcc.org

coaching, mentoring and assistance with placement, and networking support. The BCA exposes inner-city high school students to the culinary arts through a setries of workshops that serve to introduce culinary arts as a viable career option.

www.reducetherate.org Join the campaign to urge lawmakers to extend the benefits of the federal bailout to college students and their families in this fragile economy through adoption of the Rainbow PUSH Education Stimulus Plan.

Submitted by LaSandra Stratton BBA member, Chair of the BBA International Trade Committee.

30 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

32 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

International:

EX-IM Bank - Financial Support to Succeed Worldwide

T

he Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) can be your valuable partner in increasing your company’s international sales. Today, many companies are leery of competing in the global marketplace during the economic crisis, but the truth is exports are more important than ever! In fact, in these difficult times, companies cannot afford NOT to export.

As the official export credit agency of the United States government, Ex-Im Bank’s sole mission is to help businesses get the financing support they need to succeed worldwide. More global sales translate to more jobs here at home. Thus, Ex-Im Bank has teamed with the Department of Commerce’s U.S. Commercial Service division to offer three enlightening webinars to help executives grow their company’s export sales with confidence. ======================================================== Webinar 1 of 3: Accessing Capital to Fulfill Your Export Orders (May 12) You have made the big international sale but don’t have the funds to buy materials. On top of this, the current recession has lenders tightening credit, especially for transactions in emerging markets. No need to panic as the Ex-Im Bank has the solution for your company to increase liquidity and improve cash flow.

Ex-Im Bank exists to help U.S. companies to increase their international sales, especially small businesses. The agency’s working capital loan guarantee enables exporters to obtain commercial loans to facilitate the export of goods or services. The funds can be used to purchase raw materials and labor as well as fund overhead costs. Exporters can turn export-related inventory into cash and even get support for posting bid and performance bonds.

In this interactive session, experienced trade financial consultants will clearly explain how this loan guarantee: • encourages lenders to make these loans • enhances the value of your existing collateral base • offers generous advance rates (up to 90% for export-related accounts receivable and up to 75% for export-related inventory including work-in-process) Furthermore, these loan can be obtained simply and quickly from many prequalified local lenders. Thus, learn how to access capital now!

Date: May 12, 2009 • Time: 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. EDT • Price: $50

https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration.jsp?SmartCode=9Q80

======================================================== Webinar 2 of 3: Extend Credit and Get Paid Too! (May 14) Take away the stress and grow your international business. Making international sales is challenging enough without having to worry about getting paid. Sometimes buyers demand credit and expose your company to commercial and political risks. Sometimes buyers simply default and leave your company with a loss.

Relax … Ex-Im Bank can substantially reduce the risk of nonpayment. Without this worry, your company can enter new markets and increase its international sales with confidence. In fact, Ex-Im Bank’s export credit insurance can cover your risk in over 150 countries. The insurance policy not only protects your company against nonpayment but it also enables you to sell on competitive “open account” terms instead of requiring cash-in-advance. This financial support is often the critical factor in winning a sale, especially in emerging markets.

In this webinar, you will learn how this insurance can: • cover 90 to 100% nonpayment risk at an affordable premium • replace cash-in-advance, letters of credit, and other documentary sales • provide qualifying international buyers with advantageous terms of credit • enhance your company’s balance sheet and improve cash flow

• insure all export sales or just those from a single buyer Register now to increase your export sales while minimizing risks.

Date: May 14, 2009 Time: 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. EDT Price: $50 Register: https://emenuapps.ita.doc. gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration. jsp?SmartCode=9Q7Y

============================= Webinar 3 of 3: Competitive Financing for Your Buyers (May 19) Many U.S. businesses lose international sales because their buyers either cannot obtain financing, the interest rates are too high, or their foreign competitors have arranged loans. ExIm Bank assists U.S. companies by guaranteeing financing to creditworthy international buyers, both public and private sectors, for purchases of U.S. capital goods and services.

The guarantee for the commercial lender loans to foreign buyers covers 100 percent of principal and interest against both political and commercial risks of nonpayment. Medium-term guarantees (up to seven years) cover the sale of capital items such as trucks and construction equipment, scientific apparatus, food processing machinery, medical equipment, or project-related services--including architectural, industrial design, and engineering services.

