Black Business News October Issue

IN THIS ISSUE...

Jobs Act Overview…page 8 Starbucks’ Job Growth Campaign…page 27 Let’s Move.....page 63 Zambians Elect New President.....page 67

AEG Invites Current and Interested Supplier Partners to our

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

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

https://supplier.aegworldwide.com

Publisher’s Message Earl “Skip” Cooper, II

Creating Success in the New World Economy

A

common theme heard at the 2011 Black Congressional Caucus and the Minority Business Development (MBDA) MED Week in Washington, DC was minorities, the heart and soul of this country’s business community, are operating in a new world economy. This is evident as economy is headed to a potential “second slowdown of this recovery” since the mortgage collapse of 2008. Minority businesses are now facing more questions on the ramifications of economies that not too long ago seemed so remote from their daily operations. The current European debt crisis impacts not only world economies, but also presents regional problems to small and minority businesses.

The threat of cascading defaults, international bank runs, and catastrophic foreign stock market risks are impacting not only small businesses, but almost all business entities in the new global economy. No matter what size your business, whether a civic engineering frm in Prince George County, Maryland to a petroleum transportation company in Los Angeles, California, all need to deal with increased competition from emerging market overseas and decreased domestic consump-

tion for goods and products “Made in America.”

A number of minority businesses have not only successfully faced the reality of this new global market, but have embraced it as part of their strategic DNA. For example, Capri Capital Partners, an African American real estate asset management and investment firm, has actively invested in global real estate projects, ranging from Saudi Arabia to India. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Capri Capital’s strategic direction is led by its chairman Quintin E. Primo, as well as Ken Lombard, president of investments.

•• •• •• On behalf of the citizens of Califor-

nia and the small and minority busi business community, we applaud California Govenor Jerry Brown for signing the

key legislation that would smooth the way for the construction of the Farmers Field stadium, and accompanying modernizationn of the Los Angeles Convention Center. With Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), the sports and marketing conglomerate leading the pack, this historic downtown project will not only create jobs and new business opportunity in the downtown Los Angeles corridor, but will have a tremenous impact to the entire Southern California economy.

•• •• •• Mark your calendars for November 8, 2011 for the Black Business Association (BBA) Procurement Summit & Exchange. The BBA, headquartered in Los Angeles, will be hosting this special one-day business opportunity and exchange at the Sheraton Gateway LAX Hotel. This year’s event Chair is AT&T, and the event’s co-chairs are the Honorable Mike Peevey, President of the California Public Utilities Commission; Honorable Curren Price, California State Senator; and Honorable Steven Bradford, California State Assemblyman. There will be one-on-one procurement and contract match-making, an awards luncheon and series of informational workshops. For further information, please contact the BBA Offices at 323-291-9334.

3  October 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

About the Black Business News…

The mission of The Black Business News is to inspire and inform public and private sector industry representatives on the importance of smart small business growth. As a versatile source of socioeconomic development activity, the Black Business News imparts current local, national and international industry trends related to small businesses across the United States of America (USA), detailing greater access to financial capital, management efficiencies, business education, mentors and networks. The goals of the Black Business News include: •

•

increasing the use of business enterprises owned by USA-based blacks, by advocating for greater access to leading finance lenders and successful business managers.

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

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Steven D. Turner

PRODUCTION MANAGER Narishima Osei

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS LaSandra Stratton • Dean Jones • Steven Turner

GRAPHIC DESIGN

working to merge resources, values, profits, technology throughout the public and private sectors.

•

balancing major public and private sector contracting methods with positive outcomes of black-owned and operated enterprises.

•

providing an affirmative influence for preneurs sharing innovative design and d creative cultural content that exposes them m to the history of black enterprises and ex-cite them to participate in the USA’s future..

•

Black Business News P.O. Box 43159, Los Angeles, CA 90043 323-291-9334 Fax: 323-298-5064

advocating and promoting on behalf off black-owned businesses by promoting the need for expanding an economic foundation that supports an unfettered and self-sustained urban society with USA job creation and economic opportunity, where blacks work, live and operate viable business enterprises.

emerging entre-

Sarah Harris

STORY EDITORS Wanda Flagg ▪ Jennifer Marie Hamilton

PHOTOGRAPHY Ian Foxx ▪ Sabir • Narishima Osei

CONTENT ADMINISTRATOR LaSandra Stratton

LAYOUT/TYPESETTING Lion Communications Copyright © 2011 by Black Business News All Rights Reserved.

T The posting of stories, commentaries, reports, documents aand links (embedded or otherwise) on this site does not in aany way, shape or form, implied or otherwise, necessarily ex express or suggest endorsement or support of any of such posted material or parts therein.

AWARDS U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

2007 Journalist of the Year Award LA/Minority Business Opportunity Center (LA/MBOC)

2010 Media Firm of the Year 4  October 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

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

Brandon Supply Corporation is a world class distributor of industrial supplies.

Brandon has been proven to be a dependable source of supply to the petrochemical, power generation and waterworks industries providing fast and reliable service.

Brandon, in maintaining the policy of selling only superior products, represents only the nation's top manufacturers.

SBA CERTIFIED We offer a full range of valves for all piping applications, pressure tubing in all sizes and schedules, a complete line of fittings, flanges and couplings in all metallurgies.

We also offer a full range in PVC, HDPE and other materials.

Clarence D. Scott, CEO CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 14120 Gannet Street Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670

MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 5354 Buena Park, CA 90623

Phone: 562-921-0407 | FAX: 562-921-5945 800.238.5906 (Outside California) www.brandonsupply.com | cdavis@brandonsupplycorp.com

ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

Over 40 years of service Founded 1970

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. 

Upcoming Events

November (TBD) Certification Workshop November 8th Procurement Exchange Summit & Awards Luncheon

honoring African American entrepreneurs and offering one-on-one opportunity exploration

Black Business Association

• Call 323-291-9334 for information on sponsorship and participation •

P.O. Box 43159, Los Angeles, CA 90043 USA Tel: 323-291-9334 Fax: 323-291-9234 mail@bbala.org www.bbala.org www.facebook.com 7  October 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Government

President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden greet participants in the Roosevelt Room of the White House before a statement on the American Jobs Act in the Rose Garden, Sept. 12, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

American Jobs Act Overview Tax Cuts To Help America’s Small Business Hire And Grow • Cutting the payroll tax cut in half for 98 percent of businesses: The President’s plan will cut in half the taxes paid by businesses on their first $5 million in payroll, providing a tax but targeting the benefit to the 98 percent of firms that have payroll below this threshold.

• A complete payroll tax holiday for added workers or increased wages: The President’s plan will completely eliminate payroll taxes for firms that increase their payroll by adding new workers or increasing the wages of their current worker (to ensure that this

tax cut is focused on small businesses, the tax relief is capped at $50 million in payroll increases) • Encouraging businesses make investments by extending 100% business expensing into 2012. This extension would put an additional $85 billion in the hands of businesses next year.

• Help entrepreneurs and small businesses get access to capital, grow and hire by expanding Small Business Administration backed loan limits, cutting red tape and reforming our patent system.

