Black Bus News August 2010

In This Issue...

President’s Message…page 3 Ameerican Manufacturing…page 6 California Recovery…page 13 LADWP Tries Wind Energy…page 26 Africa’s Economic Recovery...page 41

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

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

Registration is simple and we invite you to visit our Supplier Portal at your earliest convenience:

https://supplier.aegworldwide.com

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

Megatrends Impacting Greater Black Supplier Inclusion

I

n this issue of the Black Business News, the Black Business Association (BBA) shares how the pulse of equitable inclusion of small business enterprises is critical to our American economic recovery. The predictable, the possible, and the preferred outcomes of black-owned and operated business enterprises necessitate watchful scrutiny, particularly as it applies to the interaction between buyers and sellers, as gaining positive outcomes play a critical role in accelerating the pace for American economic growth.

With all of the regulatory requirements and policies set into action to include small businesses in major buying and procurement strategies, there still is no certainty on just how public and private sectors plan to increase their utilization of black-owned companies.

Knowing that the future rarely holds any certainty, major buying organizations cannot become too preoccupied, consciously or not, with trends such as globalization, rapid advancing technologies, increasingly complex regulatory, environmental, and ethical requirements, revenue growth, preferred outsourcing partners, deep cost reductions, or the increasing pace of change in general.

While these expansive trends are real, nonetheless they seem to also be the root causes of why so many corporate executives are turning their staffs away from community partnering.

State and local purchasing is essential to socioeconomic progress, and the lack of attention to smaller enterprise is generating an overall assessment of considerable optimistic caution sur-

rounding how corporate America is appears to be building a racial integration bridge to nowhere. Even though small businesses create about two of every three new jobs each year, and more than half of Americans own or work for a small business, and small businesses continue to drive American innovation and competitiveness in the 21st century, major contracting specialists are too frequently still driving wedges between black-owned businesses and significant contracting opportunities.

Take for example how corporate America has diverted purchasing staffs’ attention from direct contracting to that of direct certification processes. Business certification represents restricted trade, since everyone is not required to participate. It is based solely on racial lines with no inclusion for all races. The spirit of entrepreneurial free enterprise is demarked like segregationists who push for more separation between races. Lines of demarcation among suppliers are already professionally drawn by company size, revenue, accuracy and speed of delivery, bonding and credit access, number of employees, and union affiliation. Adding certification of gender and ethnicity is a throwback to segregation methods of demarcation among the races. Granted that certification is a super form of transparency for knowing who actually owns a business, it could be used as a measure of performance to be applied to buying practices, knowing when and what purchases are coming in the near future.

Now that’s transparency!

As stated earlier, inclusion is critical to our American economic recovery. Inclusion on corporate boards of directors

is very important to the recovery efforts of the nation. Calpers recently issued a report stating that companies with a high representation of diverse board seats (ranging from General Electric to Honeywell) exceeded the average returns of the Dow Jones and NASDAQ Indices over a 5 year period. Despite this data indicating that diverse boards can perform better, 85% of board seats at Fortune 100 companies are still held by whites.

Financial and non-financial executives realize that the glaring challenge facing not just black businesses right now, but all small businesses, to gain improved access to short and longterm lending capital. Despite the expansive bailout funds, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and a host of other federal programs, black entrepreneurs are still encountering obstacles with obtaining needed and desired commercial lending products for revenue growth and job creation. When coupling this lending situation with a ripening racial divide, there comes an eruption in the demise of supplier inclusion and a widening divide in purchasing management and contract engagement processes all along color lines.

It would not be hard to find a parallel glaring example of the entrenchment of racial exclusionary practices in how the U.S. Congressional Ethics Committee has taken some strange actions against Congresswoman Maxine Waters. Waters is being singled out for doing the job of helping a smaller, underrepresented constituency of African American banks, which happens to include OneUnited Bank with branches in

3  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

see President’s Message on page 67

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

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

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

PRODUCTION MANAGER Narishima Osei

STAFF

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ian Foxx ▪ Sabir • N. Osei

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

LAYOUT/TYPESETTING

CORPORATE PARTNERS

W. Gladney ▪ C. Collins

PHOTOGRAPHY

Lion Communications

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

Copyright © 2010 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.

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

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

2010 Events

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

323-291-9334 4  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

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

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

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

Providing training for entrepreneurial professional development;

•

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

•

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

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

As an organization, we are constantly at the helm, securing innovative means and policies that protect our constituency and their business interests. 

In This Issue…

3

President’s Message Impacts on Black Supplier Inclusion

6

33

Supporting American Manufacturing MBDA News CBCC Economic Summit California Recovery LADWP Wind Energy Project Let’s Move!

40

Africa Focus

8 11 13 27

Africa Rockets Out Of Recession President’s Town Hall on Africa Green Card Through Investment Grow Locally, Sell Globally

59

SBA News Podcasts on Going Global New Website Launches

63

Calendar

Columns 35 - Take A Look!

55 - Books to Consider...

BBA Action Alert 2 - AEG Supplier Portal 17 - Help for Haiti 19 - NBA All-Star 2011 Call for Vendors 45 - 10,000 Small Businesses Initiative Launch Cover image - Sarah Harris U.S. Small Business Administration

2007 - Journalist of the Year Award Minority Business Development Agency

2010 - Media Firm of the Year

Obama Takes Another Step in Support of American Manufacturing Signs the Manufacturing Enhancement Act of 2010

President Barack Obama signs the Manufacturing Enhancement Act of 2010 during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk stand with the President. (Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton)

B

efore signing the Manufacturing Enhancement Act, the President took a step back to talk about his vision and commitment to American manufacturing (www. whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2010/08/11/remarks-president-signing-manufacturing-enhancement-act-2010). That commitment has helped manufacturing become one of the surprisingly bright spots of the economic recovery. A sector that lost 3,864,000 between 2000 and 2008 has turned around and gained 183,000 jobs so far this year: “So while we have fought back from the worst of this recession, we’ve still got a lot of work to do. We’ve still got a long way to go. And I’m more determined than ever to do every single thing we can to hasten our economic recovery and get our people back to work. So

that’s why I’m pleased today to sign into law a bill that will strengthen American manufacturing and American jobs. And as I do, I’m joined by two members of my economic team -- Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke, who’s been a tireless advocate for America’s manufacturers; and Ambassador Ron Kirk, who’s been doing a great job and putting in a lot of miles as our U.S. Trade Representative.

Few areas of our economy have been as hard-hit as manufacturing -- not just in recent years, but in recent decades. Throughout the 20th century, manufacturing was the ticket to a better life for generations of American

6  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

see American Manufacturing on page 9

Editorial:

CONGRESSWOMAN MAXINE WATERS: ADVOCATING AS ALWAYS FOR THE UNDERREPRESENTED

I

n response to the announcement of the U.S. House of Representatives Ethics Committee lodging formal charges against Congresswoman Maxine Waters for ethical wrongdoing, the Black Business Association (BBA) stands behind and supports Congresswoman Waters’ defense of these unwarranted charges. The BBA is confident that once the Subcommittee report is released, and Congresswoman Waters has the opportunity to present the facts, it will be concluded that there were no violations of ethics rules or practices.

The panel has stated that it found evidence of ethics violations committed by Congresswoman Waters, who denies breaking any rules in setting up a September 2008 meeting between Treasury Department officials and the National Bankers Association (NBA), a trade association for minority-owned banks. The allegations against Ms. Waters, centered on the involvement of her husband with OneUnited Bank and the bank’s subsequent receipt of $12 million in bailout funds three months after the meeting, question whether inappropriate assistance was provided in the facilitation of the meeting.

Congresswoman Waters’ husband, Sidney Williams, who had served on the One United board from 2004 to 2008, was no longer on the board at the time of the meeting. Additionally, the meeting was not scheduled to discuss a financial bailout plan for OneUnited Bank, but was held to discuss the impact that the government takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac might have on minority banks across the nation. Further, Congresswoman Waters, who also serves on the House Financial Services Committee, had arranged this meeting as part of her ongoing efforts to advocate on behalf of minority-owned business. Congresswoman Waters was not in attendance at this meeting, nor did she and/or her husband derive direct financial benefit from the meeting.

Contrary to what the recent charges against the Congresswoman imply, the BBA believes that Maxine Waters was doing her job - advocating for the un- and underrepresented. In fact, Congresswoman Waters has carried the causes and needs of the downtrodden and often voiceless masses long before she was elected to public office in 1976.

We believe that she is in fact doing what each and every elected official should be doing on a daily basis: looking out for the needs of her constituents. In this case, her broader constituency- small and Minority ownedbanks- were not being considered in the government’s decision makingprocess during the Financial Crisis of 2008. The Congresswoman merelyfacilitated access for a trade association, the National BankersAssociation, so that its members could have their voices heard.

Another side note to consider: OneUnited was not the only NBA member to receive TARP funds subsequent to the meeting with the Treasury Department. Fourteen NBA institutions in total obtained such funding, after the legislation passed in October of 2008.

The BBA finds it interesting that these allegations are resurfacing now, given that they had been addressed more than a year ago. In fact, they have resurfaced with the only document released last week, which was a year old. Previously confidential reports prepared by the quasi-independent Office of Congressional Ethics have also been released to the press.

Additionally we find it curious that the lobbying efforts of AIG, an $850 billion insurance corporation, resulted in its receipt of more than $48 billion in TARP bailout money, with an additional $70 billion committed. The Federal Reserve Bank established another $85 billion in “credit facility” to meet AIG’s credit obligations – more than 20% of its assets. By comparison, OneUnited, a relatively small minority bank of approximately half a billion dollars ($532 million as of March 2010) in total assets, received a $12 million commitment or 2% of its asset base. “Big whoop.”

If it is necessary that these charges against Congresswoman Waters be carried forward, the BBA would also request that the Federal Reserve be required to provide a comprehensive report of the questionable actions that have led to the largest financial institutions receiving their federal bailouts. It’s only fair. In the meantime, the BBA stands firmly behind the Honorable Congresswoman Waters, who fights for justice and battles unflinchingly against inequity in the financial industry. 

7  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

Minority Business Development Agency - Business Development News Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week MED WEEK 2010 August 23 - 27, 2010 Omni Shoreham Hotel Washington, DC

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

Mayor Villaraigosa Announces City Coordinated Trip to DC for Small, MinorityOwned Businesses and Stresses City’s Resources for Small Businesses

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ayor Antonio Villaraigosa today announced at a local South Angeles business, Tam-

pico Spice Company, that the City has coordinated a trip for nine small, minority-owned businesses to Washington, D.C. Sponsored by the Minority Business Opportunity Center (MBOC), the D.C. trip will allow nine, small businesses to network with federal agencies for contracting opportunities.

“This sponsored trip to DC is just one example of how my office has been working around the clock to ensure that more minority-owned firms have the chance to survive and prosper,” Mayor Villaraigosa said. “We have been leveraging every resource at our disposal to help our small businesses prosper – adding more character and brightness to the rich tapestry of Los Angeles.”

The Tampico Spice Company will be one of the nine small companies to receive a free Federal Contracting Training Course and a trip to Washington, D.C. During National Minority Enterprise Development Week, from August 24th – August 27th, these business owners will meet with both public and private agencies in an effort to grow their businesses through contracting opportunities. MBOC has paid for their hotel and flight accommodations through sponsorships.

Tampico Spice is a client of MBOC and won the Director’s award this year for their outstanding contributions to the community. Established 63 years ago with 35 dollars, Tampico Spice Company has grown into a multi-million dollar company that imports a full line of spices from 22 countries and has over 50 employees.

This is only the latest example of how the Mayor’s Office has been working to

help small businesses. To attract new businesses and the jobs that come with them, the Office of Economic and Business Policy introduced the Business Tax Holiday, expanded the State Enterprise Zone, and updated the Internet Business Tax. The Mayor’s Office of Economic and Business Policy also helped to bring Goldman Sach’s 10,000 Small Business Program into the City of Los Angeles, which will work with a number of Community Development Financial Institutions (C.D.F.I.) to provide $20 million in loans to local businesses.  www.mbda.gov www.lacity.org

MBDA and National Urban League to Form Partnership to Increase Opportunities For Minority

8  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

see MBDA.GOV on page 53

American Manufacturing from page 6

workers. It was the furnace that forged our middle class. But over time, the jobs dried up. Companies learned to do more with less, and outsourced whatever they could.

Other nations didn’t always live up to trade agreements and we didn’t always enforce them. And over the last decade, the manufacturing workforce shrank by 33 percent, leaving millions of skilled, hardworking Americans sitting as idle as the plants that they once worked in. This was before the recent recession left them and millions more struggling in ways they never imagined.

Now, some suggest this decline is inevitable, that the only way for America to get ahead is to leave manufacturing communities and their workers behind. I do not see it that way. The answer isn’t to

stop building things, to stop making things; the answer is to build things better, make things better, right here in the United States. We will rebuild this economy stronger than before and at its heart will be three powerful words: Made in America.”

that America would stand by them.

And that’s why we’re investing in a clean energy industry and the jobs that come with it -– jobs that pay well and carry America to a cleaner, more secure and more energyindependent future.”

The President talked about his aggressive National Export Initiative with a goal of doubling exports and supporting several million new jobs over five years (www.whitehouse.gov/ blog/2010/07/07/progress-national-export-initiative-job-creation). He went on: “That’s why we fought for and passed tax breaks for companies that are investing here in the United States rather than companies that are keeping profits offshore. That’s why we closed loopholes that encourage corporations to ship American jobs overseas. That’s why we’re enforcing our trade laws -- in some cases, for the very first time. That’s why we told America’s automakers that if they made the tough decisions required to compete in the future,

And on the legislation he signed: The Manufacturing Enhancement Act of 2010 will create jobs, help American companies compete, and strengthen manufacturing as a key driver of our economic recovery. And here’s how it works.

To make their products, manufacturers -- some of whom are represented here today -- often have to import certain materials from other countries and pay tariffs on those materials. This legislation will reduce or eliminate some of those tariffs, which will significantly lower costs for American companies across the manufacturing landscape -– from cars to chemicals; medical devices to sporting goods.

And that will boost output, support good jobs here at home, and lower prices for American consumers. 