The loan guarantees enable international buyers to obtain loans from lenders at competitive rates, and the buyers can be foreign companies, governments, and agencies. There are flexible financing options and repayment terms and no limits on transaction size.

In this webinar, exporters and importers will also learn about the Ex-Im Bank Letter of Interest (LI) to assist in negotiations for sales transactions.

The LI indicates the Bank’s willingness to consider a financing offer if sale is completed.

Buyer financing can make or break your next sale so register now.

Date: May 19, 2009 Time: 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. EDT Price: $50 Register: https://emenuapps.ita.doc. gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration. jsp?SmartCode=9Q7Z

33 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

If you’re having trouble making your house payment, you’re not alone.

Call us. We may be able to help.

If you’re a Countrywide mortgage customer having a difficult time making your house payments, call one of our specially trained Home Retention Specialists.

Countrywide wants to help you to keep your home.

The sooner we can talk, the sooner we can try to help.

Call Countrywide Mortgage Help: 1-888-200-5872 Reference number: 222 5 AM – 9 PM PT, Monday – Thursday 5 AM – 7 PM PT, Friday

Equal Housing Lender. © 2008 Countrywide Bank, FSB. Member FDIC. Trade/service marks are the property of Countrywide Financial Corporation, Countrywide Bank, FSB, or their respective affiliates and/or subsidiaries.

Tribute to a Legend from Tribute page 5

OERP!

Shop with BBA Advertisers & Members

dation. This foundation was founded by Retired Colonel Theodore Adams, now deceased, to further Parren’s legacy of effective leadership and ensuring equal opportunity for all, particularly minority business enterprise. Receipt of this award was extremely special to me.

As the Director of the Office of Small Business Programs for the Department of the Army, I attribute my indoctrination to the area of government procurement and the ability to lead the Federal Government in contracting with small busi-

nesses, to working for Parren Mitchell.

I last saw Parren at the Foundation dinner. He was 82. He had suffered physically and his body was weak. It was quite obvious that while his communication was slight, his spirit was alive and well. It is imperative that we keep the spirit of Representative Parren J. Mitchell alive and continue to advocate for much greater participation of small businesses and all the sub categories, in government contracting. And…when the government touts how well it is doing in meeting procurement goals in the small business arena, understand the real reason why.

34 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

African Marketplace Boutique

Crenshaw-Baldwin Hills Mall, Crenshaw & King Blvd.

Los Angeles, California USA

Queen Aminah’s Clothing

New Location!

BALDWIN HILLSCRENSHAW MALL African Marketplace Boutique, Suite #285 323-293-3277

A Royal Blend of all natural West African herbs and fiery spices

Specializing in quality products for the whole family imported directly from Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and Mali including: •Cultural Clothing for men women and children •Arts, Sculpture, Masks from the African Diaspora •Authentic Jewelry from African Designers Queen Aminah’s Clothing also offers Community Outreach Services: •Fashion Shows for Churches, Organizations and Civic Associations •Black History Presentations for Schools, Churches, Corporations and Government Agencies •Rites of Passage Programs for AtRisk Teen Girls, Teen Mothers, and Adult Women

Nails by SaVerne “Your Feet are My Passion”

Citrus Pedicures Spa Style Pedicures Paraffin Treatment The Spa Manicure French Manicure Gentleman’s Manicure Hand Facial After Acrylic Care Treatment

www.kingspepper.com 323.291.4267 Before you grill, before you bake,

Buy King’s Pepper

and Shake, Shake, Shake!

www.nailsbysaverne.com

Buy King’s Pepper African Marketplace Baldwin Hills-Crenshaw Mall Los Angeles

Shop with BBA Advertisers & Members

by Appointment Only…

4334 11th Avenue, Los Angeles

323-389-0075 3rd Annual Leimert Park Village Book Festival www.leimertparkbookfair.com

Saturday, June 6th • 10 am – 6 pm Leimert Park Village Theatre Parking Lot (43rd Street & Degnan Blvd.)

FAME ASSISTANCE CORPORATION FREE CREDIT MANAGEMENT WORKSHOPS HELD EACH MONTH AT

1968 W. ADAMS BLVD., LOS ANGELES

Writers, storytellers, spoken word performers, poets, publishers, artists, illustrators, booksellers & literary vendors Special Highlights: •Four Presentation Stages •Meet the Authors •Children’s Village & Reading Corner •Music, Entertainment •Food Pavilion Court

CALL FOR INFORMATION OR RSVP 323-730-7720

FREE & FUN For the Whole Family!