Putting Workers Back On The Job While Rebuilding And Modernizing America

• Offering tax credits to encourage businesses to hire unemployed veterans.

Businesses that hire veterans who have been unemployed six months or longer would receive a tax credit up to $5,600, and that credit rises to $9,600 for veterans who also have service-connected disabilities.

• Preventing up to 280,000 teacher layoffs, and keeping first responders include firefighters and police officers on the job.

• Modernizing at least 35,000 public schools across the country, supporting new science labs, Internet- ready classrooms and school renovations in both rural and urban communities,

8  October 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

see Jobs Act on page 9

million Americans looking for work from losing their benefits, the President’s plan includes innovative work-based reforms to prevent layoffs and give states greater flexibility to use UI funds to best support job-seekers and connect them to work, including: • Work Sharing: UI for workers whose employers choose work-sharing over layoffs • Improved reemployment services for the long-term unemployed through counseling, and eligibility

• Expanding wireless internet access to 98 percent of Americans and first responders by freeing up the nation’s spectrum.

assessments.

• A new “Bridge to Work” program: The plan builds on and improves innovative state programs where those displaced take temporary, voluntary work or pursue on-the-job training.

• Innovative entrepreneurship and wage insurance programs: States will also be empowered to implement wage insurance to help reemploy

older workers and create programs that make it easier for unemployed workers to start their own businesses.

• A $4,000 tax credit to employers for hiring long-term unemployed workers.

• Prohibiting employers from discriminating against unemployed workers when hiring.

• Expanding job opportunities for low-income youth and adults by investing in promising and proven strategies and programs like summer

Government

putting hundreds of thousands of Americans back to work.

• Making immediate investments in infrastructure, modernizing our roads, railways and airports, putting hundreds of thousands of workers back on the job.

• Project Rebuild: an effort to put people back to work rehabilitating homes and businesses and stabilizing communities, leveraging private capital and scaling up successful models of public-private collaboration.

Pathways Back To Working For Americans Looking For Jobs • The most innovative reform to the unemployment insurance program in 40 years: As part of an extension of unemployment insurance to prevent 5

jobs and programs.

sector-based

training

Tax Relief For Every American Worker And Family • Cutting payroll taxes in half for 160 million workers next year: The President’s plan will expand the payroll tax cut passed last year to cut workers payroll taxes in half in 2012 – providing

9  October 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

see Jobs Act on page 11

Meet with Local, State Agencies & Utilities ...

Comcast PG&E AT&T Verizon & more...

Learn How to Get Contracts & Sell Goods & Services

2011

The State Government & Utilities Want Your Business

California Public Utilities Commission/PG&E present . . .

SMALL

BUSINESS Thursday October 27 , 2011 7:00 am - 1:00 pm

CPUC/Pacific Gas & Electric Small Business Expo and Matchmaking Fair CPUC Stockton Small Business Expo Hilton Stockton 2323 Grand Canal Blvd. Stockton, CA 95207 Contact 800-253-0500 or smallbiz@cpuc.ca.gov

Meet individually with people that are trying to find small businesses like you!

Free event features presentations by government agencies and utilities and matchmaking opportunities with Procurement Specialists (one-on-one scheduled meetings).

Complimentary continental breakfast and on-site registration will be available from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

Opening Comments, Commissioner Catherine Sandoval, California Public Utilities Commission (8-8:15 a.m.)

Panel presentation on “Connecting Small Businesses with State and Utility Contracts� from 8:15 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Business Matchmaking (10 minute appointments with buyers, project managers and prime contractors) and Vendor Fair/Expo area from 9: 00 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For those participating in the matchmaking fair, we encourage you to register in advance by e-mailing: smallbiz@cpuc.ca.gov. Please include company name, contact information and type of business.

Workshops on: Access to Capital: How Small Business Can Access Financing! (9:30 - 10:30 a.m.)

Social Media Marketing: How to Use Emerging Web Tools To Grow Your Business (10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.)

Diverse Suppliers Go Green PG&E (11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)

computer store

equipment rentals

ALMADEN BLVD

D L

To register email smallbiz@cpuc.ca.gov or contact 800-253-0500

a $1,500 tax cut to the typical American family, without negatively impacting the Social Security Trust Fund.

• Allowing more Americans to refinance their mortgages at today’s near 4 percent interest rates, which can put more than $2,000 a year in a family’s pocket.

Fully Paid For As Part Of The

President’s Long-Term Deficit Reduction Plan • To ensure that the American Jobs Act is fully paid for, the President has called on the Joint Congressional Committee to achieve additional deficit reduction necessary to pay for the Act and still meet its deficit target. The President will, in the coming days,

The America Invents Act: Turning Ideas into Jobs

by Quentin Palfrey On September 16th President Obama signed the America Invents Act at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology (www.tjhsst.

will help American entrepreneurs and businesses get their inventions to the marketplace sooner so they can turn their ideas into new products and new

edu) in Alexandria, Virginia—a school named for the first official to issue U.S. patents. This historic legislation

jobs.

The America Invents Act was passed with President Obama’s strong

www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/06/13/presidentobama-presented-ideas-accelerate-job-growthand-america-s-competitiveness-

leadership after nearly a decade of effort to reform the Nation’s outdated patent laws. It will help companies and inventors avoid costly delays and unnecessary litigation, and let them focus instead on innovation and job creation. Many key industries in which the United States leads, such as biotechnology, medical devices, telecommunications, the Internet, and advanced manufacturing, depend on a strong and healthy intellectual property system.

As President Obama explained in his 2011 State of the Union address: “We know what it takes to compete for the jobs and industries of our time. We need to out-innovate, out-educate, and out-build the rest of the world.”

On stage with President Obama was a bipartisan group of legislators who came together to pass the most significant reform of the Patent Act since 1836: Sen. Patrick Leahy (DVT); Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX); Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA); Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA); and Rep. Mel Watt (D-NC).

Today’s bill signing shows that strong bipartisan cooperation is possible.

Congress can come together on behalf of the American economy and American innovation.

The newly-signed law has a number of important transformations that will build on reforms already underway under the leadership of the US Patent and Trademark Office’s dynamic Director David Kappos. The law will give the USPTO the resources to significantly reduce patent application

11  October 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

see America Invents on page 13

Government

President Barack Obama examines a robot created in the school’s prototyping and robotics senior research labs at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, Va., Sept. 16, 2011. (Official White House Photo

by Pete Souza)

release a detailed plan that will show how the Committee can achieve the additional deficit reduction necessary to meet the President’s goal of stabilizing our debt as a share of the economy and pay for his plan to put Americans back to work. 

America Invents from page 11

waiting times, building on the great strides the patent office has already made, including reducing its backlog by 75,000 during this Administration even

at no cost to the inventor. More than 2,407 petitions have been granted to green technology patent applicants since the pilot began in December 2009, and USPTO has issued a total of 470 patents under the program.

Excessive litigation has long plagued the patent system.

The America Invents Act will offer entrepreneurs new ways to avoid litigation regarding patent validity, without the expense of going to court, and will also give the USPTO new tools and resources to improve patent quality. The new law also will harmonize the American patent process with the rest of the world to make it more efficient and predictable, and make it easier for entrepreneurs to simultaneously market products in the United States and for exporting abroad.

At Thomas Jefferson High School, President Obama also announced some of the additional steps we’re

taking to unleash the ingenuity of America’s entrepreneurs. The National Institutes of Health (http://nih.gov) will launch a new center that will help companies reduce the time and cost required to develop life-saving drugs, and is making it easier for startups to commercialize the biomedical inventions made

by NIH and FDA researchers.

In addition, the Administration will develop a “bioeconomy blueprint” to create jobs and address key national challenges in health, energy, and agriculture.

We also know that government cannot do this alone. That’s why 140 university presidents have answered the Administration’s call to action to move research breakthroughs from the lab to the marketplace. We’re also announcing a new prize supported by the National Science Foundation (www.nsf.gov) and the Coulter Foundation (www.whcf.org) to reward those universities that make the most progress on accelerating economic growth and job creation.

Now more than ever, the jobs of the future will spring from the inventions of today, which will be built on the foundation of a strong and balanced intellectual property system. As President Obama explained today, “We should be encouraging the entrepreneurial spirit wherever we find it. We should be helping American companies compete and sell their products all over the world. We should be making it easier and faster to turn new ideas into new businesses and new jobs. And we should knock down any barriers that stand in the way.” 

13  October 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Government

as the number of filings per year has increased.

A few months ago, Austan Goolsbee (then Chairman of President Obama’s Council of Economic Advisers-www. whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ cea) created a video explaining (www. whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/03/07/ white-board-austan-goolsbee-patentreform) why reducing the backlog will help get more ideas turned into companies and jobs. The USPTO will now be in a position to implement an innovative program to speed up the processing of the patents that are likely to create good jobs right away. Under the prioritized examination process (www.uspto.gov/news/pr/2011/11_08. jsp), the USPTO will offer start-ups and growing companies an opportunity to have important patents reviewed in one-third the time with a new fast-track option that has a guaranteed 12-month

turnaround.

The program builds on the Green Technology Pilot (www.uspto.gov/ news/pr/2009/09_33.jsp) program that accelerates patent applications involving reduced greenhouse gas emissions and energy conservation —

STIMULATING OUR ECONOMY...

WELCOMING TOURISTS & CONVENTIONS...

CREATING JOBS FOR OUR WORKERS...

FARMERSFIELD.COM

President Barack Obama addresses the United Nations General Assembly at the United Nations Building in New York, N.Y., Sept. 21, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton)

from page 15

affirming the United States’ dedication to partnering with the United Nations to continue finding new paths to peace: I know there’s no straight line to that progress, no single path to success. We come from different cultures, and carry with us different histories. But let us never forget that even as we gather here as heads of different governments, we represent citizens who share the same basic aspirations -- to live with dignity and freedom; to get an education and pursue opportunity; to love our families, and love and worship our God; to live in the kind of peace that makes life worth living.

It is the nature of our imperfect world that we are forced to learn these lessons over and over again.

Conflict and repression will endure

so long as some people refuse to do unto others as we would have them do unto us. Yet that is precisely why we have built institutions like this -- to bind our fates together, to help us recognize ourselves in each other -- because those who came before us believed that peace is preferable to war, and freedom is preferable to suppression, and prosperity is preferable to poverty. That’s the message that comes not from capitals, but from citizens, from our people.

And when the cornerstone of this very building was put in place, President Truman came here to New York and said, “The United Nations is essentially an expression of the moral nature of man’s aspirations.” The moral nature of man’s aspirations. As we live in a world that is changing at a

Government

United Nations

breathtaking pace, that’s a lesson that we must never forget.

Peace is hard, but we know that it is possible. So, together, let us be resolved to see that it is defined by our hopes and not by our fears.

Together, let us make peace, but a peace, most importantly, that will last. 

17  October 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

18  October 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

The American Jobs Act – Helping Small Businesses Grow and Hire

Karen G. Mills, Administrator Small Business Administration

President Barack Obama tours Johnson Controls Inc. with Elizabeth Rolinski, Vice President of Operations, in Holland, Mich., Aug. 11, 2011.

(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

•

•

•

•

•

isting workers above the prior year (applies to up to $50 million) Extending an immediate 100% expensing write-off into 2012 to encourage even more businesses to invest in more machinery and equipment Large tax credits (up to $4,000) for businesses that hire workers who’ve been unemployed for 6 months, with bigger credits for hiring unemployed veterans (Returning Heroes Tax Credit up to $5,600) and service-disabled veterans (Wounded Warriors Tax Credit up to $9,600) •Billions of dollars in investments in roads, rail, and airports and the creation of a National Infrastructure Bank •$25 billion for modernizing 35,000 schools, boosting small construction firms while aslo strengthening STEM education in order to grow tomorrow’s entreprenuers and innovators Helping small business contractors compete for infrastructure contracts and get SBA surety bonds up to $5

In addition, the Administration is moving forward with ideas that don’t need Congressional action, including: • Paying small contractors more quickly for the innovative products and services they provide to the federal government • Allowing small business to raise money through crowdfunding and allowing for new, innovative ways to attract small-dollar investors in small businesses. 

19  October 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Government

H

elping small businesses grow and hire is at the core of the American Jobs Act that the President announced. Entrepreneurs and small business owners – America’s biggest job creators – are looking to Congress to enact these powerful, bipartisan, specific, paid-for proposals as quickly as possible.

The American Jobs Act will help small businesses continue doing what they do best: create good jobs, drive competitiveness and innovation, and strengthen economic security for the middle class. The time to act is now.

American Jobs Act provisions to help entrepreneurs and small business owners include: • Cutting in half the payroll taxes (to 3.1%) for small businesses for the first $5 million in wages, targeting the benefit to the 98% of firms that have payroll below this level • Temporarily eliminating employer payroll taxes for small businesses that create jobs or give raises for ex-

million • Deploying the power of wireless highspeed internet to 98% of Americans – including many students, entrepreneurs and small businesses in rural areas – through private-sector auctions of spectrum.

• Turning job seekers into job creators by making it easier for States to allow unemployed workers to create their own jobs by starting their own businesses • Increasing skills-based training for youth and adults to help them transition to the innovation economy • Raising the cap on “mini” public offerings of small firms from $5 million to $50 million and reducing the disproportionately high costs that smaller companies face when “going public.”

20  October 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

SBA Grants $30 Million to States for Trade, Export Promotion

T

global market.”

The funding will support participation in foreign trade missions, foreign market sales trips, subscriptions to services provided by the Department of Commerce, website translations fees, design of international marketing media, trade show exhibitions, participation in training workshops, and other critical export initiatives.

Small businesses that want to receive assistance under the STEP program should contact the organizations serving the states in which they are located.

For a list of these organizations and more information about the STEP program, visit www.sba.gov/about-offices-content/1/2889/resources/14315.

The SBA anticipates it will conduct a new competition for STEP program grants during the winter of 2011.

Awards will be made in September 2012 for export support services by states over the following 12 months.

STEP Fact Sheet The State Trade and Export Promotion Program (STEP) is a 3-year pilot trade and export initiative authorized by the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010.

Funded by federal grants and matching funds from the states, the STEP Program is designed to help increase the number of small businesses that are exporting and to raise the value of exports for those small businesses that are currently exporting so they can grow and create jobs.

HOW STEP GRANTS WILL HELP SMALL BUSINESSES: •

• • • • • •

The STEP grants will help provide: support for small business participation in foreign trade missions and foreign market sales trips; subscription to services by the Department of Commerce; website translation fees; design of international marketing media; trade show exhibitions; participation in training workshops; and other export initiatives determined to be appropriate by the SBA.

COMPETITION: All 50 states, Washington D.C. and U.S. Territories were invited to apply for STEP grant awards.

Forty-seven states, Puerto Rico, District of Columbia, Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands won a STEP grant award.

All states and territories that submitted their applications on time received STEP grants.

Through the STEP grants, SBA awarded approximately $30 million, supporting $43.4 million in total projects costs. SBA is authorized to grant up to $30 million to states each year under the program.

For information on your state and the STEP program go to: www.sba.gov/ about-offices-content/1/2889/resources/14315. 

21  October 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Government

he U.S. Small Business Administration is providing $30 million in grants to states, territories, and the District of Columbia, to help increase exporting by small businesses during the next 12 months. The grants were authorized by the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, under the State Trade and Export Promotion Program (STEP).

The STEP program, launched in March, aligns with President Obama’s National Export Initiative. The President’s initiative calls for doubling U.S. exports in five years – and in so doing, supporting two million jobs. The program provides federal government funding for 65 to75 percent of program costs, with states supplying the remainder.

SBA Administrator Karen Mills announced the awards at an event in Raleigh, N.C., at Raleigh Denim, a small business that produces and exports denim products. Forty-seven states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands received STEP grants.

“Strengthening the nation’s economy through a substantial increase of U.S. exports is a top priority for the Administration and the agency,” said Mills.

“This is a unique partnership between the federal government and the states.

Sharing responsibilities and resources will help new small exporters across the country enter and succeed in the

Comerica Bank’s Western Market African American Initiative In association with

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Complimentary Parking RSVP to Corrie Burks at 323-295-0821 or cburks@comerica.com

by Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Minority Business Development Agency Commitment to Minority Entrepreneurs and Getting Americans Back to Work

R

ecently, President Obama presented an aggressive plan to help small businesses get Americans back to work. The American Jobs Act (www.americanjobsact. com) would provide payroll tax cuts for 98% of businesses, a $4,000 tax credit for hiring workers who have been unemployed for more than six months,

and extend the 100% expensing tax credit for large and small businesses.

The plan also includes provisions to expand job opportunities for hundreds of thousands of low-income youth and adults through a new Pathways Back to Work Fund (www.americanjobsact. com/pathways-to-work.htm) that supports summer and year round jobs for youth; innovative new job training programs to connect low-income workers to jobs quickly; and successful programs to encourage employers to bring on disadvantaged workers.

The President is also directing executive branch agencies to accelerate their payments to

New MBDA Business Centers will open in Boston, MA, Minneapolis, MN and Riverside, CA (www.mbda.gov/ main/offices). private vate contracts contracts, financing financing, and access to global markets.

“Finally, in recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, I’d like to highlight the enormous contributions Hispanic-owned businesses have made to our economy. According to the most recent U.S. Census data, Hispanic-owned businesses outpaced the growth of non-minority businesses in gross receipts, number of firms, and—most importantly—employment.

During the time period surveyed, employment at Hispanic-owned firms jumped 24%, while employment at non-minority firms dropped by 1%.

Hispanic-owned businesses employ nearly 2 million Americans and create hundreds of thousands of other jobs through their economic activity. Clearly, the Hispanic business community is a powerhouse of entrepreneurship and job growth. Download HispanicOwned Business Fact Sheet (www. mbda.gov/sites/default/files/HispanicOwnedBusinessGrowthandGlobalRea ch_Final.pdf).”

Still there is still work to be done and MBDA is steadfast in its commitment to ensure minority entrepreneurs have access to the capital, contracts, and markets to keep them strong and growing for the benefit of all Americans. 

23  October 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Government

David Hinson, National Director, MBDA

small business contractors (www. mbda.gov/blogger/conductingbusiness-online/getting-moneysmall-businesses-faster) so they can reinvest that money in the economy and drive job growth. Additionally, the President is tasking his CFO and CTO with creating a one-stop, online portal for small businesses to easily access government services.

MBDA is also making efforts to enhance the way minority-owned businesses do business with the government. In response to feedback from entrepreneurs, stakeholders and federal agencies, we will open a new MBDA Federal Procurement Center here in Washington, D.C. very soon. This Center, the first of its kind, will provide services to minority businesses across the country to better position them to access and obtain federal procurement awards.

Federal contracting is an excellent way to grow your business, and MBDA is your partner and advocate for doing business with the federal government.

In other exciting news this month, MBDA awarded approximately $4.3 million (www.mbda.gov/pressroom/ press-releases/mbda-awards-43million-grants-advance-growth-usminority-businesses) in funding over the next five years for three new MBDA Business Centers. The new centers, to be located in Boston, Mass., Minneapolis, Minn., and Riverside, Calif., will join the nationwide network of MBDA Business Centers (www.mbda.gov/main/offices) that provide assistance to local minority entrepreneurs and business owners by offering strategic business consulting services focusing on large public and

37th Annual Bethune Recognition Luncheon Saturday, October 22, 2011 • Double Tree Hotel Torrance, CA 323-301-4697 for information, sponsorship, reservations Introducing...

SoLaTea House presented by

Cultural Interiors West & Lucy Florence Cafe

Now Open for Business!

5669 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles vabeard@gmail.com 562-253-6347 Featuring High Tea, Princess Parties, Sunday Brunch and much more! A nice, quiet place to study or just want to grab a cup of tea? We offer free wi-fi to all customers and a variety of teas to suit your mood. You may also enjoy a warm slice of gingerbread cake, a delicious scone, or one of our scrumptious cupcakes.

Our tea house features adequate space for groups up to 20 persons, with catering services for your next event. (Please call for more information.)

Notice to Contractors, Vendors and Suppliers BURBANK GLENDALE PASADENA AIRPORT AUTHORITY

Regional Intermodal Transportation Center (RITC) (Federally funded; hence federal guidelines apply) DBE, SBE, DVBE , IS-DVBE encouraged to attend Project Type & Description:

New Construction – Intermodal Transportation Center, & Elevated Walkway, Off-Site Work Meeting Date & Time:

10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M., OCTOBER 10, 2011

•••

Notice To Design-Builders Vendors and Suppliers The Bob Hope Airport invites all interested design-builders, vendors and suppliers including those from the Tri-Cities (Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena) to attend a non-mandatory informational meeting on the upcoming design-build procurement of a new Parking Structure and the prequalification process for this procurement.

Original Project E10-35; Revised to Project E10-35-(III) Replacement Parking Structure (RPS) (Federally funded; hence federal guidelines apply) DBE, SBE, DVBE, IS-DVBE encouraged to attend Project Type & Description:

New Construction Meeting Date & Time:

1:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M., OCTOBER 10, 2011

••• Location for both sessions: Bob Hope Airport, Skyroom, Main Terminal, 2627 Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505 *(parking is available in the parking structure next to the main terminal, please park on the roof level ONLY) Visit Website: www.bobhopeairport.com Hyperlink: Business Opportunities Email: maritsag@drainc.com Tel: 310-645-3729 ext 242

26  October 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

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.

CARAT’s14th Annual Awards Luncheon Recognizing Excellence in Community Economic Development through Bridging the Digital Divide Tuesday, October 18, 2011 • 11:30 am – 1:30 pm Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles The Luncheon will focus entirely on CARAT’s Small Business Broadband Technology Initiative.

Keynote Speaker. Former State Assembly member Lloyd Levine Awards will be presented to outstanding trainers/presenters, outstanding small business training clients, outstanding collaborative partners, and key private sector funder(s) of the initiative.

Call 510.506.6243 directly if you have any questions.

A

s CEO your challenges are unique, complicated, and changing. You need a great management team. That’s why the creators of Inc. invented The Build Network — a new source of management advice, inspiration and action just for the leaders and executive teams of smart mid-sized companies.

We invite you to our launch event “3 Things: Team” a Build/Live confab.

Join more than 100 select, elite CEOs and top management thinkers at New York Jets headquarters for a gamechanging day-and-a-half on how to create, lead, and profit from every

top business builder’s dream: a truly high-performance management team.

Master how to know your team, how to drive performance, and how to measure success.

What you will learn: • How to transform your team’s mindset and morale (as the NY Jets have) • The way to tell failing teams from winning ones • How to inspire team buy–in from the top • How to measure performance so it boosts results • The secrets to making transformed

performance stick • How to use tools and techniques that will get your team aligned and pulling in one direction • What you as CEO need to do differently to lead the highest performing team you can create Go to http://thebuildnetwork.com/ event.html to find out more, request an invitation and lock in savings for this launch event (also see scheduled events for Illinois and California). 

35  October 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Business Development

Building Your Business for Success: The Importance of Ownership

O

ne of the keys to economic independence for African American business owners is the acquisition and ownership of commercial real estate. By controlling the buildings and land that house the means of generating revenue, an entrepreneur can better attain the goal that underpins what being in business is all about: maximum self-determination.

With interest rates now at historically low levels and the economy growing at a slow pace, now is a prime time for many business owners to consider the purchase of commercial real estate. The benefits and drawbacks to commercial real estate ownership vary from business owner to business owner, but potential buyers should educate themselves about the obvious and sometimes hidden benefits to the ownership of a commercial property. Below are some of the major benefits to real estate ownership, versus leasing a commercial space.

Tax Deductions

Added Value To Business

For many Black business owners, a primary benefit of commercial real estate ownership is the tax deductibility of property that can be taken on the interest portion of the monthly commercial loan payment. These deductions can be substantial and each business owner should consult a qualified tax specialist about his or her unique situation.

Unlike some residential loans, many commercial loans are assumable. This makes the business and its real estate much easier for a buyer to acquire, and enhances the value of the business tremendously.

Equity Appreciation On average, commercial real estate properties will appreciate about two to three percent above inflation over the long term. Paying rent provides no appreciation or equity. Quite candidly, the BBA has members who have been paying rent for a decade or more, with no equity accrued and never having positioned themselves to benefit from any hope of equity appreciation. Using some of the most conservative estimates, potential equity appreciation can result in significant financial gains over a period of decades.

A Retirement Fund Through various circumstances, many minority and small business owners will not receive a pension when they decide to retire. In such cases, the equity appreciation on commercial property can be significant. An owner can decide either to sell the property upon retirement to cash in on equity appreciation, or lease the property to another business for a continuous retirement income stream. In fact, in some situations, a business owner may be able to lease out an unused portion of the property, such as a spare office, before retirement for additional income.

No Taxes To Pay On Your Rent When a business leases its real estate, sales tax is paid on the rent paid to the landlord. When you own the real estate there is no tax to pay on the rent. The savings can be significant.

Easy Access To Financing Historically-low, thirty-year fixed interest mortgage rates are now available for owner-occupied commercial properties.

Furthermore, there are flexible interest-only options from which entrepreneurs can benefit. In fact, in some instances, with strong financials a business owner may qualify for loan financing up to 100% of the purchase price for commercial real estate. A business owner should consult an experienced commercial mortgage adviser before making an offer on a commercial property, so that in addition to the tangible benefits outlined above, the business owner will have the satisfaction that only comes with property ownership. Truer words have never been spoken: “God bless the child that’s got his own�.

The Black Business Association will soon launch a program to assist African American business owners in acquiring commercial and industrial real estate.

Bernahu Asfaw or Getahun Asfaw

1041 S. Fairfax Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90019

323-938-8827 or 323-938-8806 Fax: 323-932-6047 messob@gmail.com • www.messob.com

Open 7 days a week 11am - 11pm

Rooibos Tea House

African Red Tea Imports

323-658-7832 533 N. Fairfax Avenue Los Angeles

www.africanredtea.com Nira Levy Maslin, CEO

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

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

& Shake, Shake, Shake!

48  October 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Choose to care.

Choose to celebrate.

Choose to dream.

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

Crenshaw 3825 Crenshaw Boulevard Los Angeles

El Segundo 2321 Rosecrans Avenue El Segundo

Wilshire-Crescent Heights 6301 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles

800-888-3595

Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.

www.comerica.com

54  October 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

First Lady Michelle Obama participates in an episode of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” featuring the Marshalls, a military family in Fayetteville, North Carolina. (Official White House Photo

by Samantha Appleton)

Joining Forces Extreme Makeover from page 60

it’s about everyone – no matter where they come from or their station in life – stepping up to give something meaningful back.

With one of our nation’s biggest media companies, local organizations, and folks from all over Fayetteville pitching in, this summer’s wild week was a perfect example of what we can accomplish when we work together for these families.

So Fayetteville, I hope you sit back

and enjoy the spotlight tonight on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. You deserve it. And I hope that after the show, you’ll visit us at JoiningForces. gov to find out how you can keep showing your appreciation for our military families. Together, we can serve our

military families as well as they have served us.  www.whitehouse.gov/joiningforces www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/09/23/ joining-forces-extreme-makeoverhome-edition

Community/Public Inerest First Lady Michelle Obama huddles with children during a Joining Forces event with military families at Nationals Park in Washington, DC. (Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton) 61  October 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Let’s Move Chefs Move from page 62

and eat healthier foods.

Help promote and market the positive activities occurring in the school cafeteria.

Invite farmers to come to school or set up farm field trips so schools can further make the link between agriculture and nutritious food.

Whatever ideas you have to help schools meet the HUSSC, it is important to build on what is already happening around the school. Creating healthier schools is a team effort, and delicious food is a great way to bring everyone to the table.

Cooking with Chef Marvin Woods

Chef Marvin Woods

from www.relish.com

F

First up is Marvin’s Shrimp, Spinach, Tomato and Goat Cheese Frittata, a recipe his own kids love. The secret ingredient is goat cheese. Kids

may think they won’t like it, but once they taste it all creamy and melty in this frittata, they’ll be converts. Marvin uses his favorite local goat cheese from Belle Chevre Creamer, in Elkmont, Ala. He likes to work with local farmers and use their foods, creating a sense of community and showing kids where food comes from.

Shrimp, Spinach, Tomato and Goat Cheese Frittata Ingredients 4 eggs 4 egg whites 1/3 cup chopped fresh tomatoes or diced canned tomatoes 1 dash Ancho chili powder 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided 1/4 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons canola oil 12 large shrimp (16 to 20 count), sliced in half crosswise 1 small shallot, chopped 1 cup packed chopped fresh spinach 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 400F. 2. Whisk eggs and egg whites together

in a medium bowl. Add tomatoes, Ancho chili powder and chopped basil. Add ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper.

3. Heat a medium cast-iron skillet or other ovenproof skillet over mediumhigh heat. Add canola oil. Season shrimp with remaining ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper. When oil is hot, place shrimp in pan and sauté 1 minute. Add shallot and sauté 2 minutes.

Add spinach and cook until wilted.

4. Spread shrimp and spinach mixture evenly in skillet. Pour egg mixture into skillet. Use a spatula to lift shrimp and spinach mixture, allowing egg mixture to flow underneath. Sprinkle goat cheese on top. Once the frittata is set on the bottom, transfer to oven and bake 13 to 15 minutes, until puffy and golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool a few minutes before cutting into wedges Prep Time - 10 Cook Time - 25 Servings - 4  www.letsmove.gov www.chefmarvinwoods.com www.relish.com/articles/cooking-withchef-marvin-woods

63  October 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Community/Public Inerest

irst Lady Michelle Obama knows a good thing when she sees it. That’s why she picked Chef Marvin Woods of Atlanta, Ga., to be the first chef to kick off the Let’s Cook portion of her Let’s Move! healthy kids program. In Let’s Cook, Marvin shows how to make a week’s worth of meals for a family of four for less than $80.

In addition to his work with Let’s Cook, Marvin travels the country helping kids eat better through his “Droppin’ Knowledge with Chef Marvin Woods” program. We’re teaming up with Marvin this year to bring you his healthful, kidfriendly recipes and meal ideas.

Explore your universe with an Android OS and access to over 100,000 of the latest apps and widgets.

Update your status, fill a shopping cart, upload videos and download files in a flash with your favorite Google services and Wi-Fi. Plus get unlimited nationwide talk, text, and MetroWEB access for only $60 a month including taxes and regulatory fees. And no annual contract. It’s the best deal in the galaxy. Only from MetroPCS.

No annual contract.

metropcs.com

4GLTE coverage and services not available everywhere. Handset not available on all rate plans. Handset not shown actual size. Screen images simulated. Visit metropcs.com or a MetroPCS store for information on specific Terms and Conditions of Service, coverage areas, handset capabilities and any applicable restrictions. Rates, services and features subject to change. Nationwide long distance available only to continental U.S. and Puerto Rico. Nationwide coverage and services not available everywhere. MetroPCS-related trademarks, service marks, and other intellectual property are the exclusive properties 17347_Ad of MetroPCS Wireless, Inc. All other marks are the properties of their respective owners. ©2011, MetroPCS Wireless, Inc.

2nd Annual (Inter) National Summit on Maternal and Infant Care

• The establishment of new maternity centers (birth centers) • Rehabilitation, upgrading of existing maternity and children’s wards • Supply of medication, medical / surgical equipment • Distribution of healthcare services with motorized vehicles (Mobile Clinics) • Operation of a network of mobile healthcare clinics in selected rural areas • Pre-fabricated maternity and pediatric wards • HealthLine Free Hospital for children – for treatment and research of malaria Our Integrated Outreach Program is designed to address the multiple needs and the psychosocial aspect of women

October 18 – 22, 2011 Marina Del Rey Marriott, Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, California

O

ur mission is to reduce the morbidity and mortality rates of African mothers and infants over the next five years through our innovative HealthLine Maternal and Infant Care (HMIC) program.

Conservative estimates still indicate that every 10 minutes, a woman dies in Nigeria on account of complications of pregnancy or child birth, a staggering 53,000 women per year.

Recently the maternal, newborn and under 5 years morbidity and mortality indices in Nigeria have shown only marginal reductions in the last five years, making the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals 4, 5 and 6 (MDG) targets by 2015 clearly unachievable using current strategies alone.

HMIC, with support from the highest levels of the Nigerian government, incorporates delivery of free maternal care, and new borne child health services through: • Provision of free healthcare maternal, pediatric screenings and healthcare services

and children’s health such as- prenatal care, safe childbirth nutrition, and family planning. Our culturally sensitive community healthcare workers will also promote awareness through education, control and prevention of child birth complications.

The HIMC Program also addresses areas of professional capacity building, training, re-training, continuous medical education conferences, recruitment and placement of international doctors periodically, development of personnel and documentations in Nigeria and the United States.

We have rolled out our program in three of the ten target pilot states in Nigeria; Adamawa, Ogun, Zamfara, Ebonyi, Bayelsa, Kwara, Taraba, Enugu, Kano and Imo, and are pleased to announce that the first ladies (governors wives) of our pilot states will take time from their schedules to join us at the summit.

Through outreach and education actions like the annual summit, HealthLine Foundation is establishing ongoing, working collaborations to deliver quality maternal healthcare services and to give “real-time” delivery for our pilot states in order to expand the reach of the program and inform the larger community.

Visit the HMIC website at www. healthlinefoundation. org to learn how you may support our mission and, if possible, attend the 2011 summit. 

69  October 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

2nd Annual Pan African Global Trade Conference California State University Dominguez Hills & UCLA Anderson School of Management October 13 - 15 2011

D International

elegates are invited to participate in exhibits, business roundtables and seminars to present and discuss current bilateral investment and business opportunities in Africa and the African Diaspora.

Conference participants will explore & address the following critical issues: • How the African Diaspora in the U.S. can work together with the African Union to simultaneously focus on the economic development of the

emerging economies of Africa and U.S. inner city communities • How U.S. and African governments can create the necessary policy and institutional environment to appropriately and effectively harness the economic potential of the African Diaspora in Africa and the U.S. • Advantages offered by the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) to intensify U.S. export opportunities, global awareness and markets for “Made In Africa” products skills and services • How the recent Tripartite Free Trade Agreement involving the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the East African

President Sata Renames Airports in Zambia

N

ewly elected Zambian President Michael Sata has renamed three International Airports in the country with immediate effect. The President said Lusaka International Airport will now be called Kenneth Kaunda International Airport renamed after Zambia’s first President while Ndola International Airport has been renamed after second Republican vice President late Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport.

President Sata has also renamed Livingstone International Airport

the Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport after late Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula, a Northern Rhodesian nationalist leader who

Community (EAC) and the South African Development Community (SADC) will create a single economic space with a larger market and a more attractive business and trade environment for bilateral investment, large scale production and infrastructure development.