President Barack Obama delivers remarks at General Motors Auto Plant in Hamtramck, Mich. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) 9  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

Black Business Association

Upcoming Events and Other

YOUR LINK TO AFRICAN AMERICAN BUSINESS OWNERS

CELEBRATING OVER 40 YEARS OF SERVICE

Lending Pavilion Congresswoman Maxine Waters

Certification Workshop

and Co-Chaired by

in partnership with

in partnership with

Brotherhood Crusade

August 17, 2010 8:30am

Los Angeles Southwest College 1600 West Imperial Highway, Los Angeles, CA 90047-4899 Admission: Members $10 and non-Members $20

BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR

TRAINING INSTITUTE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

LA MBOC and sponsored by US Bank

7th Annual

Procurement Exchange Summit One-on-One Matchmaking Appointments

BEGINNING

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2010 sponsored by

September 14 LAUSD Headquarters 333 South Beaudry Avenue Los Angeles, California 90017 8am – 11am

15th Annual Ron Brown Business & Economic Summit August 19-21, 2010 - Marriott Hotel, Manhattan Beach, California

West LA College 6:30-8:30pm

Every Wednesday for 12 weeks

Workshops and Awards Luncheon HONORING OUTSTANDING ENTREPRENEURS IN RECOGNITION OF MED WEEK

Thursday, November 4, 2010 Sheraton Gateway LAX Hotel

6101 W. Century Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA

Download the course syllabus at BBALA.org

916-463-0177 www.calbcc.org

Contact the BBA for more information on sponsorship or vendor participation, 323.291.9334 | mail@bbala.org | www.bbala.org

For listings of these and other community events, check out

.com

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is leading a trade mission to South Korea from Sept. 12-16. Gov. Schwarzenegger will join the delegation from Sept. 14-16. The purpose of this trip is to showcase California goods and services, promote tourism and the expansion of trade between California and South Korea.

South Korea is California’s 5th largest trading partner. It is one of the fastest growing economies in the world today. Its economy relies heavily on exports to prosper. The following are some of the sectors that the Korean market demands more products from: automotives, broadcasting, communication and computer technologies, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals/nutritional supplements, and environmental technology, education and training services.

To promote and expand trade relations between South Korea and California, the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce on behalf of Gov. Schwarzenegger, will be organizing a number of business opportunities throughout the trade mission so that California companies participating in the mission will be able to connect with key business and government decision makers.

To read more or to join the mission (enroll by August 27th) at www.lachamber.com.

10  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

Business Development:

Ron Brown Business & Economic Summit: 2010 CBCC 15th Anniversary - August 19-21

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he California Black Chamber of Commerce is excited and energized about our 15th Anniversary Ron Brown Business/Economic Summit & Gala held at the beautiful Marriott Manhattan Beach complex in Manhattan Beach, CA. Our theme “15 Years of Continuous Service, Commitment, & Excellence” reflects the vital role the Chamber and Foundation has represented predominately in the African American community over the last 15 years.

This representation of African American Business and Civic organizations have entered through the halls of National and State government to public and private business entities to protect and expand on business opportunities for community growth and sustainability.

I look forward to meeting and interacting with each of you personally, as we move to the next level of business success together.

Respectfully, Aubry L. Stone, President/CEO

Aubry L. Stone, President/CEO California Black Chamber of Commerce

Ron Brown Summit Co-Chairs Walter Rhodes is CEO of Shiloh Energy Group, a renewable energy company located in San Jose, California. The firm was founded by a group of officer level African Americans from Fortune 500 Energy companies including General Electric, Williams, CenterPoint, PG&E, Entergy and Western Gas. Shiloh designs and builds renewable energy systems utilizing “best in industry” alliances with partners such as Solon, GE, Satcon and WESCO. Walter is a 30 year veteran of corpo-

rate America. Prior to founding the Shiloh Energy Group he served as Vice President of Shared Services at PG&E and Vice President of Supply Chain and Support Operations with Entergy Inc. Walter spent the bulk of his professional career with General Electric where he held key management positions at GE Energy and GE Nuclear.

A graduate of Grambling State University he holds Bachelor of Science degrees in economics and finance.

He also holds a Master of Business Administration from UCLA. He is a former board member of the University of Louisiana System. Walter is a member of Omega Psi Phi and Sigma Pi Phi Fraternities.

James Shelby, of Citrus Heights, has been appointed to the Gambling Control Commission. Since 1996, he has been a member of the Citrus Heights City Council, where he served as mayor in 1999, 2003, 2006 and 2009. Shelby was president and chief executive officer for the Greater Sacramento Urban League from 1992 to 2009. Prior to that, he was manager of employee relations and executive assistant to the general manager for the Sacramento Municipal Utility District from 1990 to 1992. Shelby was senior apprenticeship consultant for the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards from 1977 to 1990. This position requires Senate confirmation.

Summit Overview Ron Brown Business and Economic Summit’s 15th Year Anniversary Celebrates Entrpreneurship in a Down Economy As California continues to limp through the worst economic condition since the Great Depression, the California Black see CBCC on page 15

11  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

This is the event of the year.

SAVE THIS DATE and get your tickets early.

To receive your invitation, send your name, organization and address to 100BMLA@pacbell.net.

Fred Calloway, Gala Chairman Cliff Johnson, Gala Co-Chairman Dr. Anthony Asadullah Samad, Gala Co-Chairman and Awards Chairman Donald A. Lancaster, Esq., President and Chairman of the Board This event is sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank

City of Los Angeles to Host NAACP 2011 Conference Four-Day Gathering Expected to Generate $11.4 Million Economic ImpactCitywide

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he NAACP, the nation’s oldest and largest civil rightsorganization, selected Los Angeles as the site of its annual conference, tobe held July 23 - 28, 2011. The four-day gathering is expected to generatean economic impact of $11.4 million citywide, with a total of nearly 13,000 hotel rooms expected to be booked for the occasion.

“Over the past century, the NAACP has stood at the forefront of progress -crossing the longest bridges and overcoming the highest hurdles in the pursuit of social justice and the end of discrimination,” Mayor Villaraigosasaid. “Having such a distinguished and high-profile organization convene inour city for their 102nd anniversary speaks volumes to Los Angeles’ status as a

national convention convene annually to discuss programming as well as the legislative agenda for the upcoming year. Advocacy workshops covering a range of important and timely issues, such as voter registration and the new health care law, are just some of the topics addressed.

“The NAACP is proud to bring our 102nd Annual Convention to Los Angeles,” stated NAACP Chairman Roslyn M. Brock. “We look forward to continuing the discussion on Civil Rights in this country in LA and invite all NAACP members, Californians, and Americans to join us.”

“Los Angeles is a great city and the NAACP is excited to bring our 102nd Convention to the City of Angels,” added NAACP President and CEO Benja-

premier convention city.”

The NAACP’s members are dedicated to the fight for social justice andinclude members of the entertainment industry, civil rights leaders, and faith-based leaders. The annual conference, which has previously been attended by President Barack Obama, helps advance policies through Congress and the Senate that are intended to further the civil rights agenda.

Delegates attending the NAACP’s

min Todd Jealous. “Los Angeles is a cutting edge city, and what happens in LA sets the tone for the country. We can think of no better city to host ourconvention.”

Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti attended the 2010 Convention in Kansas City and recently announced that LA will host the 2011 meeting. Also present to extend an invitation to the delegates to join the convention in LA, were Leon Jenkins,

branch president of the Los Angelesbranch of the NAACP and LA County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas.

“By coming to a global capital like Los Angeles, the NAACP is ensuring that its message of equality can reach a global audience,” Council President Eric Garcetti said. “The NAACP Annual Convention is one of the nation’s premier gatherings, and it’s return after more than 30 years demonstrates how competitive Los Angeles has become in terms of accommodations, meeting facilities and entertainment offerings,

particularly in Downtown.”

“It is great news for Los Angeles that the NAACP will be holding their annual convention in Los Angeles,” said Mark Liberman, president and CEO ofLA INC. The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau. “LA is a city fullof diversity; from our residents to our many different cultures, our unique landscape and eclectic neighborhoods, our unlimited attractions, shopping and see Recovery.CA on page 25

13  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

CBCC from page 11

Chamber of Commerce Foundation provides business opportunities and advocacy for African American community growth and sustainability.

The 15th Annual Ron Brown Business and Economic Summit (August 19-21, Marriott Hotel -Manhattan Beach, California) showcases prominent public and private business leaders, sharing the most innovative and effective strategies to thrive during this challenging business landscape.

The three-day summit features special guest speakers Gerry Foster and Kristene Smith. Foster, otherwise known as the “Branding Evangelist” will provide a presentation entitled, “Brand and Market Yourself Like Your Life Depended on It.” This workshop promises to show participants how to make their businesses, “unforgettable by transforming your products and services into a powerful brand so you can have more sales, more customers and more money,” according to Foster.

Smith, founder and CEO of Kristene Smith, Incorporated provides CBCCF members and guests with a dynamic presentation about social media and new and innovative home-based marketing strategies. Her discussion will define social media, new media and current trends to advance small business success.

“We are very excited about sharing new and critical approaches to business development in a down economy for our members and summit participants,” said Aubry Stone, President and CEO of the California Black Chamber of Commerce Foundation, “Our theme, 15 Years of Continuous Service, Commitment, & Excellence reflects the vital role the Chamber and Foundation has represented predominately in the African American community.”

The summit begins with its annual golf tournament to raise scholarship funds for students and young business entrepreneurs during their first years in college.

CBCCF Summit plenary sessions also include workshops on financial

literacy, green business development, access to capital and youth entrepreneurship. The summit’s market place serves as a popular commerce section for small business vendors with unique African American products and services.

Keynote presenters include Leonard Robinson, Chief Deputy Director CA Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Toxic Substances Control speaking on “Where Are The Green Business Opportunities” (Friday Plenary Session), Kevin Bracey, representing Life Changers International (Chairman’s Scholarship Lunch), Cecil House representing Southern California Edison (President’s Corporate Appreciation Luncheon) and Julia Hubbel representing the Hub Factor (Power Breakfast).

Keynote Profiles Leonard E. Robinson - Where Are All of the Green Business Opportunities?

Lonard E. Robinson is the proud father of three children, Ryan; Kyle and Lacy; all college graduates. He is driven by a deep relationship with God; love for humanity and a passion for the environment. He is a much sought-after speaker and lecturer combining an environmental evangelical fervor with a sense of humor. He has coined such phrases as “a waste is a terrible thing to mind”; P.I.M.P. (Protect Improve & Make Pollution-free) My Environment and “The Enviro-Minute”.

Mr. Robinson hosts a weekly talk ra-

Leonard “EnviroBro” Robinson dio show called “Going Green With EnviroBro” that broadcast on Sacramento radio station KDEE 97.7FM and streams world-wide on the internet at www.kdeefm.org. He is known as EnviroBro, “the hardest workin’ man in the environment”. His show is the only “green” radio show on an urban radio station in the nation. Every week he is joined by the movers and shakers in the environmental world. He is dedicated to providing his listeners with the opportunities and challenges of the “green economy” information that will affect them; their families and their bottom-line. Prior to “Going Green” he was a daily radio talk show host on radio station KTIE 590 AM in Riverside and San Bernardino.

Mr. Robinson was appointed by Govsee CBCC on page 23

Federal Government Programs - Here To Help www.makinghomeaffordable.gov The Obama Administration’s Making Home Affordable Program includes opportunities to modify or refinance your mortgage to make your monthly payments more affordable. It also includes the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program for homeowners who are interested in a short sale or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure.

Call 1-888-995-HOPE (4673).

15  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

Haitian Celebrity Chef Ron Duprat and ébène Founder Fayola Nicaisse Establish Hunger Alleviation Program for Haiti Earthquake Victims

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ecently, celebrity chef Ron Duprat and former fashion model Fayola Nicaisse visited Haiti to examine conditions six months after the devastating January 12, 2010 magnitude 7.0 earthquake centered near Port-au-Prince. Overcome by the deplorable post-earthquake living conditions and hunger still rampant in their homeland, Duprat and Nicasse became more determined than ever to do something to address the still existent

near famine conditions. Chef Duprat has partnered with Bergeron Land Development, Inc. to establish a culinary center in Haiti in an effort to help alleviate hunger in affected areas.

Duprat teamed up with Nicaisse-founder of the highly-successful ébène

organic skin and hair care line--shortly after the earthquake in a common love for their country and their eagerness to contribute to relief efforts. To meet their collective goal they are also currently working on expanding her line of skin care products. A percentage of the products’ proceeds will benefit their continued relief efforts in Haiti (http:// ebenenaturals.com).

“Ron is an amazing chef,” Nicaisse commented. “I asked him to develop new flavors for my product line. Chef Ron and I will collaborate and build from there by borrowing from his culinary expertise to add flavors and scents to soaps and lotions in my ébène Skin and Hair Care line.” She continued, “The idea is to incorporate extracts and spices from different Haitian cultural dessert dishes to share a little taste of home with our customers, while contributing to a great cause.”

While in Haiti, Duprat prepared a dinner at Caribe Hotel; visited shelters; met with young entrepreneurs from the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF); and served meals at the Food for the Poor feeding center.

Extremely disturbed by what he found, Duprat said “We went to L’hopital general [Haitian community hospital] and cite soleil [Sun City, an extremely impoverished and densely populated

tion, but most importantly to establish businesses and create jobs. Duprat explains, “This effort is a marathon, not a sprint.”

commune located in the PORT-AUPRINCE metropolitan area] it’s inhuman.” He also visited a chicken farm as he plans to partner with Perdue, one of the nation’s leading poultry companies, to obtain training for Haitians to learn to raise chickens for their own consump-

vides affordable physical activity and nutrition programs for youth. Duprat is vice president of the Black Culinary Alliance (a nationwide non-profit, educational and networking organization of hospitality and food service profes-

ABOUT CHEF RON DUPRAT:

A fierce competitor on Bravo TV’s sixth season of “Top Chef,” Chef Duprat has cemented himself as an expert in exotic flavors--often incorporating his own Haitian Creole influences with French-Asian Fusion cuisine. The Celebrity Chef chose the culinary profession as an outlet passion, and also for the tradition that fills the storybook of world cuisine.