SPONSORED BY

Eso Won Books • 4331 Degnan Avenue Leimert Park Village • Los Angeles

For Sponsorship & Exhibitor Opportunities call: 323.730.0628

35 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

36 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

Understanding the VC World: When Silicon Valley Goes to Africa

Thursday, May 28, 2009 • 6 P.M. Fenwick & West, LLP 301 California Avenue Mountain View, CA Admission: Free for TAN Members, $5 for Non-TAN members presented by:

The African Network (TAN) ltengueu@theafricannetwork.org Tel: 408-4210826

Speakers:

David Jeromin & William Silva Managing Partners Golden Mean Capital (www.goldenmeancap.com)

Event Description:

Dave and Bill discuss their experiences in investing in the Agro business in Africa and possible diversifications in other sectors. As a venture capital firm based in Silicon Valley and investing in Africa, they will share their experiences on capital costs (double taxation, foreign currency fluctuation, etc.), managing the risk in such a different environment, the main challenges and the worth of investing in Africa with respect to projected rate of return, untapped opportunities, etc. Q&A and reception follow the presentation.

Speakers’ Bios:

David Jeromin is a Co-Founder of Golden Mean Capital and is responsible for the firm’s business development and the structuring of investments in Africa. Mr. Jeromin has a wide range of experience- from arranging middle market financial transactions to business and economic development initiatives in frontier markets. His specific interests are development projects involving African Small to Medium Enterprises with particular emphasis in fragmented or disparate markets. Mr. Jeromin has experience in the study and application of Social Return on Investment (SROI) analytics and believes the use

of SROI as well as traditional valuation measures allow individuals and institutions alike to measure the full impact of their investments. Prior to helping create Golden Mean Capital, Mr. Jeromin was a Vice President with the investment bank Oppenheimer & Company from 2004-2007. David currently sits on the Board of Directors of Caranda Fine Foods, an African specialty foods company.

William Silva is a Co-Founder and Managing Director at Golden Mean Capital.

At Golden Mean he is responsible for business development, consulting and strategic advisory services, and investor services. Prior to founding Golden Mean, Mr. Silva was Senior Vice Presidentof Private Investments at the Shemano Group - a San Francisco based investment-banking firm. In this role he lead the company’s division focused on funding early stage ventures using equity, quasi-equity, and debt instruments across a wide range of sectors health care, software, bio-tech, and retail.

37 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

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!

323-294-0324 www.esowonbooks.com //esowon.booksense.com for Calendar of Events

Books to Consider...

Resilience: Faith, Focus, Triumph by Alonzo Mourning and Dan Wetzel. In 2000, Mourning was on top of the world: But in September of that year, he was diagnosed with a rare and fatal kidney disease. Over the next couple of years, as his health faltered, he retired, unretired, and retired again– and sought to make sense of the rest of his life. Finally in 2003, after a frantic search for a donor match, Mourning had a new kidney and a new outlook. He vowed to make this second chance count by dedicating his life to others. Although he battled his way back to the NBA, winning a championship with the Miami Heat in 2006, Mourning believed that the most important and fulfilling part of his life still lay ahead. Basketball, it turned out, was just the vehicle that would allow him to devote his talents and energies to a greater cause. By sharing his experiences of the physical, emotional, and spiritual roller coaster of illness and recovery, Mourning hopes to deliver a

message of faith and fire, hurdles and hope, trust and triumph. Resilience is a story about the meaningful everyday lessons that he longs to share and about the things that truly matter in life.

The Challenge for Africa by Wangari Muta Maathai, Nobel Peace Prize winner. This book blends personal history with astute political observations. She creates a sensible blueprint for sustainable change--economically, politically and environmentally.

The 50th Law by 50 Cent and Robert Greene. 50 Cent (aka Curtis Jackson) comes to the business world from a non-traditional background. He gives a new definition of fearlessness. He is willing to take risks and create his own circumstances. 50 talks about the importance of “owning yourself.” When making deals and decisions owning yourself means looking ahead to three years down the road--can I own this material, can I own this company, can I

take an equity position in the proposition. 50 Cent encourages a shift in thinking from participation to ownership.

Fear nothing, and you shall succeed.