For information contact: Al Washington, Executive Director Africa-USA Chamber of Commerce 626 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 575 Los Angeles, California 91001 626.321.7041 alwashington@africa-usa.org Register at: www.panafricanglobaltradeconference. com.

assisted in the struggle for the independence of the country from the British colonial masters.

He said there is need for Zambians to reconcile with the past adding that the country is what it is today because of men and women who struggled hard for Independence. 

Thursday, October 20, 2011 www.globaldignity.org/view/registerforgdd

70  October 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbusinessnews.net

L

earn how hundreds of American small businesses have used Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) finance and insurance products to gain access to emerging markets overseas. Discover how you can take advantage of all the products OPIC has to offer to expand internationally while supporting growth at home. Seminar participants will also here from other U.S. government agencies that offer programs complementary to OPIC, including market research, international partner search, trade financing and feasibility study funding.

OPIC, the U.S. government’s development finance institution, offers a variety of financial tools including direct loans and political risk insurance, to help businesses invest in new and emerging markets. Since 1971, OPIC

OCTOBER 8 – 9, 2011

THEME: VISION 2030 AND BEYOND: SHARING THE VISION VENUE: Washington Marriot Wardman Park 2660 Woodley Road NW Washington, DC 20008 Notable Speakers: H.E. Elkanah Odembo: Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya to the U.S.A. Mr. Mugo Kibati – Director General Vision 2030 Delivery Secretariat Kenya Vision 2030, Kenya

October 26, 2011 Hilton Miami Airport Miami, Florida

world, generating $74 billion in U.S. exports, and creating jobs in local economies overseas as well as in the U.S. Register early to get the best selection of one-on-one meeting appointments. Plan to meet with key OPIC and other U.S. government agency representatives to get firsthand perspectives and have your

important questions addressed.

OPIC will have key staff on hand to discuss: • OPIC Political Risk Insurance • OPIC Small and Medium Enterprise Finance • OPIC Support for Renewable Energy, and Clean Technologies • Getting Started with OPIC. In addition, meetings will be available with the: • Small Business Administration • Export-Import Bank of the U.S. • U.S. Trade and Development Agency • U.S. Department of Commerce, including the U.S. Commercial Service, and Minority Business Development Agency.

For more information about OPIC, please visit www.OPIC.gov. 

Government’s national policy blue print recognizes the role the Diaspora could play in national development and therefore, has highlighted Diaspora as one of the flagship projects under the financial sector.

In order for the Diaspora to play their effective role, the Government has recognized them in the New Constitution that was promulgated in August 2010. Dual citizenship and voting rights are now new rights to be enjoyed by H.E. Elkanah Odembo: Ambassador of the Kenyan Diaspora.

Republic of Kenya to the U.S.A. The Government of the Republic of Kenya in Washington DC. therefore, wishes to promote, nurture and sustain and catalyze Kenyans in Diaspora a mutually beneficial relationship with to effectively contribute to Kenya’s the Diaspora in the USA for national development in the implementation of growth and development in all aspects. Vision 2030.

The general objective of the For more information or registration Conference is to inform, encourage visit www.kenyaembassy.com. 

71  October 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbusinessnews.net

International

KENYA DIASPORA CONFERENCE; USA

has supported nearly $200 billion of investment in thousands of projects in more than 150 countries around the

Live & On-Demand!

The World Business Forum gathers the world’s top leaders, experts, change agents, and doers.

A two-day, transformational experience for results-focused leaders, this is a not-to-miss event.

October 5-6, 2011 • Javits Center • New York City Can’t make it to the World Business Forum in person? No problem! Witness the most important business event of the year with the World Business Forum 2011 WEBCAST! The WBF 2011 WEBCAST gives you front-seat access to the ideas and trends that are shaping the future of business from anywhere in the world.

Registration: $350 (http://shop. hsmglobal.com/ProductDetails. asp?ProductCode=WBF11-WEB)

73  October 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

International

Sign up for the WBF 2011 WEBCAST and receive: • Live viewing of the on-stage keynote presentations and panel discussions from the 2011 World Business Forum over the internet from anywhere around the world • Unlimited, on-demand viewing of the on-stage keynote presentations and panel discussions over the internet through Monday, October 24th, 2011 • An incomparable range of learning and practical insights from today’s top global leaders • Post-event learning: access to the World Business Forum 2011 Executive Summary and a selection of the speakers’ presentation slides

Custom Culturally Inspired Wedding Rings & Fine Jewelry For The Entire Family.

Unique One of a Kind Pieces Create your own designs. Transform old into new.

JendayiCollection.com 323.898.7468 877.898.7468 Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, First Floor 76  October 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Thursday Blues at

Uncle Darrow‛s High Noon-2pm Every Thursday

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

2560 S. Lincoln Blvd.

Marina del Rey North East corner of Washington & Lincoln

International

“LA Times Magazine favorite cajun food”

310-306-4862

www.uncledarrows.com

FAME ASSISTANCE CORPORATION FREE CREDIT MANAGEMENT WORKSHOPS HELD EACH MONTH AT

Order Via the Internet Wines of the Black-Owned wineries of South Africa.

Register at TheArtfulGrape.com.

The Artful Grape will do the rest.

The wines will be delivered to your door.

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

SPONSORED BY

77  October 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

JWFA

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

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

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

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

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

As a hedge against a declining dollar.

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

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

As a store of value.

As a portfolio diversifier.

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

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

Jamaal Wilkes Financial Advisors is an independent Registered Investment Advisor www.jamaalwilkes.com Phone: (310)209-8330 6601 Center Drive West, Suite 500 Los Angeles, CA 90045

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

80  October 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Legal Notice

Gold Mining Threat If You Have or Had Medi-Cal or Medicare and Filled a Prescription in 2008 at a Pharmacy Other Than Target Your rights could be affected by a class action settlement A settlement has been proposed in a class action lawsuit called Rodriguez v. NDCHealth Corporation (Case No. 2:10-CV-3522), which is pending in the United States District Court for the Central District of California.

from page 79

within a year or two and then produce a reasonable return on the investment.

The huge upfront costs set the bar high in terms of the size and quality of deposits that big gold companies are willing to pursue.

This just means the highest quality,

Who Is Included?

You are included in the Settlement as a “Class Member” if you live in California and (1) you obtained prescription drugs or related services from pharmacies other than Target Pharmacy between February 1 and December 31, 2008 (a “Non-Target Prescription”), (2) you were a Medi-Cal or Medicare cardholder at the time, and (3) you were included in a group of people whose Non-Target Prescription claim information was transferred to Target Pharmacy by a company called RelayHealth in October and November 2009. You can find out if you were included in this group by contacting the Settlement Administrator.

What Is The Case About?

The lawsuit claims that NDCHealth Corporation, more commonly known as RelayHealth, and McKesson Corporation (both called the “Defendants”) violated California law by transferring the Non-Target Prescription claim information to Target Pharmacy. Defendants deny that they broke the law and strongly deny they did anything wrong.

Summary Of The Settlement Under the Settlement, which must be approved by the court, RelayHealth will put additional protections in place to help prevent future transfers of confidential medical information to unauthorized persons or companies. A list of the protections RelayHealth will put in place can be found at www.RXprivacyClass.com or by calling 1-888-270-9628.