The community-minded chef is a board member of FLIPANY (Florida Introduces Physical Activity and Nutrition to Youth), an organization that pro-

17  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

see Help For Haiti on page 49

RESOURCES FOR GOING GLOBAL U.S. Commercial Service • Your Global Business Partner www.buyusa.gov/home/us.html Event: American Showcase 2010 Venue: Cagayan de Oro City Date: September 16-18, 2010 he U.S. Commercial Service is bringing the “American” brand to Mindanao. This exhibit will help promote and strengthen the American brand in the growing business districts of Cagayan de Oro City and throughout the Mindanao region.

Mindanao is an important market for U.S. companies outside of Manila, and we would like to work with your firm to reinvigorate U.S.-Mindanao business ties and to showcase the best of America in the Philippines. The American Showcase 2010 exhibition and seminar program will tap an extensive network of contacts and partnerships that the U.S. Commercial Service has established with trade associations and Chambers of Commerce in the Mindanao region. For more information please contact Ms. Thess Sula, Commercial Specialist. She can be reached at telephone (02) 844-3393; 888-6619 or (02) 888-4088 ext. 5830/5827; fax: 888-6606, or by email Thess.Sula@trade.gov and Dell.Santos@Trade.gov.

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Event: Complying with U.S. Export Controls Seminar Venue: Salt Lake City, Utah Date: September 22-23, 2010 earn more/register: http://www.buyusa.gov/utah/exportcontrolseminar.html Join Commercial Service Utah and the Utah District Export Council for a program led by the Bureau of Industry and Security’s professional counseling and compliance specialists. Complying with U.S. Export Controls provides an in-depth examination of the information exporters need to know to comply with U.S. export control requirements on commercial goods. This program is well suited for any company or research institution that needs a comprehensive understanding of their obligations under the U.S. Export Administration Regulations. For more information contact: David.Fiscus@trade. gov.

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Event: 5th Annual International Trade Conference - Hot Market Watch: Selling to Brazil, China & India Venue: Duke Energy Center, Cincinnati, OH 45202 Date: October 19, 2010; 7am-5pm Cost: $150/$125 for additional company representatives earn more/register: http://www.buyusa.gov/cincinnati/conference.html Organized by Commercial Service (CS) Cincinnati, this year’s conference will focus on the “hot markets” of Brazil, China and India and will provide market updates, tools, and resources for companies interested in selling to or expanding further into these countries. Presenters will include U.S. Department of Commerce international trade experts, as well as international companies and organizations sharing their expertise and resources for Brazil, China and India. In addition to conference plenary sessions, there will be over 10 break-out sessions to choose from. Selected topics for each country will include: market overviews; economic outlooks; customs & logistics; financial considerations; legal considerations; taxation/accounting; regulations; second-tier cities in China and India; and company experiences. For more information, please contact: Marcia.Brandstadt@trade.gov

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Event: Boost Your Service Exports by Connecting with Chinese Investors Venue: U.S. Embassy Beijing Online “AccessAmerica” Directory Date: 2010 Learn more/register: http://www.buyusa.gov/china/en For information, please contact julie.carducci@mail.doc.gov. ccessAmerica is the U.S. Department of Commerce’s online Chinese-language directory of U.S. firms that provide customized services to Chinese companies that want to conduct business in the U.S., including finding partners and setting up offices. It is promoted extensively throughout China in cooperation with our State and other partners. All U.S. states are invited to partner with us to facilitate service exports and inward investment. AccessAmerica is featured on the U.S. Embassy Chinese webpage which has 100,000 hits per month; and it is featured at Invest in America programs in the U.S. and China. Your listing will include company information, company logo, and contact details, all translated into Chinese, for a one-year subscription fee of $400. Increase your visibility in China and boost your PRC client base.

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18  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

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

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he 2011 NBA All-Star Game and associated festivities will be held in Los Angeles at the Staples Center. Vendor opportunities for the 3-day program of events abound, however, vendors interested in providing services for this special event must register and be approved. Registration begins on May 17, 2010.

The NBA All-Star Vendor Diversity Program of the National Basketball Association (NBA) has been providing opportunities to Woman and Minority owned vendors to participate in the All-Star procurement process for over a decade. Working in partnership with local certifying agencies and business advocacy groups the NBA will identify woman and minority-owned businesses in the Greater Los Angeles area.

Through the efforts of these partners the NBA will disseminate information and applications to the local business community. Upon completion of the application process a Woman and Minority Vendor Database will be available on the NBA All-Star Vendor Diversity web-site.

This database will serve as a resource for NBA Staff, Partners, and Primary Contractors seeking to procure goods and services for All-Star.

While participation in the program does

not guarantee a bid opportunity it does provide on-going information on the procurement process and through the guide introduces these business to potential purchasers for All-Star and its related activities.

The first step in the process is to complete the application on the All-Star Vendor Diversity at www.nba.com/allstarvendordiversity. In addition to the application, you will find FAQ, Vendor Guide, Certifying Agencies and Green Iniative information.

The vendor services required include but may not be limited to: Advertising • Public Relations Marketing • Audio / Visual Catering • Florist Construction / Building Materials Courier Services • Electrical Services Drug Testing / Medical Supplies Employment Services - Temporary Staffing Event Management • Fencing Furniture Rental Gifts (items, baskets) • Graphic Design Hardware Suppliers IT • Telecomm Janitorial Services Supplies Office Machines/Rental Copiers, etc.

Office Supplies • Painters Photography Printing: Banners, Signs, Invitations

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

www.nba.com/allstarvendordiversity

19  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

PRESENTS

YO U R L I N K TO A F R I CA N A M E R I CA N B U S I N ES S O W N E RS ~ C E L E B RAT I N G 4 0 Y EA RS O F S E RV I C E ~

in partnership with the

Mayor's Office of Economic and Business Policy and Los Angeles Minority Business Opportunity Center Sponsored by

Tuesday, September 14, 2010 LAUSD Conference Center 4201 Wilshire Blvd., Room 204 Los Angeles, California 8am – 11am ADMISSION: MEMBERS $10, NON-MEMBERS $20 To RSVP or for more information, call 323.291.9334 or email to: mail@bbala.org | www.BBALA.org

This workshop will allow you to learn why it’s important to get certified as well as provide the chance to meet one-on-one with certifying agencies to begin the certification process.

Workshop highlights include: + Hear the corporate perspective of the advantages of becoming a certified minority/women owned business + An introduction to the certification process and maintaining compliance On-site one-on-one certification appointments from + multiple certifying agencies Information on the bond assistance program + + Networking with fellow business owners

PARTICIPATING CERTIFYING AGENCIES INCLUDE

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

www.gbabyartwear.com

Rooibos Tea House African Red Tea Imports

323-658-7832

533 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles

www.africanredtea.com Nira Levy Maslin, CEO

Pan African Film & Arts Festival Presents: The Fall Art Market Entertainment Ȋ Artist’s Booths Ȋ Concessions Ȋ Children’s Corner

September 25th-26th Ȋ Saturday & Sunday Ȋ 10 am-7 pm Ȋ Grevillea Art Park, Inglewood, CA To participate as a vendor, volunteer, donor or sponsor contact: PAFF Ȋ 6820 La Tijera Blvd. Ȋ Suite 200 Ȋ Los Angeles, CA 90045 Ȋ www.paff.org Ȋ paffartmart@gmail.com

614 W. 7th Street (between Grand and Olive) L.A. 90014 • 213 612-0107 View our full menu at Sandellasdowntown.com.

CBCC from page 15

ernor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2004 to work for the Cal/EPA Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTS). He is the highest ranking African American at Cal/EPA first serving as Chief Deputy Director and later as Federal Liaison.

The mission of DTSC is to protect human health and the environment. While at DTSC he was the chief architect of the California Take It Back! Partnership.

The Partnership is a state-wide awareness campaign to encourage California residents to avoid putting household hazardous waste (fluorescent lights; batteries) in the trash.

sell, to be successful today you must have a brand that will differentiate your business from a “sea of look-alikes,” attract business like a magnet, build your CASH FLOW ... and more. Fasten your seat belt. Put your tray in its upright position. And get ready to blast off! Gerry Foster, the Branding Evangelist, is in the house!!

Kevin Bracy, Youth Summit Keynote Speaker

Brand and Market Yourself Like Your Life Depended on it!

play two years of professional baseball in Canada and is now an international speaker, author and entrepreneur.

Kevin takes the opportunity to touch lives very seriously. He has delivered messages for organizations such as Keller Williams, Hewlett Packard, AT&T, CALTRANS, Medtronic, The Olympic Training Center, Colonial Life Insurance, Farmers Insurance, The March of Dimes, Disneyworld’s Wide World of Sports to name a few. He has also enjoyed speaking at over 800 high schools and colleges to over 450,000 students across the country and was voted the number one youth speaker in the country 6 years in a row by students and counselors.

Kevin recently signed a three-year agreement for the production of his own television show; the current working title is “Working With Kevin Bracy”.

His latest project, Kevin Bracy’s MonSTARS of Motivation, is quickly becoming a family friendly motivational entertainment phenomenon. His latest book, Greatness Leaves Clues will be launched soon.

JUNIOR BLACK CHAMBER

Gerry Foster, the Branding Evangelist The most successful entrepreneurs market million dollar brands and you must too as well. One of the featured workshops at the Summit will show you how to make your business unforgettable by transforming your products and services into a powerful brand so you can have more SALES, more CUSTOMERS, and more MONEY! You won’t want to miss this opportunity to learn from America’s #1 Speaker on Branding for Entrepreneurs. It’s time to hyper-grow your business and discover the brand secrets used to create superbrands like Amazon, Google, Apple and others. No matter what you

Kevin was born and raised in Citrus Heights; he is a graduate of Mesa Verde High School and American River College. Kevin learned the importance of nurturing dreams at an early age after overcoming a difficult childhood. It was the struggle of his childhood that gave him the fuel and created the work ethic necessary to earn a baseball scholarship to the University of Utah.

Since graduating, he has gone on to

The growth development of young African Americans remains the social conscious of the California Black Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The day devoted to youth development at theYouth Entrepreneurial Summit on August 21, 2010 highlights the emphasis we place on growing our young adults.

We hope the organizations throughout the State will bring and sponsor youths to the Summit.

www.calbcc.org/CBCC-15_RonBrown_Summit.pdf

23  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

Recovery.CA from page 13

restaurants. It is important that we continue to book conventions thatreflect Los Angeles’ diversity. The NAACP Convention will be a major highlight in the conventions that take place in LA in 2011.”

“The Los Angeles Branch is pleased that the NAACP selected our city to host the 102nd Convention and we are excited to host members from across the country,” said NAACP Los Angeles Branch President Leon Jenkins.

“This is a major win for Los Angeles and we look forward to working with the NAACP and showing them the best that this world-class city has to offer.” 

Soul D’Licious

Southern Cooking with a Creole Twist

Chef D’

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

A taste that will have your Soul begging for more. 

Catering to your Soul...

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

THE GOVERNOR’S SMALL BUSINESS CONFERENCE COMES TO YOU! Wednesday, September 8th, 2010 Imperial Valley Expo, California 200 East Second Street Imperial, CA 92251 www.IVEXPO.com Time: 9am - 4pm Check-in begins at 8am with coffee and networking.

Free of charge, luncheon included For more information call: 707.826.3919 Register at: http://californiasbdc.org/smallbusinessconference/imperial -------------------------------------------------------------------------------Based on the success of the Governor’s Conference recently held in Oakland, we are presenting a day long comprehensive immersion program focusing on new and growing small businesses.

Procurement in the Round by Business Matchmaking - Meetings with federal, state and local government buyers discussing matchmaking opportunities Disaster preparation and prevention - An essential workshop saving your company from natural and manmade disasters The SBDC Analysis - Personal evaluation of your selling readiness Veterans Briefing - Update on GI benefits and opportunities

Environment/Energy:

LADWP Approves New Wind Project as Part of Strategic Plan

Milford Phase II Will Provide 100 MW of Renewable Power for Los Angeles

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he Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) Board of Water and Power Commissioners approved a long-term agreement to receive over 100 megawatts of new wind energy from Milford Wind Farm Phase II. The project is consistent with the LADWP’s long-term strategy and marks a strategic shift in the LADWP’s renewable energy program, which seeks to tap into existing resources, transmission and generation plants, and focus on more cost effective investments in new renewable energy projects that are closer to its customers.

Under the strategy, LADWP will continue to pursue new renewable energy investments to shift from carbon intense resources while balancing the overall costs to residents and businesses in Los Angeles. Focusing on a smarter use of existing transmission lines within the LADWP system, choosing new sites that are in or near California and maximizing land owned by LADWP will help trim costs and keep LADWP on target to meet renewable energy and greenhouse gas emission reduction goals.

The Milford Wind Farm Phase II is an expansion of a 200 megawatt wind farm – of which LADWP already receives 185 megawatts -- that began delivering renewable energy to Los Angeles in November 2009. In alignment with LADWP’s Long-Term Strategic Plan, the Milford Phase II project will benefit from existing infrastructure built for Milford Phase I in Beaver and Millard Counties, Utah. It will also connect to an existing High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission system that brings power to Los Angeles. The

agreement requires approval by the City Council.

The Milford Phase II project will provide enough renewable energy to serve 33,660 Los Angeles residents and represents about 0.8 percent of LADWP’s renewable energy goal. The project was identified in the Long-Term Strategic Plan presented by General Manager Austin Beutner in June, and highlights a new strategic approach to pursuing renewable energy through consistent and sustainable investment.

“This renewable energy project maximizes LADWP assets such as land, generation facilities, and transmission lines. With it, we are being more prudent with our customers’ dollars by maximizing efficiency, while staying the course for adding new renewable generation to our portfolio,” Mr. Beutner said.

“We are very pleased to advance this and other projects that reflect a new strategic approach to renewable energy projects,” said Lee Kanon Alpert, President of the Board of Water and Power Commissioners. “Smart investments near existing generation and transmission, smarter use of technology, and renewable energy investments closer to our customers will help us keep rates low for our customers. It is those types of advances that our commission has been seeking and encouraging for the benefit of the City and our rate payers.”

Strategic aspects of the project include using new technology in the LADWP transmission system to accommodate wind energy, which is produced intermittently. The technology

that the LADWP will begin using was a result of studying uses in Europe to support the increased amounts of wind and solar energy moved through their transmission system.

More specifically, LADWP is expanding capacity of the existing HVDC transmission line, known as the Southern Transmission System (STS) by using the cutting-edge technology to deliver energy from Milford II and other proposed renewable projects in Utah to Los Angeles and other Southern California cities at about 1/10th of the cost of building a new transmission system.