Whether one is willing to take the risk to apply the 50th Law, knowing the law will help you know when they are being used on you. Robert Greene’s 48 Laws of Power is a companion book for The 50th Law.

Don’t Miss This Market •There are 17 million Internet users over 62 years old.

•They spend an average of 44 minutes per day online.

•Seniors online are better educated, have higher incomes, and are much more likely to be married and working.

•Connected Matures also spend 70% more each month than those offline.

38 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

Statistics from Focalyst & Pew Research Source: Wealthy Bag Lady

Meeting Management:

Wendy’s World

by Wendy Gladney

W

ell as they say, “April Showers Bring May Flowers.” If this is true, then we are just in time for Mother’s Day! May tends to be the month that a lot of people get antsy because summer is right around the corner, but the weather can still be a little “iffy.” May brings Mother’s Day, Graduations, Memorial Day and Cinco de Mayo…. It’s very important for us to remember our Latin brothers and sisters for their spe-

cial day as well!

In today’s economic climate businesses are trying to maximize promoting their businesses while trying to keep down their expenses. I recommend that a way to keep in touch with people would be to develop a blog or on-line newsletter that you can send out announcements, congratulations and well wishes to all of your clients and constituents. These are just two on line tools that are relatively inexpensive where you can put “keeping in touch” into action.

Although the BBA won’t be celebrating their 35th Anniversary Awards Dinner until June 4th, I wanted to bring it to your attention in this month’s article.

The theme will be “Black Music Month” and Smokey Robinson will be receiving the “Lifetime Achievement Award.” So read the BBA News to keep up with the latest and how you can support!

To keep up with what’s happening with Wendy and PSP check out our blog www.personalservicesplus.blogspot.com.

PSP’s Calendar of Events…

•CROWNS Ebony Repertory Theatre May 8 – June 14th www.ebonyrep.org •CLBCF Conference – May 14 – 16, 2009 The Sheraton Gateway Hotel •BBA 35th Anniversary Awards Gala – June 4th Millennium Biltmore Hotel •NBBC/Break the Cycle Reception – June 11, 2009 •Joseph Business School Summit – June 24 – 26, 2009 Give your all in all that you do.

Then the PLUS won’t just be more, it will be the difference!

Sincerely,

Wendy and

Comedy Night

Wendy, a BBA member, is the founder and president of Personal Services Plus, Inc., an Event Management Company. Visit www.personalservicesplus.com . You can also hear Wendy on Dominique DiPrima’s “KJLH Radio Front Page” Friday Mornings @ 5:00am.

Join the Fun! Share the Laughs!

40 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

Government:

Planning Underway for Broadest, Quickest Stimulus Bill Small Business Impact

T

he American Recovery and Reinvestment Act contains a package of loan fee reductions, higher guarantees, new SBA programs, secondary market incentives, and enhancements to current SBA programs that will help unlock credit markets and begin economic recovery for the nation’s small business sector.

“The tax incentives and credit stimulus elements of the Recovery Act will truly h e l p small busin e s s o w n ers affected by the credit crunch, and will provide financing opportunities to help them create new jobs in their communities,” said Acting SBA Administrator Darryl K. Hairston.

“We are excited that locally these new SBA programs and incentives will aid small business owners in a variety of ways by increasing the availability of credit for working capital, purchasing property, buying equipment, refinancing existing debt, obtaining bridge

Monitor the Recovery A private sector tool developed for monitoring the progress of the nation toward economic recovery is the Fortune Recovery Index. Found at www.fortune.com/recoveryindex, you may use the software tool to check out the strength of the economy via seven different metrics and chart the path to date of each one. Checking the recovery index periodically might help you be the one who in the know regarding early signs of the economic rebound. The early bird makes the most profit, maybe.

and micro loans in addition to assisting contractors with bonding,” said Alberto G. Alvarado, Los Angeles SBA District Director.

The bill provides $730 million to SBA and makes changes to the agency’s lending and investment programs so that they can reach more small busi-

nesses that need help. The funding includes: • $375 million for temporary fee reductions or eliminations on SBA loans and increased SBA guaranteed shares, up to 90 percent for certain loans • $255 million for a new loan program to help small businesses meet existing debt payments • $30 million for expanding SBA’s Microloan program, enough to finance up to $50 million in new lending and $24 million in technical assistance grants to microlenders • $20 million for technology systems to see Stimulus Bill Impact on page 43

$20 Billion in Infrastructure Building Bonds Can Mean Money for You!