The Defendants have also agreed to pay $4,000,000 into a fund for patient and medical privacy purposes. After paying certain administrative fees and expenses, including court-approved payments to the class representatives and court-approved attorneys’ fees and expenses (which will not be more than 25% of the total of the $4,000,000 plus the administrative expenses), the money will be distributed to one or more organizations that focus on patient or medical privacy issues. THE SETTLEMENT DOES NOT PROVIDE FOR ANY MONEY TO BE PAID TO INDIVIDUAL CLASS MEMBERS (EXCEPT FOR THE CLASS REPRESENTATIVES WHO BROUGHT THE LAWSUIT).

Do I Have A Lawyer?

Yes. The court has appointed lawyers to represent Class Members (“Class Counsel”).

You will not be charged for these lawyers. The lawyers appointed as Class Counsel are: Marcarian Law Firm, 15260 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 2250, Sherman Oaks, California 91403, (818) 995-8787.

What Should I Do? You should get more information from the Settlement Administrator and make a decision about your legal rights. As a Class Member, you have three options.

(1)You can do nothing. You will remain a Class Member. You will be bound by the court’s decisions in the lawsuit. You will not have the right to sue separately about the issues in the lawsuit.

(2)You can remain a Class Member but object to the Settlement. You will be bound by the court’s decisions in the lawsuit. To object you must send, via first-class mail or overnight delivery, a written letter identifying yourself as a Class Member and explaining why you object. Your objection must be sent to the Settlement Administrator (not the court) and be postmarked no later than April 23, 2011. You may also choose to pay for and be represented by a lawyer who may send the objection for you.

(3)You can exclude yourself from the Settlement completely and preserve your right to file a separate lawsuit by mailing a request form to the Settlement Administrator (not the Court). The form is available from the Settlement Administrator and must be postmarked no later than April 23, 2011.

Can I Get Money From The Settlement?

No, there is no money available to individual Class Members.

Fairness Hearing The court will have a hearing on June 13, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. to decide whether to approve the Settlement. Class Counsel will represent the Class Members at the hearing or, if you object to the Settlement, you can have your own lawyer represent you at the Fairness Hearing at your expense.

For more information, contact the Settlement Administrator:

Visit: www.RXprivacyClass.com Call: 1-888-270-9628 Write: Prescription Privacy Settlement, Rust Consulting, Inc. P.O. Box 2438, Faribault, MN 55021-9138

large, undeveloped gold deposits in the world are getting increasingly valuable.

As $1,500-plus gold sends a surge of profits into the coffers of big gold miners, you’ll see fat premiums paid for great projects.

Mining giant Newmont paid a big premium in 2010, when it spent $2.3 billion to acquire junior explorer Fronteer Gold. One day, Fronteer was worth about $10 per share. The next day, it was worth $14. Investors doubled their money in a few weeks on that deal.

In sum… the world is running low on gold. The “easy gold” has already been found. That’s why Brent is scouring the world looking for great gold projects…

Right now, he’s a fan of investing in deposits in Mexico... Although you hear lots of negative “gang related” headlines from mainstream media sources, Mexico is actually a great jurisdiction for miners. And he’s made good money by owning shares of Almaden Minerals, which is exploring a promising gold project called Ixtaca.

Potential deposits like that aren’t easy to find... But they’ll be worth hundreds of percent more in the coming years. 

81  October 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Give the Gifts of Knowledge, Inspiration, Entertainment.

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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 818-5645694.

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

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84  October 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

BLACK MEETINGS & TOURISM LAUNCHES DIGITAL MAGAZINE

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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, November 8th “For everyone interested in doing business with Metro”

Watch & Support the Africa Channel!

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

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85  October 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

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Calendar October…

13th-15th 2nd Annual Pan African Global Trade Conference Exhibits, business roundtables and seminars on current bilateral investment and business opportunities in Africa and the African Diaspora.

For information contact: Al Washington, AfricaUSA Chamber of Commerce, 626.321.7041 or alwashington@africa-usa.org.

16th Dedication of Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Washington, DC. Visit www.mlkmemorial.org for information and to donate funds to the memorial project.

18th-22nd

2nd Annual (Inter) National Summit on Maternal and Infant Care Visit the website at www.healthlinefoundation.org to learn how you may attend the 2011 summit in Marina del Rey.

Learn about the benefits of becoming a certified minority/women owned business, meet with certifying agencies on-site, access information on bond assistance programs and network, network, network. Contact Earl “Skip” Cooper, II at 323-291-9334 or mail@bbala.org.

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November…

CARAT’s 14th Annual Awards Luncheon Under the theme “Recognizing Excellence in Community Economic Development through Bridging the Digital Divide” the Los Angelesbased luncheon focus will be on CARAT’s Small Business Broadband Technology Initiative. Call 501-506-6243 for details.

20th Global Dignity Day Visit the website to register your Dignity Day activity and learn about what others are doing. www.globaldignity.org/view/registerforgdd.

22nd 37th Annual Bethune Recognition Awards Luncheon Call 323-301-4697 for information.

27th 2011 Certification Workshop

8th 8th Annual Procurement Exchange Summit & Awards Luncheon Annual business conference provides oneto-one exchange between business owners and ageny/corporate representatives. Event includes workshops and an awards luncheon.

To participate contact Earl “Skip” Cooper, II at 323-291-9334 or mail@bbala.org.

February 2012…

9th-20th Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) 20th anniversary of this international film festival held in Los Angeles, California. Applications to submit films for the festival are available via the PAFF website at www.paff.org, by emailing and inquiry to ao@paff.org or calling 310-337-4737. 

“Moreno Valley Black Chamber of Commerce October Business Mixer!”

Thursday, October 6, 2011 Host By Brandman University 22060 Golden Crest Drive Moreno Valley, CA 92553 5:30 – 7:30 PM

Join Us! • Enjoy Refreshments • Get Information About Brandman University Career Plans • Network And Exchange Business Cards • 1 Minute Introduction Of Your Business • Chamber News And Upcoming Events • Market Your Business By Donating A Product or Service • Win Prizes “Opportunity Chance” Please Call Chamber Office For Additional Information (951) 443-0226 87  October 2011  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Black Business News Black Business News International • Get the News You Need • Find the Information that will Make a Difference • Promote Your Business to The BBN Community • Send Your Contact Information to info@blackbusinessnews.net and we will send BBN and BBN-I to You Name, Company, Industry News Black Business Website, E-mail ion

International Edit

l African Economic

Serving the Globa

Community

Fall 2008 USD$5.00

Contents g: EOY charitable Corporate Givin houshealth, education, opportunities in ing, and more.

in Africa’s tour-

t Tourism: Investment vital and is eviden ism industr y is active, nt. all across the contine

Feature Articles: Constructisve “Strategies For the Engagement with African Diaspora” gement: “Diaspora Enga Beyond” Remittances & le: Moyo District InvestmentofProƤ Uganda of the Republic

tory Professional Direc tments

Charitable Inves

twins recently orpaned , III in Ghana with Rev. Leon R. Perrysee Corporate Giving page 21