The STS is owned by the Intermountain Power Authority and operated by LADWP. Strategies to incorporate wind and solar into the transmission grid in a consistent or “firm” manner include using see LADWP on page 31

27  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR

TRAINING INSTITUTE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

BEGINNING

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2010 West LA College 6:30-8:30pm Every Wednesday for 12 weeks

The Black Business Association (BBA), in partnership with the Business Division of West Los Angeles College, has launched the Business Entrepreneur Training Institute (BETI), a 12-week training program that will teach new and veteran entrepreneurs the “nuts & bolts� of operating a highly successful business.

Register Today! + Only serious entrepreneurs that want to start a business should participate. Each attendee will be expected meet a tangible goal and have results at the end of the training program.

+ Attendees will receive a certificate of completion as well as everything they need to know to start and run a successful business.

+ Attendees will also leave with a business plan. + Training cost is $75 (includes one annual membership to the BBA)

Applications are available online at: www.bbala.org or by calling the BBA office at: 323.291.9334

sponsored by

Business Development:

Job Growth in U.S. Driven Entirely by Startups, According to Kauffman Foundation Study New firms add an average of 3 million jobs in their first year, while older companies lose 1 million jobs annually When it comes to U.S. job growth, startup companies aren’t everything.

They’re the only thing. It’s well understood that existing companies of all sizes constantly create – and destroy – jobs. Conventional wisdom, then, might suppose that annual net job gain is positive at these companies. A study released today by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, however, shows that this rarely is the case. In fact, net job growth occurs in the U.S. economy only through startup firms.

The new study, The Importance of Startups in Job Creation and Job Destruction, bases its findings on the Business Dynamics Statistics, a U.S. government dataset compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau. The BDS series tracks the annual number of new businesses (startups and new locations) from 1977 to 2005, and defines startups as firms younger than one year old.

The study reveals that, both on average and for all but seven years between 1977 and 2005, existing firms are net job destroyers, losing 1 million jobs net combined per year. By contrast, in their first year, new firms add an average of 3 million jobs.

Further, the study shows, job growth patterns at both startups and existing firms are pro-cyclical, although existing firms have much more cyclical variance. Most notably, during recessionary years, job creation at startups remains stable, while net job losses at existing firms are highly sensitive to the business cycle.

“These findings imply that America should be thinking differently about the standard employment policy paradigm,” said Robert E. Litan, vice president of Research and Policy at the Kauffman Foundation. “Policymakers tend to focus on changes in the national or state unemployment rate, or on layoffs by existing companies. But the data from this report suggest that growth would be best boosted by supporting startup firms.”

Because startups that develop organically are almost solely the drivers of job growth, job-creation policies aimed at luring larger, established employers will inevitably fail, said the study’s author, Tim Kane, Kauffman Foundation senior fellow in Research and Policy. Such city and state policies are doomed not only because they are zero-sum, but because they are based in unrealistic employment growth models.

And it’s not just net job creation that startups dominate. While older firms lose more jobs than they create, those gross flows decline as firms age. On average, one-year-old firms create nearly one million jobs, while ten-year-old firms generate 300,000. The notion that firms bulk up as they age is, in the aggregate, not supported by data. 

KAUFFMAN FOUNDATION EDUCATION VENTURES PROGRAM

K

auffman Labs is seeking innovators of the top twenty entrepreneurial concepts for the education market. The candidate pool is as vast as the education industry itself, but the selection process will be competitive and open only to those education business concepts that show promise to be high-growth, scalable, and sustainable.

Eligible candidates will be at least eighteen years old, be U.S. citizens or in the U.S. legally, and commit up to six months of full-time study, training, and business development to the program. Deadline for submitting application is September 20, 2010. For more information, please go to www.kauffman.org or go directly to http://sites.kauffman.org/ labsapp/index.cfm for an application. 

OUR ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN OERP

Do Business with BBA Member Businesses & Advertisers

Contact: Rossana Weitekamp, 516-792-1462, rossana@weitekamp.com Barbara Pruitt, 816-932-1288, bpruitt@kauffman.org, Kauffman Foundation

29  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

WHY ARE MORE BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES USING SLATON INSURANCE GROUP? BECAUSE THEY DELIVER! Insurance Management Services As a client of Slaton Insurance Group you’ve already made the decision to work with proven resources to help your business manage its risk exposure and to stay within compliance. The independent insurance agents of the Slaton Group will help you manage risk and reduce loss while maintaining adherence to your insurance budget.

We are an integrated, single source provider for your insurance needs.

STEVEN D. TURNER Slaton Group License #0G12789 Financial Advisory / Insurance Services 16161 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 382 Encino, California 91436 Telephone: 818-585-1374 E-mail: sturner@slatongroup.com Website: www.slatongroup.com

Insurance Coverage for Clients •

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) - Property & General Liability Coverage in one Policy form, generally for small and midsized practices. The package includes coverage for business interruption, valuable papers, accounts receivables, employee dishonesty and numerous other pertinent coverages.

•

Commercial Package Policy (CPP) - Generally for larger practices/facilities; incorporates several policy forms including but not limited to general liability, property, automobile and crime policies.

•

Professional Liability - Provides protection for rendering professional services; may apply to both individual professionals and/or businesses.

•

Commercial Umbrella - An additional layer of liability protection that applies across policies to give you increased coverage limits.

•

Inland Marine - Coverage for specialized, valuable equipment or equipment that is mobile.

•

Commercial Auto Insurance - Protection for your owned, borrowed, or rental autos.

•

Worker’s Compensation - Social insurance program designed to resolve disputes between injured employees and their employers.

•

Directors & Officers

•

Employment Practices Liability

Health Care Industry: Steven Turner and his team provide solutions across the continuum of care in medical facilities coverage, ranging from small clinics to specialized facilities and hospitals. As the environment evolves in the medical services industry, Slaton Insurance Group is ready to assist you in managing risk.

Private Client Services: You’ve worked hard to provide a comfortable living for yourself and your family - we work hard to protect it. We work with you to help find personal insurance solutions that provide you the protection you need. Some of the coverage, we offer through our Private Client Services are Home insurance, Auto coverage, Board insurance, Umbrella policies, and many more converges to meet your needs.

Slaton Group is an independent insurance agency dedicated to providing quality commercial and personal insurance programs.

Since we are not limited to any one company, we can shop the marketplace to give you the best protection at the most competitive price.

LADWP from page 27

storage or shaping the wind and solar energy with nearby natural gas plants, which produce a constant stream of electricity into the transmission system.

However, new technology investments in LADWP’s transmission system that allow the wind and solar energy to move onto the transmission lines with-

out using natural gas electrons to firm the wind and solar energy avoids the related emissions. LADWP’s transmission system is ideally suited for this new technology, which is a fraction of the cost of a new transmission line or a new natural gas plant.

“We’re pleased to see LADWP make smart investments in renewable energy projects that are efficient, strategic and place a significant priority on its customers’ and our members’ limited pocketbooks, during these difficult economic times,” said Gary L. Toebben, President & CEO of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. “We’re especially pleased to see a new focus on cost-effective technological upgrades being pursued, instead of very costly new transmission lines.”

“Recently the LADWP board approved several clean energy projects and the beginning of a long-term planning process that should provide a thoughtful and clear roadmap to a secure and smart energy future. We’re delighted. This is an important and intelligent step forward. We look forward to more,” said Felicia Marcus, NRDC Western Director.

“Approval of the Milford wind development demonstrates that progress

continues to be made to provide reliable and affordable clean energy to Los Angeles. Wind, solar, and geothermal energy are essential to reducing our city’s dependence on dirty and increasingly expensive coal,” said Bill Corcoran, Western Region Director for the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign.

“The STS transmission project that supports the new Milford wind farm will allow LADWP and our sister municipal

utilities to bring home more renewable power without the expense and environmental impact of building new transmission or adding new fossil-fuel based generation,” said Aram Benyamin, Senior Assistant General Manager, Power System, “We are excited about this new strategic approach -- it is a win for our customers in Los Angeles and a win for the environment.”

LADWP plans to increase capacity of the STS from 1,920 megawatts to 2,400 megawatts by upgrading and modifying high-voltage direct current (HVDC) electrical equipment that converts power between alternating current and direct current at both ends of the line. The project will cost roughly $100 million.

The Milford Phase II project is made possible through an agreement between LADWP, the Southern California Public Power Authority (SCPPA) and

Milford Wind Corridor Phase II, LLC (owned by First Wind Holdings, LLC).

LADWP will prepay for guaranteed energy to be delivered during the 20-year term at a reduced price—approximately 9 cents per kilowatt-hour— when the plant begins commercial operation, slated for July 2011. SCPPA, nonprofit joint powers agency of Southern California municipal utilities, will finance the project by issuing $157.4 million of low-cost tax-exempt bonds. The agreement has been structured to benefit from American Recovery and Reinvestment Act economic stimulus grants. The indirect benefits of the cash grants, along with the prepayment of power, are estimated to reduce the cost of the project by $53.6 million in current dollars. The agreement includes an ownership option by LADWP. The Board also moved forward with two new solar projects consistent with the strategy of consolidating renewable generation and maximizing use of existing assets.

The projects include solar photovoltaic power projects at the Adelanto Switching Station near Victorville and at the Pine Tree Wind Power Plant in the Tehachapi mountains. Located in California, both projects will provide 10 megawatts of solar power and take advantage of existing transmission lines and other electrical infrastructure. Both projects will be constructed, owned and operated by LADWP. The Board adopted a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Adelanto solar project in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

The Pine Tree solar project is being built at the site of an existing wind farm that has already been evaluated under CEQA. 

OUR ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN OERP

Do Business with BBA Member Businesses & Advertisers

31  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

www.ladwp.com

Rainbow PUSH LA Trade Bureau

The Rainbow PUSH LA Trade Bureau (RPC/Bureau) is focused on the implementation of economic, social, and education initiatives, as well as growing the office to become a strong voice for our constituents and Trade Bureau Members.

Rainbow Push LA is connecting our Trade Bureau members with our Trading Partners for the purpose of doing business.

Rainbow Push LA is committed to connecting our members to new opportunities that will not only bring us through the recession, but beyond it. Our innovative ideas are expressed through powerful programmatic pieces that are designed with everyone in mind.

Please use the information below to contact the Los Angeles office to request a contact information form that may be completed then faxed or e-mailed to us. The information will reconnect us with you and will aid Mr. Israel in his upcoming meetings with corporate trading partners.

Regina Black, Office Manager Rainbow PUSH/CEF Los Angeles, 1313 W. 8th Street, Suite 232, Los Angeles, CA 90017 Office Number: 213.483.3500 Fax Number: 213.483.3577 Email: rblack@rainbowpush.org Website: www.rainbowpushla.org

32  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

A Food Bill We Need

By Michelle R. Obama

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ast spring, a class of fifth-grade students from Bancroft Elementary School in the District descended on the South Lawn of the White House to help us dig, mulch, wa-

ter and plant our very first kitchen garden. In the months that followed, those same students came back to check on the garden’s progress and taste the fruits (and vegetables) of their labor.

Together, they helped us spark a national conversation about the role that food plays in helping us all live healthy lives.

For years our nation has been struggling with an epidemic of childhood obesity. We’ve all heard the statistics: how one in three children in this country are either overweight or obese, with even higher rates among African Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans. We know that one in three kids will suffer from diabetes at some point in their lives. We’ve seen the cost to our economy -- how we’re spending almost $150 billion every year to treat obesityrelated conditions. And we know that if

we don’t act now, those costs will just keep rising.

None of us wants that future for our children or our country. That’s the idea behind “Let’s Move!” -- a nationwide campaign started this year with a single and very ambitious goal: solving the problem of childhood obesity in a generation, so kids born today can reach adulthood at a healthy weight.

“Let’s Move!” is helping parents get the tools they need to keep their families healthy and fit. It’s helping grocery stores serve communities that don’t have access to fresh foods. And it’s finding new ways to help America’s children stay physically active.

But even if we all work to help our kids lead healthy lives at home, they also need to stay healthy and active see Let’s Move on page 34

President Barack Obama talks with kids attending a Let’s Move tennis clinic on the South Lawn of the White House, Aug. 3, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

33  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

Let’s Move from page 33

at school. The last thing parents need or want is to see the progress they’re making at home lost during the school day.

Right now, our country has a major opportunity to make our schools and our children healthier. It’s an opportunity we haven’t seen in years, and one that is too important to let pass by.

The Child Nutrition Bill working its way through Congress has support from both Democrats and Republicans.

This groundbreaking legislation will bring fundamental change to schools and improve the food options available to our children.

To start, the bill will make it easier for the tens of millions of children who participate in the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program -- and many others who are eligible but not enrolled -- to get the nu-

tritious meals they need to do their best. It will set higher nutritional “I am thrilled that Congress has standards for school meals by retaken a major step forward by quiring more fruits, vegetables and passing the Child Nutrition bill – a whole grains while reducing fat and salt. It will offer rewards to schools groundbreaking piece of legislation that meet those standards. And it that will help us provide healthier will help eliminate junk food from school meals to children across vending machines and a la carte America and will play an integral lines -- a major step that is supported by parents, health-experts, role in our efforts to combat and many in the food and beverchildhood obesity.” age industry.

Over the past year, I have Michelle R. Obama met with community leaders and stakeholders from across the First Lady, United States of America country -- parents and teachers, school board members and princiThat’s why it is so important that pals, suppliers and food service work- Congress pass this bill as soon as posers -- about the importance of making sible. We owe it to the children who sure every child in America has access aren’t reaching their potential because to nutritious meals at school. They all they’re not getting the nutrition they want what’s best for our children, and need during the day. We owe it to the they all know how critical it is that we see Let’s Move-Let’s Cook on page 39 keep making progress.

Children from the Bancroft school help First Lady Michelle Obama plant the White House Vegetable Garden.

34  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

•Highlight the power of citizen crowdsourcing platforms and open data to generate good ideas that improve the

Technology:

Take a Look!

American competitiveness and economic growth depend on our strength in the clean energy economy, and overcoming existing impediments to high-impact energy entrepreneurship will require a continuum of linkages among researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, buyers, and decision-makers. The Energy Innovation Network will help entrepreneurs, government agencies, schools, researchers and all interested parties to connect and make the advances we need.

MARS

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.apps4africa.org Apps 4 Africa is a contest to highlight the talent of local developers in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania and to leverage the power of digital technology to make a better world.

The challenge is to build the best digital tools to address community challenges in areas ranging from healthcare to education and government transparency to election monitoring.

Apps 4 Africa challenges local technologists to develop tools on a variety of platforms that build on the needs of citizens or on open data sets relevant to the East Africa region.

The contest runs July 1st- August 31st. Winners will receive a small bit of fame and fortune — cash, gadgets, chances to improve your technical skills and the opportunity to hob nob with our judges panel of tech luminaries and civil society leaders at an awards ceremony in September.

Contest Goals: •Provide a platform to showcase regional technology talent while urging the creation and release of code for the benefit of all; •Support the creation of applications that benefit the citizens, civil society organizations or governments of East Africa;

www.intel.co.uk/healthguide

world.

http://beamartian.jpl.nasa.gov President Obama has called for the USA to visit Mars within 20 years stating “By the mid-2030s, I believe we can send humans to orbit Mars and return them safely to Earth. And a landing on Mars will follow. And I expect to be around to see it.”

This site provides a view for all into the sciences that support the mission and because we ourselves might become the “life on Mars”. Meanwhile, we still have a lot to learn about this amazing planet and its extreme environments.

The “Be A Martian” site offers the visitor the opportunity to register as a “Citizen of Mars” and explore all of the areas of science, areas of expertise, and areas of opportunity for new ideas, products and services. Whether you are a space buff, conducting school projects, teaching about the sciences of space travel, or exploring business opportunities, this site may be both fun and informative.

Be ready. Get your passport now.

www.energyinnovationnetwork. org

The Intel Health Guide is a comprehensive, next-generation telehealth or remote patient monitoring (RPM) solution that combines an in-home patient device, the Intel Health Guide PHS6000, with the Intel® Health Care Management Suite, an online interface that allows clinicians to monitor patients and remotely manage care.

The benefits include patients who are more engaged to take a more active and positive role in their own care. For healthcare providers, it enables more informed and personalised care—which may lead to better patient satisfaction. And it helps healthcare organisations to face the challenges of chronic care, increase efficiency, and achieve organisational objectives.  Submitted by LaSandra Stratton BBA member, Chair of the BBA International Trade Committee.

35  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

W

e are thrilled to announce that TANCon USA 2010, the annual conference hosted

by The African Network (TAN) will be held on October 30th, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency Santa Clara California. This year is the 5th anniversary of TANCon and we are preparing to showcase the new entrepreneurial and business opportunities that have sparked tremendous interest in Africa from a variety of US investors and entrepreneurs. TANCon 2010 will be a platform through which many distinguished experts and visionaries will unravel the countless opportunities and boundless optimism that lie ahead for seasoned and budding entrepreneurs alike. It will also focus on empowering the entrepreneur and showcasing Africa’s potential to the world as a major emerging market.

Attendees will have the opportunity to network with like-minded professionals and fellow entrepreneurs, as well as pitch their business ideas to seasoned entrepreneurs and potential investors.

This conference will provide a valuable resource for fresh and innovative business ideas, learning the basics of starting and growing a business, learning the most effective methods for getting others to invest in one’s business ideas, as well as the challenges and opportunities of starting a business in Africa.

TANCon 2010 would also provide a valuable resource to seasoned business owners and investors, by gaining access to great minds with great business ideas with an eye towards one of the fastest growing markets - Africa.

Attendees to TANCon 2010 will have the wonderful opportunity to listen to and participate in engaging and informative panel discussions which focus

on the challenges and great business opportunities in Africa. The panel topics planned for this year’s TANCon event include: •

Traditional and non-traditional sources of funding for your business idea

•

Low-tech and no-tech business opportunities in Africa

•

How the growth of mobile banking and mobile services is creating and changing entrepreneurial opportunities in Africa

•

Energy - securing your business’ needs, and creating a business delivering both traditional and nontraditional (i.e., “clean”) energy

Previous TANCon events featured esteemed speakers such as: Dr. Frank Greene - Founder and CEO of New Vista Capital, Sean Maloney - Executive Vice President of Intel Architecture Group, Dr. Lawrence Spinelli - President of OPIC, Professor Kunle Olukotun - Stanford Professor and developer of one of the first multicore microprocessors, Guy Kawasaki - Director of Garage Technology Ventures, A.J. Pa-

tel - Founder of TiE, Matt Flannery - CoFounder and CEO of Kiva, Mohamed Hersi - President of AfGlobe Communications, and many, many more.

Hundreds of attendees are expected at this year’s TANCon event taking place at the heart of Silicon Valley. So, whether you’re a student,professional, aspiring entrepreneur or successful business owner, you don’t want to miss this important opportunity!

Please visit TANCon USA 2010 website as we will be updating it as we introduce our keynote speakers and distinguished panelists or contact Biniam Woldemariam, Chair TANCon 2010 at bwoldemariam@theafricannetwork. org. 

ww.bbala.org

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

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

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

Buy King’s Pepper

and Shake, Shake, Shake!

36  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

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

“Since its establishment in 2003, the Kauffman Dissertation Fellowship Program has awarded fellowships to 108 world-class scholars,” said Robert J. Strom, Ph.D., director of Research & Policy at the Foundation. “The study of entrepreneurship has immediate applications for policymakers, educators, service providers and entrepreneurs, and we look forward to the 2010-2011 Fellows’ contributions to this exciting field.”

This competitive program is open to students seeking doctoral degrees from accredited U.S. institutions of higher education. This program is intended for students who are in the process of formulating their dissertation proposals as well as doctoral candidates with recently approved dissertation proposals. It is expected that applicants will complete their dissertations by the conclusion of the 2011-2012 academic year.

Graduate students interested in applying for the Kauffman Dissertation Fellowship Program can find the Request for Proposals online at www.kauffman.org/kdfp/. All proposals must be submitted via the online application by 7 p.m. Central on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010. Please direct all questions to kdfp@kauffman.org.

Recipients may use the grant to pay for costs associated with their dissertation, including data collection and analysis, databases, specialized hardware/software and travel.  Contact: Lacey Graverson, 816-932-1116, lgraverson@kauffman.org, Kauffman Foundation

Ex-Im Bank Issues New Policy on Short-term Content

I

n response to the difficulties small businesses face in accessing export financing, Ex-Im has changed its policy governing what constitutes eligible content of products financed by the Ex-Im Bank small business programs.

The new policy expands the kinds of costs that can be considered as eligible when Ex-Im provides credit support, or cover, for an export by a small business. This policy applies to both our short-term credit insurance and working capital loan guarantee programs.

Over 90% of the authorizations under these two programs support small businesses.

We are very excited about the potential this change in policy can have to increasing financing for U.S. exports, especially as foreign markets become increasingly important to both the success of America’s small businesses and our overall economy.

To learn more about this new policy on short-term content: http://exim.gov/ products/policies/foreignshortprog. cfm. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Wendy Wright at 202.565.3774 for more information.

Foreign Content Policy

for Short-Term Programs Ex-Im Bank’s mission is to support U.S. jobs through exports. To fulfill its jobs mandate, Ex-Im Bank relies on U.S content as a proxy to evidence support for U.S jobs. Accordingly, there are eligibility criteria and limitations on the level of foreign content that may be included in transactions supported by Ex-Im Bank.

Ex-Im Bank offers two short-term programs -- export credit insurance and Working Capital. Consistent with the Bank’s Charter to consider the “unique

37  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

see Ex-Im Bank on page 43

Let’s Move Let’s Cook from page 34

parents who are working to keep their families healthy and looking for a little support along the way. We owe it to the schools that are trying to make progress but don’t have the resources they need. And we owe it to our country -because our prosperity depends on the health and vitality of the next generation.

Changes like these are just the beginning, and we’ve got a long way to go to reach our goals. But if we work together and each do our part, I’m confident that we can give our children the opportunities they need to succeed -- and the energy, strength and endurance to seize those opportunities.  www.letsmove.gov

Let’s Cook

C

hefs from across the country visit the White House kitchen to create nutritious and affordable menu plans for busy families. With one shopping list, a little preparation and dinner recipes to take you through the week - Let’s Cook makes it easier to eat healthy at home. Print, email and share recipes with friends, tell us about your healthy cooking on facebook and visit often for new recipes. www.lets-

move.gov/blog/recipes.

Featured Chef: Chef Marvin Woods Cookbook author and TV chef Marvin Woods is recognized for his inventive take on food rooted in northern Africa, South America, the Caribbean and the Low Country. Woods has developed a wellness program called “Droppin’ Knowledge with Chef Marvin Woods” (www.marvinwoods.net/

A Positive Economic Turn Around in the USA is in Our Hands



Buy Products Made or Assembled in the USA Hire One New Employee Eat an Extra Meal Out Each Week Start a Business to Generate Wealth & Jobs 

Buy Black - Save Black - Invest Black dk.html) that is designed to teach lifestyles that are healthy for kids and their families.

Chef Marvin Woods offers a plan that features healthy and affordable dinners for five days of the week. Get the full recipe plan at: www.letsmove.gov/blog/recipes/plan.

Sunday: Spice Roast Pork Loin, Sweet Potatoes, Cooked Green Beans Monday: Asian Stir of Pork and Veg-

etables Tuesday: Turkey (or Tofu) Chili and Pearl Barley with Mix Green Salad Wednesday: Meatloaf Turkey, Whole Wheat Pasta with Basil and Ricotta Thursday: Mediterranean Chicken, Pearl Barley and Feta Eggplant Friday: Cajun Chicken and Brown Rice Black Eye Pea Pileau 

www.healthcare.gov 39  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

International:

Africa Rockets Out of Recession By: Keith Campbell, Engineering News of the bank’s ‘African Economic Outlook 2010’ report. Moreover, African inflation currently averages 6.3% and is trending downwards.

“This is a great time to be marketing Africa.”

The continent suffered a sharp downturn owing to the recession but is now experiencing a strong upturn – a VProfessor Mthuli Ncube, Vice-President and Chiefshaped recovery. Africa’s Economist, African Development Bank success is the result of the economic reforms of the 1990s. frica is the region that is growing Command-style economies were fastest out of the global recession. “Our prediction is that this abandoned in favour of more marketyear the continent will have a growth orientated economies. “These ecoof 4.5%, next year 5.5% and then 6%,” nomic reform programmes worked,” he reported African Development Bank affirmed. “What economic reform manvice-president and chief economist aged to do was to push Africa’s [precriProfessor Mthuli Ncube at the launch sis] economic growth to about 6%.”

A

In addition, rigid exchange rates were, in most countries, replaced by flexible ones. “Flexible exchange rates are essential to absorb shocks. Flexibility is the way to go, to deal with crises,” he highlighted.

Another result of these successful economic reforms was that African countries faced the onset of the recession with fiscal surpluses, or only small deficits, which allowed them to adopt countercyclical policies. Ncube described this as a “resilience factor”.

Another resilience factor was China.

“China is the big story” and its economy is forecast to double in size in the next ten years, if not sooner. The giant Asian economy has had a very powerful effect on Africa and the exponential growth in trade between the two has been “really phenomenal”. Ncube argued that the next stage of Chinese involvement with the continent would see investment in industrial parks and export zones across Africa.

“The Chinese look after their interests and they do it very well. But China is giving Africa what it needs right now,” he stressed. “Africa needs a strong see Out of Recession on page 47

President Obama Meets Youth on Africa’s 50th Celebrations

P

resident Obama told young African leaders at the start of a three-day conference that as they work to build strong economies with jobs and opportunity, the United States will work with them, promoting the trade and investment on which growth depends.

“No one should have to pay a bribe to get a job or get government to provide basic services,” Obama told delegates to the first President’s Forum with

Young African Leaders, which is meeting in Washington August 3-5. “As part of our new development strategy, we’re emphasizing transparency, accountability and a strong civil society -- the

kinds of reform that can help unleash transformational change.”

“It will be up to you -- young people

40  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

see Town Hall on Africa on page 47

Green Card Through Investment

E

ntrepreneurs (and their spouses and unmarried children under 21) who make an investment in a commercial enterprise in the United States and who plan to create or preserve ten permanent full time jobs for qualified United States workers, are eligible to apply for a green card (permanent residence).

Up to 10,000 visas may be authorized each fiscal year for eligible entrepreneurs.

You must invest $1,000,000, or at least $500,000 in a targeted employment area (high unemployment or rural area). In return, USCIS may grant conditional permanent residence to the individual.

U.S. Startup and growthready firms should consider the EB-5 Immigrant Investor program, in which foreigners can invest in domestic companies that will create U.S. jobs.

For more information, see Section 203(b)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and 8 CFR 204.6 (www.uscis.gov).

Eligibility Criteria You may be eligible to receive permanent residence based on investment if: • You have an approved Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur • You are admissible to the United States • An immigrant visa is immediately available Application Process If You Are Living Outside the United States You can become a permanent resi-

Grown Locally and Sold Globally: Creating Jobs Through Agricultural Exports By: Ambassador Ron Kirk, US Trade Representative

R

ecently, I’ve been traveling across the country to meet with local business leaders, workers and farmers to talk about how trade can support well-paying jobs right here at home. I travelled to the Bangor State Fair in Maine. In its 161st year, this traditional Maine summer event was a perfect place to showcase the importance of agricultural exports to the economic recovery.

I had the opportunity to join Bangor State Fair Director Mike Dyer and USDA Rural Development State Director for Maine Virginia Manuel. With the help of Penobscott County 4-H students, I was able to see first-hand a wide selection of the great American farm products that are sold around the world. I met high school student Matt Davis and his best in show winning dairy cow. I also saw goats and chick-

dent through consular processing if you live outside the United States. Consular processing is when USCIS works with the Department of State to issue a visa on an approved Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur, petition when a visa is available. For more information on consular processing, see the “Consular Processing” link to the left under “Green Card Processes & Procedures.”

If You Are Living in the United States You can become a conditional permanent resident through adjustment of status if you live inside the United States. Once the Form I-526 is apsee Green Card Investment on page 42

ens. College students Majorie Hardy and Haley Emery gave me a tour of the 4-H students’ project area where I was able to talk with students about the importance of growing locally and selling globally.

These products help to demonstrate why exports are an important and consistent part of the President’s economic recovery plan. In fact, U.S. exports contributed over one percentage point to GDP growth (at an annual rate) in each of the last four quarters of recovery and have contributed over 1.5 percentage points to growth in the last year. This was a larger contribution than consumption or fixed investment. And U.S. agricultural exports have continued to expand, more than doubling from about $50 billion in fiscal year 2000 to a projected $105 billion for fiscal year 2010. see Sell Globally on page 60

41  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

What is “Pass It On!” ???

I

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

Green Card Investment

will carry these messages around the world through a series of powerful testimonies and unique stories told directly by the individuals who see, work with, or benefit from Africare’s assistance on the ground. The stories come from more than 20 African nations, covering a variety of key issues. They all carry positive messages of growth and empowerment on the African continent!

Beginning September 1st, Africare will introduce you to a new story— once a month for 16 months— from a child, grandmother or Africare staff member who will “have something to tell you” about the important work Africare is

implementing on the ground. Each will be packaged in a format that is ready to “pass on” to a friend or someone you know through video, social network, and even your phone! And if you live in Washington, DC, you’ll see our stories on buses and in Metro stations across the city.

Sign-up to receive the messages and support the “Pass It On!” campaign using this special link - www.africare.org/ news/enews_signup.php.

Learn more about Africare’s current projects, long history and esteemed leaders at their website - www.africare. org. 

tion, if you are between 14 and 79 years of age Copy of government issued photo identification Copy of birth certificate Copy of passport page with nonimmigrant visa (if applicable) Copy of passport page with admission (entry) or parole stamp (if applicable) Form I-94, Arrival/ Departure Record (if applicable) Certified copies of court records (if you have been arrested) Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record Applicable fees The approval notice for Form I-526 (Form I-797)

Your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21, (known as derivatives) may be included on your immigration petition. If they are residing in the US, they will each need to file a Form I-485. They are counted towards the annual cap of 10,000.

• from page 41

proved and a visa number is available, you can apply for conditional permanent residence on Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. For more information see the “Visa Availability & Priority Dates” and “Adjustment of Status” links to the left under “Green Card Processes & Procedures.”

Supporting Evidence for Form I-485 You should submit the following evidence/documentation with your application: • Two passport-style photos • Form G-325A, Biographic Informa-

• • •

• • • • •

Family of Entrepreneurs

Work & Travel Authorization Generally, when you have a pending Form I-485, it is possible for you to apply for authorization to work in the United States and to seek advance parole (advance permission to travel and be admitted to the United States upon your return). For further information, see the “Work Authorization” and “Travel Documents” links to the left under “Green Card Processes & Procedures.”  www.uscis.gov

42  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

Ex-Im Bank from page 37

business requirements of small businesses” in formulating its policies, ExIm Bank has two separate short-term content policies for: (1) small business exporters as defined by SBA and (2) non-small business exporters.

I. SMALL BUSINESS ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA To be eligible for Ex-Im Bank support: • Each product must be shipped from the U.S. to a foreign buyer; and • Each product must have more than 50% U.S content based on all direct and indirect costs, including but not limited to labor, materials, research and administrative costs, exclusive of profit; or • The aggregate content of all products in an invoice must be more than 50% U.S. based on all direct and indirect costs, including but not limited to labor, materials, research, and administrative costs, exclusive of profit.; or • If the U.S. content of any product or aggregate U.S. content of all products in an invoice is 50% or less, only the U.S. content is eligible.

[Note: Value added after export from the U.S. , as well as foreign charges such as import duties, taxes, and inland freight are excluded from cover.]

Level of Support If the product or the aggregate products in a single invoice meets the more than 50% U.S content eligibility threshold, 100% of the gross invoice value (sales price) is normally eligible for coverage at the insured percentage that is applicable. If the U.S. content of the product or aggregate products in a single invoice is 50% or less, Ex-Im may cover the value of the U.S. content only at the insured percentage that is applicable. Based on the applicable program or policy type chosen, standard percentages of coverage are 90 to 95%.

II. NON-SMALL BUSINESS ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA To be eligible for Ex-Im Bank support: • Each product must be shipped

•

•

from the U.S. to a foreign buyer; Each product itemized on an invoice must be produced or manufactured in the U.S. ; and Each product must have more than 50% U.S. content based on labor, material, and direct overhead, exclusive of any profit).

If the product meets the eligibility criteria, 100% of the gross invoice value (sales price) is normally eligible for coverage at the insured percentage that is applicable. Based on the applicable program or policy type chosen, standard percentages of coverage are 90 to 95%.

[Note: Value added after export from the U.S. , as well as foreign charges such as import duties, taxes, and inland freight are excluded from cover.]

Export-Import Bank The Export-Import Bank supports the financing of U.S. goods and services, maintaining, and creating more U.S. jobs.  www.exim.gov

Level of Support

43  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

44  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

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

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

•

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

•

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

“My number one priority is getting the people of Los Angeles back to work, and the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Initiative is the type of program we need in Los Angeles,” Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said. “Not only will this investment set in motion job creation at the most grassroots level, but it will have a real impact on the lives of the 70% of Angelenos that are employed by small businesses by granting them the opportunity to expand their entrepreneurial enterprise through education, loans, and networking.”

“Los Angeles is home to many very talented small business owners,” said Lloyd C. Blankfein, Chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs. “Working with local community development financial institutions and community colleges, we aim to give selected local businesses the resources they need to grow and create jobs.”

10,000 Small Businesses began operations in New York in 2010 where LaGuardia Community College is offering education and Seedco Financial Services is providing access to capital. The program will begin in Los Angeles in August, 2010. Interested small businesses should apply for the education portion directly through the local community colleges and CDFIs. •

Los Angeles City College: www.lacc10ksb.com

•

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

•

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

ABOUT GOVLINK CONFERENCE:

PRE-CONFERENCE BREAKOUT SESSIONS:

• GOVLINK CONFERENCE provides networking opportunities between government agencies, prime contractors, and small businesses.

• The speakers from government agencies will discuss business opportunities, vendor selection criteria, and provide valuable insights on what it takes to be successful and how to avoid common mistakes.

• Federal, state, and local government agencies and major prime contractors will be exhibiting at the event to facilitate networking.

October 26, 2010 - 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

SESSION 1: Responding to an Invitation for Bid (IFB) SESSION 2: Tour the Defense Microelectronics Activity(DMEA) laboratory

WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND: • Learn about federal, state, and local government and prime contractor business opportunties • Grow your business through networking with key government and prime contractor decision makers • Attend the “Responding to an Invitation for Bid (IFB)” or tour Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA), a high-tech applied engineering federal laboratory

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: • Small and large business owners / managers that are interested in contracting and subcontracting opportunities representing all industries • Representatives from 8a, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE), HUBZone, Service Disabled Veteran Businesses (SDVOSB and DVBE), and Woman Owned Businesses (WOB) • Federal, State, and Local Government and Prime Contractor representatives interested in expanding their Small Business, 8(a), Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE), HUBZone, Service Disabled Veteran Business (SDVOSB and DVBE), and Woman Owned Business (WOB) participation

GOVERNMENT PURCHASING PANEL: Hear from government agency representatives who will discuss upcoming opportunities and how to do business with their agencies

PRIMES AND SUBCONTRACTORS PANEL: Learn what government prime contractors are looking for in subcontractors and how to be considered for subcontracting opportunities

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION: Pre-registration is required. Register now!

• Attendee Early registration is $125 per person. $150 after September 10, 2010. (Includes kick-off reception hors d’oeuvres, continental breakfast, lunch, and conference materials.)

Visit here to register as an attendee: www.theftc. org/news&events/upcomingevents/govlinkconference_2010/govlinkconference_registration_attendee. html.

• Limited Sponsorship and Exhibitor Opportunities available. Last year exhibit spaces sold out. Visit here to register and reserve your space now www.theftc. org/news&events/upcomingevents/govlinkconference_2010/govlinkconference_sponsorships.html.

www.theftc.org/news&events/upcomingevents/govlinkconference_2010/govlinkconference_home.htm.

46  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

Out of Recession from page 40

trading partner – it needs a strong investment partner. In fact, China is giving the world what it needs. The world needs a market right now. It’s not just Africa.”

Other partners for the continent are also emerging. “India is coming,” he cited. “India and Africa are going to be a big story in the next five years. Turkey has shown up, especially in Ethiopia.

Brazil is very active in the Lusophone countries. And South Korea is very good in knowledge transfer.”

However, trade between African countries, particularly neighbours, remains disappointing.

“There is economic activity across borders,” said Ncube. “There just isn’t enough of it.” While intra-African trade remains very limited, intra-African investment is “much more exciting” and involves banks, mining groups and telecommunications companies.

Within Africa, the fastest-growing region is East Africa. “There are 85-million people in Ethiopia. Ethiopia has been growing at 10%. There is very good macroeconomic management in Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda,” he explained. Rwanda is consciously seeking to emulate Singapore, and has created a Department of Strategic Planning and Execution.

In West Africa, Nigeria has managed to diversify its economy away from dependence on oil. Although oil still accounts for 95% of Nigeria’s exports, it is responsible for a much lower proportion of the gross domestic product (GDP) – 32.3% last year. Agriculture made a greater contribution, at 36.5%, while the services sector was responsible for 8,2% of GDP. “In North Africa, Egypt is strong in entrepreneurship,” cited Ncube. “Algeria and the other states are resource economies but have good diversification with tourism and services.”

The slowest-growing region is South-

ern Africa. Of the ten African countries which experienced economic contraction last year, five were in Southern Africa (Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Swaziland) – six, if you include Madagascar.

The risk factors facing Africa include political crises; a failure of the global economy to recover as expected; a return to rising food prices; and growth driven by commodities might result in African economies becoming more specialised and so more vulnerable to market volatility.

“A lot of countries in Africa have done quite a bit in [economic] diversification, but they need to do more,” urged Ncube. “What is missing in Africa is venture finance. There isn’t any in Africa. A lot of small and micro- enterprises in Africa are survival enterprises, not entrepreneurial ones.”

To date, the some $100-billion annu-

al aid flow into Africa has not been affected by the global recession, but with a number of major developed countries now planning significant cuts in government spending, this could change. This might not, however, necessarily be a bad thing.

“I am worried about French West Africa,” he cautioned. “It’s very closely tied to France and the eurozone.”

The other four African countries whose economies shrank last year were all in Francophone West Africa – Chad, Gabon, Mauritania and Niger. (From smallest to greatest contraction in percentage terms, the ten countries rank as follows: Swaziland, Angola, Chad, Niger, Gabon, Mauritania, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Madagascar).

Town Hall on Africa

represent an array of political, economic, cultural and social arenas in their African homes.

A key event in the conference was a town hall meeting between the delegates and Obama in the East Room of the White House August 3. Obama spoke for about 10 minutes from prepared remarks, but told the delegates that “I don’t want to do all the talking. I want to hear from you.”

“You are the heirs of the independence generation that we celebrate this year. Because of their sacrifice, you were born in independent African states,” Obama said.

In Africa this year, 17 sub-Saharan nations are celebrating 50 years of independence, and since the early 1990s, democracy has made significant strides on the continent. Recently, democratic elections have been held in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Mauritius and Ghana, which illustrates the

“What is missing in Africa is venture finance.

There isn’t any in Africa.

from page 40

full of talent and imagination -- to build the Africa for the next 50 years,” the president said.

Obama convened the conference with approximately 115 young leaders from a cross section of African life to examine how they see Africa’s future over the next half century and to help craft innovative solutions to regional challenges. Working with American counterparts and U.S. government officials, the delegates are sharing their insights on key conference themes of youth empowerment, good governance and economic opportunity.

The conference is being held at the White House and State Department as well as at locations in the Washington area with American business leaders and nongovernmental organizations.

Delegates came from 46 countries and

Edited by: Martin Zhuwakinyu African Development Bank (www.afdb.org)

www.engineeringnews.co.za

47  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

see Town Hall on Africa on page 49

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

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

Where Do I Find It? •BBA website

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

Black Business News

•Black Business News Internet Edition

International Edition To be added to the International Edition mailing list or to advertise in the publication send an e-mail request to: mail@bbala.org.

View the International Edition at www.bbala.org and www.yudu.com Search: Black-Business-News-International



How Do I Participate & Benefit?

•Join the BBA at

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

48  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

Help For Haiti from page 17

sionals); a member of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative that addresses solving the challenge of childhood obesity; a member of No Hungry Kids; manager of Real Men Cook Miami, a subsidiary of Real Men Charities, Inc.; and a member of Basil Magazine’s Chef Council.

creates public-private partnerships to assist the least advantaged people in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Having worked in every country in the region, PADF engages communitybased groups, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), national, state, and municipal governments, and the private sector in the process of implementing appropriate solutions for sustainable development. Through these partnerships, PADF seeks to achieve excellent and lasting programmatic impacts in creating economic opportunities, promoting social investments, strengthening communities and civil society, and preparing for and responding to natural disasters. 877-572-4484.

ABOUT Food for the Poor, Inc. Food for the Poor ministers to spiritually renew impoverished people throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Established in 1982 as a 501(c) (3) corporation, the organization’s goals are to improve the health, economic, social and spiritual conditions of the men, women and children we serve. Food for the Poor raises

Town Hall on Africa from page 47

ABOUT Pan American Development Foundation (PADF): Created in 1962 through a unique agreement between the Organization of American States (OAS) and the private sector, the Pan American Development Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization 501(c)(3) that

importance that Africans are placing in democracy and good governance.

“Just as the achievements of the last 50 years inspire you, the work you do today will inspire Africans for generations,” Obama told the delegates.

Asked about the disruptive power of corruption found in many African societies, Obama told delegates that while the problem is not unique to Africa, good governance is at the center of economic development on the continent, and there has to be a clear sense of the rule of law for growth and opportunity to flourish. It is one reason, he said, why the United States stresses the values of good governance to African leaders.

A young woman asked what commitment Obama could offer to the people

funds and provides direct relief assistance to the poor, usually by purchasing specifically requested materials and distributing them through the churches and charity organizations already operating in areas of need.  http://padf.org/ www.imunitedforhaiti.org www.foodforthepoor.org http://ebenenaturals.com www.hufh.org

Also Donate Here to Help • •

•

Contribute online through ClintonBushHaitiFund.org.

Text “QUAKE” to 20222 to Judeline has been transformed by the therapist. She no longercharge a $10 donation to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund (the donation will be added to your cell phone bill).

Find more ways to help through the Center for International Disaster Information.

Federal Response Info For information on how each federal department and agency is responding to the earthquake in Haiti visit the Help for Haiti website at whitehouse.gov.  of Somalia, a nation that has been torn apart by conflict for nearly two decades and struggles daily to maintain some degree of order. The president said that Somalia has the support of the American people, even through all it has suffered. “We desperately want Somalia to succeed,” he said.

But extremists have made a home in Somalia, the president said, because they believe it is a failed state. There is concern in Africa and in the region that continued instability there could have a destabilizing impact across the region, but the resolution of that strife will not happen soon, he said.

When challenged on how much support the United States is offering Africans in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, which has posed a significant health challenge across the continent, Obama said funding has been increased during

49  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

see Town Hall on Africa on page 53

JWFA

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

WHY OWN GOLD IN YOUR IRA/401k Changing jobs creates a great opportunity for you to switch, or rollover, your former employer’s retirement plan into an IRA. Plus, it usually provides you with more investment options than if you left the money in your former employer’s plan or rolled the money into your new employer's retirement plan.

The early 1980s presented a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to buy stocks. Today, economic and political conditions appear to offer a similar opportunity in tangible assets such as physical gold. With the global economic environment growing more uncertain, physical gold has become the #1 alternative for IRA, 401k, 403b, and Pension Plans, as well as for non-retirement funds.

Gold is produced primarily for accumulation while other commodities are produced primarily for consumption. Gold’s value does not arise from its usefulness in industrial or consumable applications. It arises from its use and historical worldwide acceptance as a store of value. Gold is money. A healthy measure of gold clearly belongs in every portfolio for the “Four Ps” – Personal Purchasing Power Protection.

There are six primary reasons why investors own gold: As a hedge against inflation.

As a hedge against a declining dollar.

As a safe haven in times of geopolitical and financial market instability.

As a commodity based on gold’s supply and demand fundamentals.

As a store of value.

As a portfolio diversifier.

According to Bloomberg.com, on October 15, 2009, Paul Tudor Jones of Tudor Investment Corp, who manages about $11.6 billion out of Greenwich, Connecticut, told its investors, “I have never been a gold bug… but Gold is just an asset that, like everything else in life, has its time and place. And now is that time…Gold appears to be cheap. In our view, gold’s value should increase as its scarcity relative to printed currencies increases.”

JAMAAL WILKES FINANCIAL ADVISORS makes 401(k) rollovers easy with just a few simple steps. Please call us at (310)209-8298 or email gold@jamaalwilkes.com for a web seminar presentation.

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Advertorial-Jamaal Wilkes Financial Advisors, LLC:

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

O

n the front page of all the media outlets is the question if gold is in a bubble. I ride bubbles and look for beginning signs of bubbles. Bubbles are irrational, but there is an old saying that “markets are irrational a lot longer than one can stay solvent.”

I believe gold is nowhere near a bubble top and believe now is the time to profit on the next major asset class ready to run.

Gold is in a classic cup and handle pattern. The cup and handle pattern has historically led to major market moves.

See charts and explanations that follow...

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

Compared to other bubbles gold appears flat.

Above is a chart of the oil index verses the gold and silver index. Notice the run in oil before the credit collapse. This run lasted almost 5 years before it topped. Meanwhile for the past 15 years the XAU has been relatively flat and yet it has had a nice run we have not seen the run up like other asset class bubbles.

I believe there are signs that we may be moving into a peak gold area and would not be surprised if there is a global rush to gold as investors lose faith in fiat currencies.

The recent collapse of the euro only preludes what will eventually happen with the dollar and treasuries. Now many people have run from the Euro to dollars, but I believe that is temporary. Now is the time, before the masses rush in, to buy gold. This is not the time to be bottom fishing other markets. I believe to stick to strength.

The chart above gives me the confidence to know that we have not entered bubble territory yet. 

51  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

How to Help the Black Business Association

BY CAPRICE L. COLLINS

There are many ways each of us can help the Black Business Association. However, some ways are better suited to certain donors while other methods make more sense for other donors. Following just a few of the many ways that you can use to help the Black Business Association thrive. +

Give cash outright to the Black Business Association.

This is the easiest and most common method. However, for larger donations, this typically is not the best method for the donor.

+

Give appreciated property to the Black Business Association. If done properly, you get a deduction for the full fair market value of the property. If you were to sell the asset, normally you would pay 20% of the gain to the IRS. So, if you had an asset for which you paid $10 and you sold for $100, you would have a gain of $90 and pay $18 in tax. After sale and taxes, you would have $82. However, if you contribute the property to the Black Business Association, you get a charitable deduction for the full $100, even though you would have received only $82 after the sale and taxes.

Essentially, you get a deduction for the gain on which you never paid taxes.

+

Set up a lifetime Charitable Remainder Trust with the Black Business Association as the remainder beneficiary. With a lifetime Charitable Remainder Trust you contribute property to a trust and you receive a fixed dollar amount or a fixed percentage of the value of the trust each year. At the end of your life, or at the end of a term up to 20 years, the property remaining goes to the Black Business Association. You get a current income tax deduction for the value of the interest that eventually goes to the Black Business Association. You can control how the assets of the trust are invested. This can be particularly important when the asset is stock in a family business.

+

Give a remainder interest in your home or business.

You can give the Black Business Association the right to have your home or business after your death. You have full rights to live in the home or use the farm. The Black Business Association has no right to use the property until your death.

You get a current income tax deduction for the value of the interest going to the Black Business Association. The value of the interest going to the Black Business Association is calculated by using your life expectancy at the time of the gift of the remainder interest.

YO U R L I N K TO A F R I CA N A M E R I CA N B U S I N ES S O W N E RS ~ C E L E B RAT I N G 4 0 Y EA RS O F S E RV I C E ~

+

Set up a Charitable Remainder Trust at your death with the Black Business Association as the remainder beneficiary. This is similar to a lifetime Charitable Remainder Trust. However, your children or other beneficiaries would receive the income stream and then the assets would go to charity after their deaths or the specified period of time. Your estate would receive an estate tax charitable deduction for the value of the interest that ultimately would pass to charity.

+

Set up a Charitable Lead Trust during your lifetime with The Black Business Association as the beneficiary. This is the reverse of the Charitable Remainder Trust. The Black Business Association gets the income stream during your life or the fixed period of time, and then at your death the remaining assets go to your children or other beneficiaries.

+

Set up a Charitable Lead Trust at your death with the Black Business Association as the beneficiary. Again, this is the reverse of the Charitable Remainder Trust. You would set up a trust that would be funded at your death. The Black Business Association would receive the income stream for a fixed period of time typically and then the remaining assets would go to your children or other designated beneficiaries. This is a way to reduce the estate tax on assets passing to your heirs.

+

Give of your time and expertise. This can be a great way to help in a very personal way. While it helps the Black Business Association, it also can provide you with a sense of accomplishment. However, you will not receive a tax deduction for this type of giving.

As you can see, there are a wide range of options. A qualified estate planning attorney can help you select the method which maximizes the income tax, estate tax, and personal advantages of the contribution to the Black Business Association.

Byline: Ms. Caprice L. Collins is a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys and has been engaged in the practice of law for the last 24 years. For more information or to attend an upcoming seminar, call (310) 677-9787 ext 5.

Town Hall on Africa from page 49

his administration, and that it is now included in a broader program attacking worldwide diseases. He said that former President George W. Bush, during his administration, initiated the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which vastly improved health care support for Africans dealing with the highly infectious disease.

That health program is being expanded under Obama’s broader Global Health Initiative (www.whitehouse. gov/the_press_office/Statement-bythe-President-on-Global-Health-Initiative). It does not stop at AIDS treatment, he said. It includes building a public health structure that also attacks transmission of the disease. One significant aspect of curbing transmission rates is empowerment programs for women, he added. Where women are empowered, researchers say, HIV transmission rates decline over time.

Another aspect of the Global Health Initiative, Obama said, is to improve public understanding of the nature of HIV/AIDS, how it is transmitted and what is needed to curb its spread. 

by Merle David Kellerhals Jr. allafrica.com

President Barack Obama greets Ambassador Alieu Momodou Ngum, of The Gambia, and his family before the start of an ambassador credentialing ceremony in the Oval Office. The presentation of credentials is a traditional ceremony that marks the formal beginning of an ambassador’s service in Washington.

(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza), August 10, 2010. (Photo by Pete Souza)

MBDA.GOV from page 8

Quote of Note...

Entrepreneurs

“to give the economy another boost: We need to do what’s right, not what’s political, and we need to do it right now.”

President Barack H.Obama

T

he Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and the National Urban League have joined forces to expand opportunities for minority entrepreneurs. MBDA and NUL will pool their collective resources to support the growth of minority?owned firms located in Atlanta, Chicago, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Los Angeles, New Orleans and Philadelphia.

“MBDA looks forward to working with the National Urban League to increase our reach to minority entrepreneurs and help them grow to size and capacity,” said MBDA National Director David A. Hinson. “Our 46 centers around the

nation are working diligently to provide avenues for minority businesses to grow and compete. The League’s Entrepreneurship Center Program will help us reach minority-owned firms in areas where we currently don’t have a presence and service more minority entrepreneurs in communities where we do.”

Hinson adds, “MBDA and its network of business development specialists will also provide their subject matter expertise to Entrepreneurship Center Program staff to increase their capacity to help minority-owned firms succeed.”

Last year, MBDA helped minorityowned firms access almost $3.0 billion in contracts and financial packages resulting in the creation of more than 3,000 new jobs.

“Our Entrepreneurship Centers empower minority entrepreneurs

53  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

see MBDA.Gov on page 60

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54  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

Malik’s Books Online

M

alik’s Books has closed operations in the Baldwin Hills Mall.

Malik’s is now operating as an online bookstore. Malik’s is now available to serve our customer’s needs 24/7 via the world wide web with bigger deals and a larger selection. We will remain as active in the South Los Angeles community as we have always been.

Please visit us at www.Malikbooks.com and/or www.autographbooks. com. For other information give us a call at 818-564-5694.

If you want to coorespond with us, send letters to Malik’s Books, 3939 Crenshaw Boulevard, #324, Los Angeles, CA 90008.

Thank You again for all your support and patronage over the years and visit us on the Web. 

Malik’s Books

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

Give the Gifts of Knowledge, Inspiration, Entertainment.

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

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

Books to Consider...

The First by Roland Martin (www. thirdworldpress.com).

Sometimes when history is being made, we are so caught up in the moment that we don’t take the time to keep a record of what’s going on around us…that is soooo not the case with our very own Roland Martin. Roland Martin does it all – radio, television, print. In each of these media, Roland has captured what is surely the most historic period of our time-the presidential campaign of Barack Obama.

“The First: President Barack Obama’s Road to the White House,” is as thorough a catalogue of this campaign as one will ever find – all through the eyes and words of award-winning journalist, Roland Martin. “The First, “is a marriage of Roland’s many jobs – columnist, blogger on essence.com, television and radio commentator. There are also the observations of noted celebrities who played a part in this once-in-alifetime campaign. As an added bonus, “The First” includes a dvd of Martin’s historic one-on-one interviews with the first couple, President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama.

This book is an embarrassment of riches. There ‘s so much to offer in “The first, “ one might not know where to start, but trust, with an almost 2 year ramp up to the presidential election, it’s best to start at the beginning and relive, savor even, this incredible time of our lives. “The First” is worth every page in memories, good writing and historical value. 

55  August 2010  Black Business News  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%

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Open Supplier Certification Process The Verizon Communications Corporation is seeking to identify a greater share of African American-owned and operated businesses to match to potential operating contracts.

The data base that Verizon procurement management personnel are instructed to review is the California Public Utilities Commission Clearinghouse.

Entrepreneurial Business Development Diversified  Subdivision  Product-Mix & Creating Jobs Across America City by City  State by State National and International Trade Exchange

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

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Our Community Source Contact: Keasha L. Charles

888-988-8551 Phone & Fax

BBA members wanting to expand market opportunities with a telecommunication company should consider completing a supplier certification application. To obtain an application go to the Internet web address www.cpuc.gov and visit the supplier diversity page for an online application.

The BBA encourages all members to participate in this process that works to create greater opportunities for all African-American owned and operated firms. Last year the California Verizon Company reported an annual spend with African American owned suppliers in excess of $40 million.

56  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

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

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

Tinashe @ the Boardroom inside Lucy Florence

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57  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

Caltrans Construction

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MEAN

El Camino College offers the training and advising you need to enhance your ability to bid for and WIN state highway construction contracts.

Now is the time to get bid ready with assistance in the areas of procurement, personnel, cash flow, marketing and more!

Appointments with a business advisor are available at the SBDC at no charge to you. For more information, call the SBDC at 310.973.3177.

Be sure to attend the free Economic Stimulus event on Thursday, November 19, 2009, in the City of Compton to learn more about stimulus opportunities available from Caltrans and other state and federal agencies. Visit californiasbdc.org for details.

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58  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

Government:

SBA Offers New Podcasts to Help Small Businesses Break into the Global Market

T

he U. S. Small Business Administration is now offering a new set of three export-oriented podcasts offering valuable information on issues and challenges small business exporters may find when dealing with specific countries.

The podcasts, featuring interviews with business representatives from Uganda, Cameroon and Bahrain, are part of a comprehensive effort by SBA to promote and support the President’s National Export Initiative. The interviews focus on what U.S. companies can expect when exporting to those countries and provide information relevant to their respective business and import environments.

“U.S. small businesses looking to increase sales and profit should look beyond the U.S. borders. Nearly 96 percent of the world’s consumers live

outside the U.S. and small business need to factor that in to their strategic planning,” said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. “We’re hoping these tools will help them do that, so they can grow and create jobs here at home.”

The podcasts on Uganda and Cameroon include interviews with two women business owners who are members of the African Women’s Business Network, an organization that supports a network of businesswomen’s organizations in Africa. The podcast on Bahrain features an interview with an official of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce.

The podcasts are available online at http://www.sba.gov/tools/audiovideo/ Podcasts/index.html and include transcripts. They provide valuable information on country infrastructure, types of U.S. products and services in demand, cultural tips on how to do business, and

Karen G. Mills, Administrator Small Business Administration

other relevant issues.

In his State of the Union Address on Jan. 27, 2010, President Obama announced the National Export Initiative, as part of an effort to promote and achieve long-term, sustainable economic growth for the United States.

The president has a goal of doubling exports over the next five years, an see SBA Podcasts on page 61

Overhauled SBA Website to Go Live in the Fall

Revamped SBA.gov will deliver essential information and services to small business owners

T

he U.S. Small Business Administration announced today that a complete redesign of its website, SBA.gov, will launch this fall.

The new SBA.gov will make it easier for small businesses, lending institutions, small business counselors and other members of the small business community to more quickly find the information they need through a simpli-

fied navigation structure. In addition, new features will allow users to tailor their experience to provide information that is specific to their needs and location.

The new website also will offer a dedicated lender area that helps banks and other financial institutions that partner with the SBA. “Our goal as an agency is to get in-

formation, tools and services into the hands of small business owners more quickly so they can spend more time doing what they do best – creating the jobs that will drive our economic recovery,” said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. “Through a new, personalized and dynamic SBA.gov we will be better able to support job growth across the country.”

The website redesign is part of the SBA’s goal to create a dynamic online presence that delivers information to customers wherever they are online. To achieve this goal, the agency recently began using social media to reach constituents through a variety of online

59  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

see New SBA Website on page 61

Ambassador Kirk speaks with Bangor State Fair Director Mike Dyer and USDA Rural Development State Director for Maine Virginia Manuel.

Sell Globally

MBDA.GOV from page 41

Last year, America exported $97 billion in agricultural products, supporting a $23 billion agricultural trade surplus.

At USTR, we’re working to find more market opportunities for American agriculture through agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the U.S.-Korea trade agreement – already our fifth largest agricultural export market. In Maine, almost 75 percent of all exports are sent to the Asia-Pacific Region.

We’re also developing new tools to aid enforcement of farmers’ and ranchers’ trade rights. In March, we published the first USTR reports focused specifically on unjustified technical barriers to trade and on non-science based sanitary and phytosanitary standards that unfairly keep our agricultural products out of foreign markets. We are using this information to expand

from page 53

to take advantage of new business opportunities and qualify for financing that will put them on the path towards professional success,” said Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League.

“We welcome this partnership with the MBDA and look forward to working exports of safe, high-quality U.S. agricultural products.

USTR is taking every opportunity to make sure that smart trade policy works for every American. Because when markets are open and American businesses and farmers have a levelplaying field to compete on, no one can beat us, and that means we can keep creating good jobs in Maine and all across America.  www.ustr.gov

with the agency to expand our efforts and give business owners the tools they need to achieve their goals.”

Minority-owned firms continue to grow significantly in number, increasing from 4 million in 2002 to 5.8 million in 2007, yet gross receipts lag behind those of non-minority-owned firms.

One of the reasons for this gap is that minority businesses are largely represented in low growth sectors and their owners rely on personal debt and family financing versus business loans, equity, and other forms of financing, to operate and grow their businesses.

This results in a lack of size, scale and capabilities when compared to nonminority-owned businesses.

The partnership between MBDA and the National Urban League aims to rectify this gap and assist firms that show promise of growth and sustainability in today’s marketplace. 

60  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

www.nul.org www.mbda.gov

SBA Podcasts

New SBA Website from page 59

increase that will support 2 million American jobs. The SBA is committed to supporting NEI by offering American small businesses the resources they need to break into and succeed in the global market.

In addition to the new online tools, SBA resource partners – Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers and SCORE – as well as U.S. Export Assistance Centers are available to assist small businesses who are interested in exporting in every U.S. state and territory. These resource partners can help entrepreneurs identify potential export markets, facilitate export transactions, develop links between United States small business and prescreened foreign buyers, advise on participation in international trade shows, assist in obtaining export financing and developing or reorienting marketing and production strategies. In addition to counseling resources in every state and territory there are export specialists available at the eight International Trade Export Assistance Centers and SCORE online international trade advisers.

There are 19 U.S. Export Assistance Centers located in major metropolitan areas throughout the United States.

USEACs are one-stop shops ready to provide small- or medium-sized businesses with personalized local export assistance by professionals from the U.S. Small Business Administration, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Export-Import Bank and other public and private organizations. For more information on USEACs, please visit http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/ sbaprograms/internationaltrade/useac/ index.html.

To find your local counseling resources please visit www.sba.gov. 

channels such as Facebook and Twitter. The agency also recently launched an improved search function on the

Government Plan and addresses all three of the agency’s Open Government goals – transparency, participation and collaboration – by providing direct access to agency programs and operations, allowing users to custom-

current SBA.gov website which vastly improves the speed at which users can find the information they are looking for in advance of the launch of the new site this fall.

The website redesign is also the Flagship Initiative of the SBA’s Open

ize their online experience, and, beginning next year, incorporating community features such as discussion forums and public feedback tools.

For more information on the SBA’s online expansion, please visit www. sba.gov/next. 

from page 59

Sunday, August 22, 2010 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

City of Los Angeles Exposition Park Rose Garden 701 State Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037 Entrance on Exposition Blvd, between Figueroa and Vermont Proceeds Benefiting the

Regalettes Scholarship Fund Donation: $100.00 per person • VIP Tickets $175.00 per person Dancing • Entertainment • Refreshments Attire: White Attire Only, California Chic For tickets and more information Contact: Brenda Marsh-Mitchell (323) 299-2800 or Christina Dolar (310) 674-9779

61  August 2010  Black Business News  www.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

Calendar August…

TBD THE TRUTH Informative roundtable discussion is the focus of the fundraiser for The Gondobay Manga Foundation. Contact the Isaiah Washington project at http://tgmfthetruth.eventbrite.com.

17th BBA Lending Pavilion Extensive access to lenders and financial information for minority business owners at Los Angeles Southwest College. Detailed information at 323-291-9334.

19th-21st CBCC Ron Brown Business & Economic Summit The 15th Year Anniversary Summit Celebrates Entrpreneurship in a Down Economy at the Marriott Manhattan Beach Complex in Manhattan Beach, CA. Visit www.cbcc.org for details.

23rd-27th MED WEEK 2010 The conference is dedicated to empowering minority business owners with the knowledge and tools necessary for success.

The theme for MED Week 2010 is “Strategies for Growth and Competitiveness in the Global Economy”. Visit www.mbda.gov for details.

September…

8th Governor’s Small Business Conference The California SBDC and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development are presenting a day long comprehensive immersion program focused on new and growing small businesses at the Imperial Valley Expo, 8am to 4pm. For information call 707-826-3919. To register for this free event visit http://californiasbdc.org/ smallbusinessconference/imperial.

12th-16th

Governor’s Trade Mission to South Korea South Korea is California’s 5th largest trading partner. The mission will showcase California’s goods and services along with promoting tourism. For information and to register (by August 27th) contact the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce at www.lachamber.com.

African Petroleum & Energy Forum 2010 Join leading multinationals, experts from academia, finance firms, corporate investors and energy corporations in exploring the opportu-

17th-18th 2010 African American Women Summit The event includes awards presentations, social sessions, workshops and panel discussions. The workshops focus on Financial Management, How to Use the Media Effectively, Becoming a successful Corporate Leader, and Public Relations & Marketing for your Business.

For information www.goldtoneentertainment. com.

nities for international investors into the enormous potentials of the petroleum and energy sector in the African continent.. For information on participation, speaking opportunitiesand sponsorship; please contact: mo.mag@finmagazine.com, info@finmagazine.com or call +2347063062721, +2348033839928, or visit www.foreigninvestmentnetworks.com.

October…

30th

10th

TANCon USA 2010 The African Network (TAN) conference at the Hyatt Regency Santa Clara California will showcase the new entrepreneurial and business opportunities that have sparked tremendous interest in Africa from a variety of US investors and entrepreneurs. Visit www.theafricannetwork.org for information and registration.

10th Anniversary Celebration for SaveTheDate This celebration of 10 years of business success will be held at the Taglyan Cultural Complex in Hollywood, CA. The special event also celebrates the launch of Suite Causes, Inc and the new information website SuiteEvents. com. For information call 323-988-7290 or visit www.SuiteEvents.com.

15th 100 Black Men Hold Gala Dinner This annual gala being held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel will present the 100 Black Men of Los Angeles 2010 honoress.

For information on participation and to receive an invitation visit www.100BMLA.or or send an e-mail inquiry to 100bmla@pacbell.net.

26th-27th GovLink Conference The GOVLINK CONFERENCE provides networking opportunities between government agencies, prime contractors, and small businesses through workshops, exhibits and networking sessions. Get information and register at www.theftc.org/news&events/upcomingevents/govlinkconference_2010/govlinkconference_home.htm.

November…

4th BBA 7th Annual Procument Exchange Summit The annual business development event includes: One-on-One matchmaking sessions with utilities and corporate buyers, business development workshops and the Awards Luncheon. The summit will be held at the Sheraton Gateway LAX Hotel. For information call 323291-9334 or visit www.bbala.org. 

For a complete listings of events around Southern California visit SAVETHEDATECENTRAL.com

Send your event notice to:

28th-29th

63  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

Calendar at mail@bbala.org.

Reach Thousands of African American Entrepreneurs YOUR LINK TO AFRICAN AMERICAN BUSINESS OWNERS

U.S. Small B us Minority Bu iness Administration & siness Develo pment Agenc y

AWARD WI NNER! 2007 “Journ alist of the Ye ar” 2009 “Media Firm of the Y ear”

The Black Business Association, SBA 2007 Journalist of the Year and MBDA 2009 Media Firm of the Year, invites you to be an integral part of our publication, Black Business News - Your Link to African American Business Owners. The Black Business News is the ofÀcial voice through which public and private entities advertise contract and business opportunities available to African American entrepreneurs.

Gain access to a highly afÁuent target market via information outreach and advertising opportunities.

• Outreach to Black Businesses • Advertorial/Feature Story Advertising • Profiles and Business Listings • Classified Ads and Bid Opportunities

Black Business News

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

No

In Th vember 2008 is Iss ue…

5 Co ver S tory: we g Wher o e do Barack from h er Obam USA. a, 44th e?

Preside 6 Bla nt of the ck Bu sines Profi s Succ le Dicker ess 9 Fo son Employee reclo sure Benefits $8.68 R 31 Sm Billion Settleme elief nt. all Adm Business inistr Online Train ation

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Reserve Your Ad Space Today! Call 1-323-291-9334

ing for

Exporte rs

Deadline: Every third Friday of the Month!

Special Offer: 50% Discount for Regular Financial BBA Members and Government agencies Advertising Opportunities (3x, 6x, 12x call for quantity discounts) Full Page Color w/Feature Story - $6,000 Full Page Color - $5,000 Half Page Color w/Feature Story - $3,000 Half Page Color - $2,500 Quarter Page Color - $1,000 Eighth Page Color - $500 Website Advertising Opportunity (3x, 6x, 12x call for quantity discounts) Webpage, Link & Marketing Message E-Blast Advertising Opportunity Issue Dedicated Marketing Message

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For detail advertising rate information contact: Advertising Services at 323-291-9334 E-mail: mail@bbala.org

President’s Message from page 3

the greater Los Angeles area, to build a lending portfolio that in turn could better assist black and other small businesses. It can be noted that OneUnited itself, a black-owned financial institution that the Ethics Committee takes exception to the Honorable Ms. Waters’ husband owning shares in as a past board member, eventually sought and received help from the government, so that it could build a better lending portfolio that in turn would better assist black and other small businesses. This appears to be some strangely circular reasoning for an ethics investigation, at best (see BBA editorial on page 7).

The bold black color lines (pun intended) seem to underscore the charges by the Ethics Committee, held up only by a baseless accusation of conflict of interest that punishes someone who actually should be proclaimed a champion for advocating community growth. Congresswoman Waters’ push for inclusion would not have been needed had major financial institutions better followed the Community Revitalization Act (CRA) in the first place. As I write this message, those institutions required to follow the CRA are under scrutiny by federal regulators now, because the major banks are not efficiently administering their products to small businesses. Had those banks been less preoccupied with megatrends and been more focused on the end result of CRA activity that benefits everyone, much of this discussion would come up moot.

The African American business community can feel somewhat optimistic that those big banks which reaped maximum benefits the federal government’s financial bailout programs are now easing some of their credit standards for small-business lending, for the first time since late 2006. Further, the interest rates for debt financing are at historical lows for those small businesses seeking to secure credit.

However, there remains a degree of concern due to the high denial rate for business credit, as well as the reduction of personal lines of credit and unsecured credit lines.

and

Comedy Night Join the Fun! Share the Laughs!

There is an ever increasing integration tone in the socioeconomic tenor of America that is building a bridge of solidarity to nowhere. Political attacks against blacks have increased since the election of 2008, where a gifted African American man of multi-racial heritage was elected President of the United States. For some public and private sector managers, our elected Commander-in-Chief has served to weaken their fiber of progressive racial integration. Such mutinous individuals should be reminded that the spirit and intent of civil rights was to eradicate color lines, not reinforce them toward creating an even more serious gap in how blacks are systematically eliminated from political and economic growth opportunities.

Economic growth is the single most

important social policy objective for America, next to public safety. But, for some odd reason, whether you call it affirmation action, inclusion, engagement, diversity, equal opportunity, civil rights, fair housing, or whatever, those individuals not mentioned within the set of laws or regulations as a protected group get serious heartburn with twisted thinking that the goal of freedom in America is being eroded. That notwithstanding, wherever we can allocate contracts, jobs and resources to black-owned and operated enterprises, then it is good for all because it raises greater economic growth in a free market trade society. Embracing diverse communities does not mean you end up having fewer white people; it really means acquiring and including greater resources for a greater America. 

67  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

BLACK MEETINGS & TOURISM LAUNCHES DIGITAL MAGAZINE

T

he digital version of Black Meetings & Tourism magazine is now available on-line.

The current issues, as well as archived issues, can be viewed by visiting www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com and click on the image link located on the home page.

The digital version is just a small part of BM&T’s expanded on-line presence, which includes a host of new departments, the twice-monthly e-newsletter, an increased focus on leisure travel, and many new marketing opportunities. Our newly designed website offers a guest blog page, a video page and a variety of interactive and custom advertising products that will allow vendors direct access to the more than 45 billion dollar African-American travel market. 

Tuesday, Sept 9th “For everyone interested in doing business with Metro”

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.

2010 Events

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

323-291-9334

68  August 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

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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.

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