Sign Up Now for the California Construction Contracting Program If your business provides services, from asphalt to porta-potties; from backhoes to fencing; from catering to architectural and engineering services, now’s the time to prepare for the upcoming reconstruction projects from Caltrans and other municipal agencies.

FREE construction-related business management advising and training is available through the California Construction Contracting Program.

Contact the El Camino College Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for more information or visit www.buildcalifornia.org.

El Camino College SBDC

41 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

13430 Hawthorne Blvd.

Hawthorne, CA 90250 310.973.3177 www.southbaysbdc.org

Zizini Safaris, Inc. Zizini Safaris provides the traveller with an unsurpassed and memorable experience of a lifetime in Tanzania.

We share with you the beauty of Tanzania; its rich natural resources, warm, friendly people, and a wealth of cultural experiences; offer the opportunity to gain an appreciation of the flora and fauna of these beautiful lands, which will evoke the need to protect and enhance these experiences for today and future generations.

Zizini Safaris, Inc. 466 Old Craigville Road Centerville,MA 02632 (866) 948 ZIZI (9494) info@zizinisafaris.com www.zizinisafaris.com

Tuesday, May 12th “For everyone interested in doing business with Metro”

Listen to

KDEE 97.7FM Watch & Support the Africa Channel!

Time Warner • Channel 176

Don’t have the Africa Channel in your area? Call Time Warner at: 1-888-8922253 and ask that the Africa Channel be broadcast to ALL regions of California.

For information on the Africa Channel visit www.theafricachannel.com or send an e-mail inquiry to info@theafricachannel.com.

The California Black Chamber Foundation’s Radio Station

LIVE on Your Computer

www.kdeefm.org

42 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

Stimulus Bill Impact from Stimulus Bill Impact on page 41

streamline SBA’s lending and oversight processes • $15 million for expanding SBA’s Surety Bond Guarantee program • $25 million for staffing up to meet demands for new programs • $10 million for the Office of Inspector General The bill also authorizes refinancing for certain SBA loans so borrowers can expand their businesses on favorable terms, and expands leverage capability for Small Business Investment Companies.

“We are going to be part of the solution, and this bill gives us specific tools to make it easier and less expensive for small businesses to get loans, give lenders new incentives to make more loans, and help restore healthy SBA secondary markets to boost liquidity,” Hairston said, noting also that more details on implementation will be coming over the next few weeks.

The stimulus bill takes a comprehensive approach and attacks several problems facing small businesses at once by reducing fees, guaranteeing a greater share of certain loans, expanding capacity in the Microloan program, providing new loans to help small businesses keep their doors open through economic hardship, as well as new mechanisms to help unfreeze the secondary markets for SBA-backed loans.

Declines in SBA lending volume last year, which are continuing in FY 2009, reflect problems in the broader credit markets, and present hurdles to small businesses that are seeking credit in the current economy. The financial crisis has created a variety of conditions that impact small businesses, including a lack of liquidity in the banking system, a reluctance of many lenders to extend new loans, tightened credit standards, weaker finances at small businesses, and uncertainty about taking on new debt on the part of many entrepreneurs.

The Recovery Act addresses small businesses’ lending problems, and ad-

Alberto G. Alvarado, Director Los Angeles SBA District Office

dresses key investment and contracting issues. The bill helps Small Business Investment Companies better leverage investment capital to reach more small companies. The bill also increases the current contract limit for SBA’s Surety Bond Guarantee program, which will help small businesses compete for contracts.

90 Percent Guarantee The bill allows SBA to raise its loan guarantee from the current levels to as much as 90 percent for some loans. At present, SBA can guarantee loans up to 85 percent on loans up to $150,000, and up to 75 percent on loans greater than $150,000. The 50 percent guarantee on SBA Express loans would remain unchanged. Increasing the SBA guarantee percentage will encourage lenders to extend more capital to small businesses by increasing the share covered by an SBA guarantee.

Business Stabilization Loans The bill creates a new SBA loan program to provide deferred-payment loans of up to $35,000 to viable small businesses that need the money to make payments on an existing, qualifying loan for up to six months. These loans will be 100 percent guaranteed

by SBA. Repayment would not have to begin until 12 months after the loan is fully disbursed. The bill provides $255 million for this new program. These loans will help ensure that small businesses have time to refocus their busi-

ness plans in order to succeed in the long run.

Microloans The bill expands SBA’s Microloan program, which provides small loans (up to $35,000) paired with technical assistance to start-up, newly established or growing small businesses.

The bill provides funding to increase loans from SBA to participating Microlenders by $50 million through September 30, 2010, and adds $24 million in grants to provide technical assistance to borrowers. Historically, these loans reach low-income individuals, women and minorities in both rural and urban areas. Expanding this program through the stimulus bill will help ensure these entrepreneurs are not left behind in the credit crunch.

Refinancing The bill also gives SBA the power to use the 504 Certified Development Company program to refinance existing loans for fixed assets, providing fresh support for small business expansion.

This change will help business owners expand their current development projects and create jobs in their communities.

Secondary Market Expansion The bill authorizes SBA to establish a secondary market for pools of “first lien” loans under the 504 program. These “first lien” loans from commercial lenders currently have no SBA guarantee.

The bill authorizes SBA to deploy federal guarantees for pools of these first lien loans, so that they can be sold to investors in a secondary market. Providing liquidity for these first mortgages will help encourage lenders to continue participating in SBA’s 504 loan program, which provides a key source of capital for community development and other projects.

The bill also empowers SBA to set up a Secondary Market Lending Authority that would make direct loans to broker-dealers that participate in the secondary market for SBA-guaranteed 7(a) loans. These broker-dealers would use the funds to purchase SBA-backed loans from commercial lenders, assemble them into pools and sell them to investors in the secondary loan mar-

43 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

see Stimulus Bill Impact on page 52

Thursday Blues at

Uncle Darrow‛s High Noon-2pm Every Thursday

Come by for lunch and relax to blues and jazz from our house band!

2560 S. Lincoln Blvd.

Marina del Rey North East corner of Washington & Lincoln

“LA Times Magazine favorite cajun food”

Contraceptives from page 27

could have prevented 36 million pregnancies and 15 million abortions.

“For eight long years the global gag rule has been used by the Bush administration to play politics with the lives of poor women across the world,” said Gill Greer of the IPPF in London. “In rescinding this disastrous and unjust policy, President Obama has returned the United States to the international consensus on women’s health.”

Access Denied: US Restriction on International Family Planning, a study conducted by Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc., Pathfinder International, Population Action, IPAS and EngederHealth, in four countries, Kenya, Ethiopia, Zambia and Romania,

concluded that: “The Global Gag Rule has eroded women’s access to contraception and reproductive Health care. This can only lead to more, not fewer, unsafe abortion and maternal deaths.”

It was further argued that the rule worsened the situation of over 360 million women-, majority of them in Africa, who have no access to contraceptives.

But there were organizations that decided to bend their principles in order to access the USAID money.

Those who were desperate for funds had to agree to sign an agreement denouncing abortion or any related issues and indicating that the money was not going to be used on anything that was in anyway related to abortion. Only those who agreed to these tough conditions were given funding. A number

310-306-4862

www.uncledarrows.com of organizations in Kenya signed the agreement.

IPPF’s governing council on the other hand refused to abide with the rule, and warned the over 45 organizations affiliated to it to count themselves struck from the membership list if they commit themselves to the Gag rule provisions through signing an agreement with the Bush Administration.

44 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

45 T March 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

Shop with BBA Advertisers & Members

2009 Events

June •Annual Awards Dinner TBD •Trade Mission to Washington, DC September •Black Busines Day Conference & Luncheon October •Utilities Procurement Exchange Summit & Awards Luncheon • Call for information •

323-291-9334 46 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

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

Degnan Boulevard between

Crenshaw & Leimert Blvds.

43rd Street-43rd Place, Los Angeles

SPECIALTY CAKES AND CATERING 820 N. La Brea Ave., #D • Inglewood, CA 90302

(310) 677-9979 gwensspecialtycakes.com

“You’ll Love That Homemade Taste” • Cakes & Catering for All Occasions • Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m - 6 p.m Sunday and Monday by Appointment

Shop, Eat, Relax in

Little Ethiopia

Experience Africa in America

Culture, Retail, Entertainment Fairfax Boulevard

between Pico & Olympic in Los Angeles

47 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

Black Business News International Edition Four issues a year Winter • Spring • Summer • Fall

Call for advertising rates and information.

Call to be added to the International Edition mailing list.

323-291-9334 or

e-mail:

mail@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 ……

Down Home Pot Roast Seafood Gumbo Chicken/Chicken Sausage Gumbo Smokey's Rice & Beans www.smokeyrobinsonfoods.com • weloveourcustomers@sfglfoods.com

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.

48 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

OERP starts with ME.

Shop with BBA Advertisers & Members

Calendar May…

all looking to build networks and seek growth opportunities. Expect innovative sessions, high-powered speakers, and an early peek into the products, trends, and services you’ll need to know about to stay competitive. Find information and registration at www.blackenterprise. com/beec.

1st-3rd

25th

Los Angeles Black Business Expo & Trade Show The 20th Annual exposition will take place in Tom Bradley (South) Hall, Los Angeles Convention Center, Pico & Figueroa. For show details visit www.blackbusinessexpo.com.

AFRICA DAY Worldwide celebration of African heritage.

Check your local organizations for scheduled events.

7th 2nd Annual Spring Green Fair Metropolitan Water District hosts this free fair at 700 N. Alameda, downtown from 9 am to 3 pm.

Benefit from a day of meeting Green vendors and attending workshops on susainability topics. Contact the Business Outreach Office for information: 213)-217-6719, www.mwdh2o.com and www.bewaterwise.com.

14th International Trade Outlook Get up-to-date insight into the international trade outlook for 2009. International trade continues to provide more than 281,000 jobs in the region.

During 2008, goods valued at more than $357 billion moved through the Los Angeles/Long Beach port complex and LAX/Ontario airports.

Register at www.LAEDC.org/tradeoutlook.

Early Bird prices until May 1st. 8:00-10:00 am at Keesal, Young and Logan - 14th Floor, 400 Oceangate - Union Bank Building, Long Beach, CA 90801-1730. .17th-20th 14th Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference & Expo “Shifting Gears: New Markets, New Opportunities” will be held in Detroit, Michigan at the Detriot Marriott in Renaissance Center. The power confernce for entrepreneurs and professionals looking to find new markets and new opportunities in these volatile economic times.

Hundreds of deal makers are expected to attend—from aspiring business owners to top-tier professionals—

June…

4th 35th Annual Black Business Association Awards Dinner Millennium Biltmore Hotel 6-10 pm

Call: 773-323-2934 4th “Meet The Buyers” Meet Metro’s Strategic Business Unit leaders to discuss contract opportunities from 8:30 am to Noon. Metro Headquarters Building, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles. R.S.V.P.s preferred.

Contact Lizette Garcia at garcial@metro.net or 213-922-2416.

9th LADWP Business Development Expo and Workshops The annual event begins with Registration at 4:00- 5:00 p.m. and the expos, networking and workshops from 5:00-9:00 p.m. LADWP Headquarters, Auditorium & A-level Lobby, 111 North Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

27th-July 1st 2009 Annual Conference - Rainbow/ PUSH Coalition and Citizenship Education Fund The conference will take place at the Hyatt McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois. Get information or register at www.rainbowpush.org or call 773-373-3366.

29th-30th G8 Corporate Africa Infrastructure Investment Conference The conference will take place at the Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington in London. Get information at www.corporate-africa.com/nepad2008.

22nd-24th NBCC 17th Annual Conference National Black Chamber of Commerce conference information is available at www.nationalbcc.org. Send e-mail to info@nationalbcc.org.

22nd-25th 13th Annual International African American Hotel Ownership / MultiCultural Tourism Summit & Trade Show The 4-day summit will take place at the Doral Golf Resort & Spa. Topics include means of becoming a hotel owner or investor and participating in the tourism industry. Register at www. nabhood.com or call 323-291-9334 for detailed information.

August…

7th-11th 2009 Leadership Institute The Tavis Smiley Foundation Youth 2 Leaders program for high school and middle school students will be held on the campus of UCLA. Participation application deadline is May 31st.

See details at www.youthtoleaders.org.

9th-16th Bahia, Brazil - Festival of the Boa Morte 2009 Experience the culture of Afro-Brazil on this exciting tour. See details on page 49 For information send an e-mail query to info@ctoinc. com.

27th Leon H. Sullivan Summit Awards Celebration - Africa Rising The gala awards dinner will be held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC. For information visit www.thesullivansummit.org.

September…

3rd-7th BlackEnterprise/Pepsi Golf & Tennis Challenge 2009 JW Marriott Grande Lakes, Orlando, FL. Go to www.blackenterprise.com/begt.

For a complete listings of events around Southern California visit

July…

50 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

SAVETHEDATECENTRAL.com

Send your event notice to:

Calendar

at mail@bbala.org.

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Please complete then submit this form with your payment. Please type or print.

Name: Title: Company: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Telephone: E-mail: URL: Type of Business: W/MBE Certified by:

Fax:

Year Established:

NAICS Codes: Briefly describe your products and/or services

New membership Renewal Membership

Select Type of Membership Regular Member-$200 annual dues 51% African-American owned, Voting membership

Corporate Member-$2,500 annual dues Major corporation, Non-voting membership Associate Member-$100 annual dues Non-business owner, Non-voting membership Student Member-$25 annual dues Full-time registered student, Non-voting membership Amount enclosed $ Payment type: credit card Visa MasterCard Card #: Signature Fax Payment to: 323-291-9234

Exp. Date

/

Payment type: check/money order—make payable to: Black Business Association Mail to: P.O. Box 43159, Los Angeles, CA 90043 USA For information Call: 323-291-9334 Email: mail@bbala.org Website: www.bbala.org

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

V

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%

Stimulus Bill Impact from Stimulus Bill Impact on page 43

ket. This program may help address some of the issues facing the secondary market for SBA loans and may ultimately help SBA lenders make new loans to borrowers.

Investment Program The bill helps SBA-licensed Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs) and families of SBIC funds better leverage the capital they use to invest in small businesses. The bill sets maximum levels of funding the agency can provide to these companies at up to three times the private capital raised by those companies, or $150 million, whichever is less. It also raises the percentage any one SBIC can invest in a single small business to 10 percent of total capital, and raises from 20 percent to 25 percent the percentage of any licensee’s dollar investments that must be made in “smaller” businesses.

Surety Bonds The bill also raises the maximum contract amount that can be covered by an SBA guaranteed surety bond from $2 million to $5 million, and, under certain circumstances, for contracts amounting to $10 million, and provides additional funds to cover the costs of expanding this program. Small businesses need surety bonds in order to bid on and obtain many federal and other contracts. SBA guarantees surety bonds to small businesses that private surety companies would not otherwise be able to extend.

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.

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.

52 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

Reach Thousands Leaders in Business and Government YOUR LINK TO BLACK BUSINESS ENTERPRISE and the AFRICAN GLOBAL ECONOMIC COMMUNITY (GAEC) The Black Business Association, SBA 2007 Journalist of the Year, is pleased to invite you to be an integral part of our publication. Black Business News - International. The Black Business News is the official voice through which public and private entities advertise business and investment opportunities, gain access to a highly affluent target market via outreach and advertising opportunities.

Black Business News International Edition

Internat

ional Ed

Black B usiness News

•Outreach to Black Businesses in the USA and around the world •Advertorial/Feature Story Advertising •Profiles and Business Listings •Classified Ads and Bid Opportunities

ition

Serving the Glob al African

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Contents

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Our readers are BBA members, Black business owners, corporate buyers, prime contractors, community organizations and elected officials, who all turn to the Black Business News for business development news and information to take their businesses to the next level of profitability and success!

Tourism

ism indust : Investment in Africa ’s all across ry is active, vit al and is tourthe con evident tinent.

Feature Ar “Strateg ticles: ie Engage s For Construc m tisve African ent with the Diaspora ” “Diaspor a Engage Remittan m ces & Be ent: yond” Investm en t Pr of the Re public of oƤle: Moyo Dis Ug

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53 T May 2009 T Black Business News T www.bbala.org

Choose to care.

Choose to celebrate.

Choose to dream.

At Comerica Bank, we choose to care about the dreams and visions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We choose to celebrate equality and diversity among all people, and we’re dedicated to ringing the bells of freedom. Choose to celebrate the dream with us.

Crenshaw 3825 Crenshaw Boulevard Los Angeles

El Segundo 2321 Rosecrans Avenue El Segundo

800-888-3595

Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.

www.comerica.com

Wilshire-Crescent Heights 6301 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles