12-May

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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

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frican American businesses continue to have problems getting access to capital. We know this is a situation that must be fixed. Small businesses created about 65% of the net new private jobs over the past 15 years, so we need a robust small business jobs plan that addresses these credit gaps. Moreover, there still is weakness in the housing market, especially in our communities of color.

Majority African American cities continue to be disproportionately affected by the mortgage crisis – a crisis perpetuated by chronic unemployment, predatory lending practices such as reverse redlining, and residential segregation. With staggering statistics on foreclosures, unemployment, poverty and crime, the economic downturn has magnified hardships in our American American communities.

The Black Business News will continue to explore how federal and state legislation, such as the Home Affordable Modification and Refinance Program and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, will ultimately help or hinder African Americans from recovering from the financial crisis.

The Black Business News is actively engaged in these, and other areas of our economy to bring news to our readers on the ramifications our economy has on the makeup of of not only our African American business community, but also news that impacts the black community at the federal, state and local levels.

In California, the California HighSpeed Rail Authority’s environmental impact report (EIR) was certified in May, thus paving way to the start of one of the most vast public works projects

in the past fifty years in the State. This opens the door to start construction in late 2012 or 2013. A number of African American firms are engaged on this project and following its development.

Also in California, the California Black Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its 17th Ron Brown Summit & Awards Gala, August 9-12, 2012 in San Diego, California. Over the course of 3 days, the California Black Chamber of Commerce will host small businesses, government agencies, and industry partners in an effort to build relationships and encourage partnerships, and contracting success at the annual commerce summit.

In Los Angeles, the Black Business Association (BBA), will host its 9th Annual Procurement Exchange Summit in October/November of 2012.

This is an excellent opportunity for oneon-one matchmaking opportunities between prime contractors and subcontractors.

In closing, the Black Business News hope that you will engage us. Turn to us when you seeking news on the African American business community. And take full advantage of the experience and expertise we bring to working with minority-owned businesses.

May 20-26 is Small Business Week and with President Obama’s recent signing of the Jumpstart Our Businesses Startup (JOBS) Act, more small businesses will be able to raise small amounts of capital from a large pool of individual investors. This is good news for startup companies providing them with a funding source that might not otherwise have been able to open their doors. I thank the President for this bold step and for being able to get bi-partisan support .

I’ll close with a quote from President Obama’s 2012 Small Business Week proclamation, “From the family businesses that anchor Main Street to the high tech startups that keep America on the cutting edge, small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the cornerstones of America’s promise.

Small businesses embody the promise of America: that if you have a good idea and are willing to work hard enough, you can succeed.” 

May Celebrations May 18-25 is World Trade Week and International World Trade Week.

During the month of May many cities in the USA conduct educational, marketing and celebratory events and meetings to highlight the benefits our nation receives through exports and imports.

Check with your local Chambers of Commerce for listings of activities and, if you are not involved in the trade industry, research the possibilites and find a way to participate.

3  May 2012  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.

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

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

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

Sarah Harris • Phallu Morgan

•

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

Kim Anthony

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providing an affirmative influence for emerg-ing entrepreneurs sharing innovative design n and creative cultural content that exposes them to the history of black enterprises and excite them to participate in the USA’s future.

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advocating and promoting on behalf of 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.

www.blackbusinessnews.net

ENTREPRENEUR EDITOR STORY EDITORS Wanda Flagg ▪ Jennifer Marie Hamilton

PHOTOGRAPHY Ian Foxx ▪ Sabir • Narishima Osei

CONTENT ADMINISTRATOR LaSandra Stratton

LAYOUT/TYPESETTING Lion Communications Copyright © 2012 by Black Business News All Rights Reserved.

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

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  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

FEATURES… May 2012

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Publisher’s Message

GOVERNMENT… 8 10 13 17 19 23 25

US-Afghanistan Sign Agreement Amb. Kirk Meets with TACA Keeping Student Loan Rates Down 18th Annual National Issues Conference President Obama Supports Marriage Equality SBA Investment Fund Manager Positions Waiting Tourisn Development Action Plan Initiated

BUSINESS… 32 35 43 45 48 53

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Johnson Founds Web Distribution Firm Revolt Cable Channed to Launch in 2012 Minority Families Left Behind in Recovery Third Industrial Revolution Coming New Firm to Extract Gold from Asteroids Small Definition Changing

PUBLIC INTEREST/COMMUNITY… 73 75 77

Net Neutrality and Online Video Youth Focus at Summit on Financial Capability “American Grown” First Lady’s Bood Out in May

INTERNATIONAL… COLUMNS 57 - Take A Look!

98 - Books to Consider...

104 - Calendar ACTION ALERTS 2 - AEG Supplier Portal 93 - One Africa: Petition Campaign SPONSORS 06 - Black Business Association

80 81

Malawi Welcomes 1st Woman President Opinion: World Economic Forum Africa 2012

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High-Level Forum on Security in Africa

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Newest IMF Member South Sudan

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Cover image - Phallu Morgan

5  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

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.

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,

___ 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 2012 Events June “Prep for Primes” Forum October Procurement Exchange Summit and Luncheon Black Business Association P.O. Box 43159, Los Angeles, CA 90043 USA Tel: 323-291-9334 Fax: 323-857-4610

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

mail@bbala.org www.bbala.org www.facebook.com 7  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Government

is based on mutual respect and shared interests.

In this Agreement, we commit ourselves to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Afghanistan. The Agreement is not only a signal of the United States’ long-term commitment to Afghanistan, but it enshrines our commitments to one another and a common vision for our relationship and Afghanistan’s future. U.S. commitments to support Afghanistan’s social and economic development, security, institutions and regional cooperation are matched by Afghan commitments to strengthen accountability, transparency, oversight, and to protect the human rights of all Afghans – President Barack Obama, United States of America, and President Hamid Karzai, men and women.

Republic of Afghanistan In addition to recognizing the progress that has been made together over the past 10 years, the Strategic Partnership Agreement includes mutual commitments in the areas of: • Protecting and Promoting Shared Democratic Values • Advancing Long-Term Security • Reinforcing Regional Security and Cooperation • Social and Economic Development n May 2010, in Washington, DC, an agreement has been to define with • Strengthening Afghan Institutions President Obama and President the Afghan Government what’s on and Governance Karzai committed our two countries the other side of Transition and the When it comes to an enduring U.S. to negotiate and conclude a strategic completed drawdown of U.S. forces. presence, President Obama has been partnership that would provide a The agreement the President signed clear: we do not seek permanent framework for our future relationship. today will detail how the partnership military bases in Afghanistan. Instead, On May 1, 2012, President Obama and between the United States and the Strategic Partnership Agreement President Karzai signed the Enduring Afghanistan will be normalized as we commits Afghanistan to provide U.S. Strategic Partnership Agreement look beyond a responsible end to the personnel access to and use of Afghan between the Islamic Republic of war. Through this Agreement, we seek facilities through 2014 and beyond.

Afghanistan and the United States to cement an enduring partnership with The Agreement provides for the of America (www.whitehouse.gov/ Afghanistan that strengthens Afghan possibility of U.S. forces in Afghanistan sites/default/files/2012.06.01u.s.- sovereignty, stability and prosperity, after 2014, for the purposes of training afghanistanspasignedtext.pdf). and that contributes to our shared goal Afghan Forces and targeting the The Strategic Partnership of defeating Al Qaeda and its extremist remnants of al-Qaeda, and commits Agreement (SPA) is a legally binding affiliates. the United States and Afghanistan executive agreement, undertaken The Agreement signed on May to initiate negotiations on a Bilateral between two sovereign nations. The 1st affirms that cooperation between President’s goal in negotiating such Afghanistan and the United States see Partnership Agreement on page 9

Fact Sheet: The U.S.Afghanistan Strategic Partnership Agreement

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8  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

President Barack Obama, United States of America, and President Hamid Karzai, Republic of Afghanistan after signing agreement.

Partnership Agreement from page 8

made to one another. To ensure the Strategic Partnership is effectively implemented, the Afghanistan-United States Bilateral Commission will be established, chaired by Foreign Ministers or their designees. 

www.whitehouse.gov/the-pressoffice/2012/05/01/fact-sheet-usafghanistan-strategic-partnershipagreement?utm_source=wh. gov&utm_medium=shorturl&utm_ campaign=shorturl

9  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Government

Security Agreement to supersede our current Status of Forces Agreement.

The United States will also designate Afghanistan a “Major Non-NATO Ally” to provide a long-term framework for security and defense cooperation.

To be clear, the Strategic Partnership Agreement itself does not commit the United States to any specific troop levels or levels of funding in the future, as those are decisions will be made in consultation with the U.S. Congress. It does, however, commit the United States to seek funding from Congress on an annual basis to support the training, equipping, advising and sustaining of Afghan National Security Forces, as well as for social and economic assistance.

Finally, the SPA establishes implementing arrangements and mechanisms to ensure that we are effectively carrying The President shakes hands with U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Ryan Crocker upon his arrival at Bagram Air Base in Kabul out the commitments we’ve

Ambassador Kirk Participates in Trade Advisory Committee on Africa Meeting

Ambassador Kirk at TACA Meeting

Government

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he Trade Advisory Committee on Africa (TACA) (www.ustr. gov/about-us/intergovernmentalaffairs/advisory-committees/tradeadvisory-committee-africa-taca) met with Ambassador Kirk to discuss trade policy and initiatives in Africa.

This meeting was held in advance of the 2012 African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum (www.ustr.gov/trade-topics/tradedevelopment/preference-programs/ african-growth-and-opportunity-actagoa) hosted by the U.S. in mid-June.

The Ambassador began the meeting by noting progress on the passing and implementation of the three free trade agreements (FTAs) with Korea, Colombia, and Panama. In addition, Ambassador Kirk highlighted the development of the President Obama’s new Presidential Policy Directive for Africa, which will allow for broader Africa engagement. He also pointed to the possibility of using Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) (www. ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/pressreleases/2012/april/united-states-

concludes-review-model-bilateralinves) to accelerate growth between the U.S. and African countries, one of which is being negotiated with Mauritius.

As Ambassador Kirk also pointed out during the TACA meeting, renewing AGOA’s Third Country Fabric Provision before its expiration on September 30, 2012 remains a top administration priority. TACA members also emphasized the importance of renewing the Third Country Fabrics provision, referencing its importance as a bipartisan issue that should not be allowed to lapse. Other members commented on the importance of issues such as agribusiness and infrastructure development as well.

The discussion also focused on the President’s National Export Initiative, suggesting that increasing trade with Africa could help meet the President’s goals to double exports by the end of 2014. To promote growth in Africa, the advisors suggested including additional government agencies, the private sector, and building relationships with

more government officials in Africa.

Ambassador Kirk concluded the meeting with a positive outlook on Africa’s trade and growth potential: “Africa has enormous resources— and somewhere between petroleum and textiles is great opportunity to do much more.”

TACA provides the U.S. Trade Representative with policy advice on issues involving trade and development in sub-Saharan Africa. AGOA is the cornerstone of America’s trade and investment policy with sub-Saharan Africa. AGOA’s performance and effectiveness are closely tied to its ThirdCountry Fabric (TCF) provision, which is set to expire in September 2012.

Swift passage of legislation extending AGOA’s TCF provision is necessary to ensure AGOA’s continued success – and the stability, development, and economic growth of sub-Saharan African countries. Congress has extended the TCF provision twice with bipartisan support.  www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/ blog/2012/may/Ambassador-Kirk-TACAmeeting

10  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

World Trade Week and the National Export Initiative

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are working to support two million additional American jobs through the National Export Initiative (www.whitehouse.gov/the-pressoffice/president-obama-detailsadministration-efforts-supporttwo-million-new-jobs-promoti), which aims to double exports over the next five years. We’re already starting to see positive growth across the country, but there is still a lot more work to do.

Companies such as Suniva, headquartered in Georgia, are working to build new greentechnology manufacturing plants to increase their sales of highefficiency solar cells and high power modules to companies around the world. One pending location is Michigan which has the potential to create 500 direct jobs in Saginaw County.

Or like Guntert & Zimmerman, a concrete p a v i n g equipment located in Ripon, California, currently looking to hire additional local workers thanks to expanded exports to the Czech Republic.

With the help of a business loan from the Export-Import Bank, Guntert & Zimmerman will soon be giving Californians the opportunity to get a job.

We know that jobs supported by exports pay 13 to 18 percent more than the national

average. So these are the kinds of success stories that USTR wants to multiply by giving American exporters a level playing field and a fair shot to compete for business around the world – because we want every American to have a job and the benefits that come with it: the security of knowing you can buy groceries and pay your mortgage, along with the sense of accomplishment that comes from a full day’s work.

So be sure to learn more about what USTR is doing during this World Trade Week, and every day, by visiting USTR. gov. A smart, robust trade policy for America will make sure that we don’t leave any jobs on the table. 

11  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

www.ustr.gov/FTA

Government

resident Obama will proclaim World Trade Week on May 21, 2012 – a time to consider the well-paying jobs and economic benefits that a smart trade policy can bring to American workers and their families, as well as trade’s important role in restoring our global economy.

The President and I believe that trade can be an important element of America’s economic recovery.

International trade not only helps to provide more affordable goods and services for families across the country, but it boosts the bottom lines of our businesses that export and allows them to hire workers here in the United States. As United States Trade Representative, I work every day to break down trade barriers and enforcing America’s rights in the global trading system, to increase the exports that can support jobs here at home.

That is why President Obama and I, along with others in this Administration,

How Can Organizations Participate? > Employers > Financial institutions > Non-profits and governments > Educators and Youth Organizations > Military > Media

How Can Individuals Participate? > Assess your savings progress > Join America Saves > Test your savings knowledge > Take action to save more effectively > View savings messages > Read saver stories

What is America Saves Week?

About America Saves Week Our Purpose Participating Organizations America Saves Week 2011 America Saves Week 2010 America Saves Week 2009

Contact Us | Privacy Policy | America Saves

www.americasavesweek.org

12  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Keeping Student Loan Interest Rates Low Calls For Community Action

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and cannot be changed by the U.S. Department of Education.

The President’s budget request for next year includes a proposal that, if approved by Congress, would maintain the current 3.4% interest rate on new undergraduate subsidized loans made for the 20122013 school year.

Recent Changes to the Student Aid Programs As a result of recent legislative changes, a number of new requirements are in place for the federal student aid programs. Most of these changes are effective with the 2012-13 school year (July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013).

An overview of the changes that could impact each student’s financial aid for the upcoming academic year and in the future may be found at: http://studentaid.ed.gov/ PORTALSWebApp/students/ english/recentChangesSA.jsp.

tool to encourage everyone to let their congressional representatives know that Congress must act to keep student loan rates low.

• Twitter: Use the hashtag #DontDoubleMyRate • Facebook: Update your status and profile image • Google+: Use the hashtag #DontDoubleMyRate  www.whitehouse.gov/ dont-double-my-rates?utm_ source=email156&utm_ medium=text1&utm_ campaign=studentloans

How to Make Your Voice Heard President Obama has worked to help make sure that every student who is willing to work hard can earn a college degree.

Now he’s calling on Congress to do their part by passing legislation that will prevent interest rates on federal Stafford loans from doubling in July.

Raise your voice and reach out to your networks if you agree that student loan rates should not double on July 1.

Use your favorite social media

africanamericans. barackobama.com

13  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Government

nterest rates on new subsidized loans are scheduled to double on July 1 and more than 7 million students around the country will rack up an average of $1,000 of extra debt each. Congress has the power to stop that from happening. Unfortunately, so far, Republicans in Congress have voted to let those rates go ahead and double in order to pay for tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires.

President Obama knows that’s not acceptable. Today, higher education isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity that every American family should be able to afford. But it’s also getting more and more expensive.

More than that, a college degree is essentially a prerequisite in today’s economy. Right now, the unemployment rate for Americans with a college degree or more is about half the national average. Their incomes are twice as high as those who don’t have a high school diploma.

For the first time ever, Americans owe more in student loans than in credit card debt. That’s why the President is calling on Congress to keep interest rates low so that every hardworking student gets a fair shot at the skills and training needed to get a good job in today’s economy.

If you are an undergraduate student and plan to take out a Direct Subsidized Student Loan after July 1, 2012, please be aware that the interest rate for that loan will be set at 6.8%.

This rate is double the 3.4% interest rate that applies to undergraduate Direct Subsidized Loans received before July 1, 2012.

This increase in the interest rate was established by Congress in 2007

SAVETHE THEDATE DATE– -JUNE JUNE11, 11,2011 2012 SAVE

The Leadership of the California Legislature and

California Small Business Associations Invite you to attend

“CALIFORNIA SMALL BUSINESS DAY”

TM

By the Authority of Assembly Resolution in 2000 small business owners and government officials will meet June 11th to celebrate the contribution small business provides through creation of jobs and growth for the California economy.

Don’t miss these highlights of the day: x Dialogue with legislative leaders x Luncheon keynote address x Presentations to honored small business owners by legislators x Visit the Exhibits of State Agencies and Small Biz Friendly Sponsors

Sacramento Convention Center 1400 J Street, Sacramento, CA 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

June 11, 2012

Phone 800-350-2722 for Information or contact Steering Committee Aubry Stone, CA Black Chamber; Betty Jo Toccoli, CA Sm Bus Assn; Gwen Moore, CA Sm Bus Roundtable Ruben Guerra, Latin Business Assn.; Julian Canete, CA Hispanic Chamber; Joel Fox, Sm Bus Action Comm.

Rebecca Llewellyn, Women Construction Owners; ,

SAVE THE DATE - JUNE 11, 2012

Innovative Summer Jobs+ Apps Announced

By Brian Forde

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workforce.io Built by Chris Conley from Chicago, IL and the team at worforce.io Workforce.io was built to bring entrylevel workforce players together in their community. They have integrated the Summer Jobs+ opportunities into their website where it will search for the 10 most recently posted jobs available near the user. In addition to searching for a job, workforce.io provides information on how to get a social security card,

understand one’s paycheck, and make a budget. With the Summer Jobs+ job bank and the workforce.io platform, young adults and their mentors can now find, prepare for, and succeed in their summer job and start building a career!

PocketJobs for Android Built by Jonathan Banks from Dublin, CA PocketJobs connects directly to the Summer Jobs+ job bank to get the latest summer internship, training, and mentorship opportunities into the palm of your hand. PocketJobs identifies the most recently released jobs in your area and places them on a map so you can quickly see the location and click to get details. You can scroll through the results, and save the opportunities to your device, email them to friends, or directly access the company websites.

The Summer Jobs app for Windows Phone 7 Built by Chris Craft and Jamey McElveen from Florence, South Carolina The summer jobs app for Windows Phone 7 allows you to keep up with new jobs and discover nearby jobs from the Summer Jobs+ job bank.

The app updates daily to show you the newest jobs and also includes the ability for social networking with Twitter and Facebook.

Back to Work for the web and Apple

iOS Built by David Gobaud from Palo Alto, CA Back to Work can be found on the Web and also has an iPhone app to access job opportunities on your phone.

Features include a Google map view of the search results so that you can see how close the opportunities are to your home and a service to email or text you alerts when new opportunities become available.

Trabaja Friends for Facebook Built by Monica Wilkinson and Magizharasu Thirunavukkarasu from San Francisco, CA Trabaja Friends is a Facebook app that helps you recommend summer jobs to your friends from the Sumer Jobs + job bank. You can send invitations directly to your friends or post them on their Facebook timeline. The app is also accessible outside Facebook at http://friends.cloudfoundry.com/.

Summer Job Fair Built by Chris Willard from Brooklyn, NY Summer Job Fair provides a simple interface to browse through a lot of jobs quickly, places them on a map, and includes special features to make your job search even quicker.  www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/05/02/ innovative-summer-jobs-apps-announced

15  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Government

n April 2012 the first-ever White House Code Sprint was launched, challenging app developers to build job search apps using the opportunities found in the Summer Jobs+ bank (www.dol.gov/SummerJobs).

The Summer Jobs+ initiative is a new call-to-action for businesses, nonprofits, and government to provide pathways to employment for lowincome and disconnected youth in the summer of 2012. Today we are excited to highlight six apps that were created on platforms including Facebook, Android, the iPhone, Windows Phone, and Web browsers. These apps support the goal of connecting America’s youth with summer job opportunities via digital platforms they are already familiar with and use in their daily lives.

Thanks to everyone for participating in the code sprint, and we encourage you to share your favorite app below with youth who are looking for opportunities this summer.

STIMULATING OUR ECONOMY...

WELCOMING TOURISTS & CONVENTIONS...

CREATING JOBS FOR OUR WORKERS...

FARMERSFIELD.COM

18th Annual National Issues Conference

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For Obama (WFO Finance Council organizes regional and national events and additional opportunities to fulfill its mission to re-elect President Obama and support Democrats up and down the ballot.

Today, more than ever before,

women are playing a central role in the American economy. Women now make up nearly 50% of our workforce, are a growing number of breadwinners in their families, and are the majority of students in our colleges and graduate schools. American women own 30% of small businesses, which generate $1.2 trillion a year in sales. Since 1962, women’s participation in the labor market has risen by 20 percentage points while the United States’ Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has more than quadrupled. And according to a report by McKinsey, if the United States raised female labor participation rates to the average participation rate of the top 10 states, our economy would add 5.1 million women workers, the equivalent of a 3-4% increase in GDP. Consequently, when women still face barriers to participation in the workplace and marketplace, that is not just a “women’s issue.” When women still make just 77 cents for every dollar men make, or have to pay more for their health care than men, that hurts entire families who cannot afford to lose part of their income each month.

When a job does not offer adequate family leave or sick leave, that also hurts men who need to help care for a new baby or an ailing parent. When women entrepreneurs continue to have a harder time accessing the capital

they need to start and sustain their businesses, create new jobs, and sell new products, that hurts our entire economy. And when approximately two million women fall victim to domestic violence each year, that costs our nation $8 billion annually in lost productivity and health care expenses and results in the loss of 8 million paid days of work a year.

The statistics are very clear: The success of American women is critical for the success of American families and the American economy. And in order for our nation to keep moving forward, women must be able to help provide for their families and contribute fully to our economy. 

17  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

www.barackobama.com/wlfconference

Government

he Women for Obama Finance Committee is a special project of Obama for America and the DNC’s Women’s Leadership Forum. The WLF was founded in 1993 as a catalyst for building a strong women’s vote program by raising substantial resources and building political networks to reach women voters in all 50) states. The Women

Chef Marilyn Launches “Change for a Change” Campaign

by Name Here

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eeks after the event, Black Business Association (BBA) member Marilyn Cole can still feel the awe she experienced sitting in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. She also laughingly remembers what happened, when her turn came to meet and shake hands with President Barack Obama.

“I just froze,” recalls Cole, popularly

known as Chef Marilyn, owner of the Crenshaw Boulevard quickserve soul food restaurant Chef Marilyn’s Soul Food Express.

But the veteran business owner is not freezing when it comes to the reason she went to the nation’s capital.

About six months ago, Chef Marilyn met Linda Kennedy, one of President Obama’s key West Coast fundraisers at a catering job.

“She promised me she would do something special for me,” recalls Chef Marilyn.

That something special was an invitation to the 18th Annual National Issues Conference (see page 17) at the end of April 2012.

It was hosted by the Women’s Leadership Forum and Women for Obama, and the special guest speaker was the president himself.

From that gathering of some of the most powerful women in the country, Chef Marilyn emerged with the goal of hosting a fundraiser to help re-elect America’s

first African American president.

Many of the heavy hitters she met were pledging “big ticket” events but Chef Marilyn decided to draw on her knowledge of her customers, who she knew wanted to get involved in the reelection effort.

“I’m just a little 99 cents restaurant, but I know my customers want to get involved. President Obama was initially elected on $5 donations, so I decided to create the “Change for a Change, We Need Your Change” campaign.

Chef Marilyn has already begun a soft launch of the campaign in her restaurant, but shortly, along with her partner, the Los Angeles Sentinel Newspaper, will host the official kickoff at The Cork restaurant.

The sky is the limit for how much she wants to raise, said Chef Marilyn, but the entrepreneur advises people to remember that it took $385 million for former President Bush to win, and Republican candidate Mitt Romney has already spent $1.3 billion.

Chef Marilyn intends to solicit funds from customers through the Change for a Change campaign at her restaurant through the Democratic National Convention.

The Chef Marilyns’s Soul Food Express estaurant is located at 2638 Crenshaw Blvd. in Los Angeles. 

18  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

President Obama Supports Same Sex Marriage

D

uring an interview with ABC News, President Obama said, “I think same-sex couples should be able to get married.”

It’s no secret the President has gone through some soul-searching on this issue. He’s talked to the First Lady about it, like so many couples do. He’s heard from folks—gay and lesbian friends, staff members in long-term, loving relationships, as well as brave young servicemen and women he got to know through the fight to end Don’t,

Ask Don’t Tell.

He’s sat around his kitchen table with Sasha and Malia, who have friends whose parents are same-sex couples. As the President said during the interview, “it wouldn’t dawn on them that somehow their friends’ parents would be treated differently. It doesn’t make sense to them. And frankly, that’s the kind of thing that prompts a change of perspective -- not wanting to somehow explain to your child why somebody should be treated differently

when it comes to eyes of the law.”

In the end, the President said, he believes it’s important to “treat others the way you would want to be treated.”We need to recognize that people are going to have differing views on marriage and those views, even if we disagree strongly, should be respected. 

19  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

By Josh Earnest www.whitehouse.gov

Government

President Barack Obama participates in an interview with Robin Roberts of ABC’s Good Morning America, in the Cabinet Room of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) .

SBA to Honor Small Businesses at National Small Business Week May 20-22 in Washington, DC Event Features Awards, Forums and the Naming of National Small Business Person of the Year – Events Open to the Public The nation’s top entrepreneurs will be honored at the U.S. Small Business Administration’s National Small Business Week events May 20-22 in Washington, DC. A series of award ceremonies, small business events and educational forums will mark the 59th anniversary of the agency and the 49th annual proclamation of National Small Business Week.

National as well

Small Business as numerous

Week is corporate

co-sponsored by the and trade sponsors

SCORE to be

Association announced.

More than 100 outstanding small business owners from across the country will receive awards while gathering for three days at the city’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel. They will meet with top administration officials, congressional representatives and national business leaders. The highlight of the celebration will be the announcement of the National Small Business Person of the Year.

“Small business owners and employees across America are proving their resiliency as they continue to help drive economic recovery, economic growth and job creation,” said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. “National Small Business Week gives us an opportunity to honor their achievements and the spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation and determination that makes them the engine of our economy and our nation’s economic recovery.”

Men and women also will be recognized for their involvement in disaster recovery, government contracting and their support for small businesses and entrepreneurship, and awards will be presented to SBA partners in financial and entrepreneurial development, including the year’s top SCORE Chapter, Small Business Development Center and Women’s Business Center.

Interested parties can register online at www.nationalsmallbusinessweek.com where additional information (updated weekly) is available regarding registration, awards ceremonies, small business forums and educational and matchmaking sessions. The event also will be webcast live at the web site.

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s participation in this cosponsored activity does not constitute an express or implied endorsement of any cosponsor’s, donor’s, grantee’s, contractor’s or participant’s opinions, products, or services. All SBA programs and cosponsored programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.

Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance, by contacting sbw@sba.gov. Cosponsorship Authorization #SBW2012.

21  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

SBA Seeks Applications from Investment Fund Managers for its New Early Stage Capital Program

T

President Barack Obama holds a Cabinet meeting focused on small business issues.

Massachusetts, and New York.

The Early Stage Innovation Fund initiative will target this gap by licensing and guaranteeing leverage to funds focused on early/seed stage investments.

SBICs are privately-owned and managed investment firms that are licensed and regulated by SBA. SBICs use a combination of funds raised from private sources and money raised through the use of SBA guarantees to make equity and mezzanine capital investments in small businesses.

There are nearly 300 SBICs with more than $17 billion in capital under management.

A final rule, effective April 27, 2012, was published in the Federal Register at www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-201204-27/pdf/2012-10120.pdf. It sets forth regulations for Early Stage Innovation Funds with respect to licensing, capital

requirements, distributions, and capital impairment among other things.

More information on the Early Stage Innovation Fund initiative and the regulations governing these SBICs may be found at www.sba.gov/inv/ earlystage.

For more information about the SBA’s Investment Division, SBIC program, Impact Investment Initiative and Early Stage Innovation Funds, go to www. sba.gov/INV. The web site offers much useful information including segments for: SBIC Applicants, SBIC Licensees, Private Partners & LPs, and Entrepreneurs & Small Business Owners. The site also includes useful SBIC forms, up-to-date news and reports, and detailed information and descriptions of the Impact Investment Initiative and Early Stage Innovation Fund. 

23  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

www.sba.gov

Government

he U.S. Small Business Administration is inviting experienced early stage investment fund managers to apply for licensing as Early Stage Innovation Funds as part of SBA’s Small Business Investment Company capital investment program.

Licensed Early Stage Innovation Funds can receive SBA-guaranteed funding to match their privately raised capital up to a maximum of $50 million.

Early Stage Innovation Funds must invest at least 50 percent of their investment dollars in early stage small businesses.

“This initiative is intended to promote American innovation and job creation by encouraging private sector investment in early stage small businesses,” said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. “Early stage small businesses face difficult challenges accessing capital. At the same time, in this financial climate, venture capital funds are finding it difficult to raise money from institutional investors. By licensing and providing SBA financial backing to Early Stage Innovation Funds, we hope to expand entrepreneurs’ access to capital and encourage innovation as part of President Obama’s Start-Up America Initiative launched last year.”

As part of the Start-Up America Initiative, SBA intends to commit up to $1 billion in SBA guaranteed leverage over a five-year period to selected Early Stage Innovation Funds using its current program authorization.

High-growth potential, early stage companies commonly experience a gap in the availability of funding between $1 million and $4 million levels. This gap is often referred to in the venture capital industry as the “Valley of Death.” Since January 2006, less than 10 percent of all U.S. venture capital dollars went to seed funds investing at those levels, and 69 percent of those dollars went to just three states: California,

National Travel & Tourism Strategy Sets Goal to Draw 100 Million International Visitors to U.S.

By John Bryson and Ken Salazar

A

s we celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week, the U.S. government is doubling down on its commitment to create more jobs for Americans by growing international and domestic travel and tourism that powers our economy.

Last year, 62 million international tourists visited the United States and pumped a record $153 billion into local economies, helping to support the 7.6 million jobs in our travel and tourism industry. These numbers make tourism America’s number one service export.

That’s why the White House released a new National Travel and Tourism Strategy, charting a new course toward making America a more attractive and accessible destination than ever before. The Strategy sets a goal of drawing 100 million international visitors by 2021, which is expected to generate $250 billion annually in visitor spending by 2012. The strategy also encourages more Americans to travel within the United States.

America is the land of extraordinary natural wonders – from the Grand Canyon to the Florida Keys; from Yellowstone to Yosemite. America is where we do big things, and as a result, we have incredible landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and the Empire State Building; the Hoover Dam and the Gateway Arch. This is the land of iconic cities and all their sights – from Independence Hall in Philadelphia to the Space Needle in Seattle to the skyline of Chicago. From the Mall of America to Walt Disney World, we have it all right here.

At President Obama’s direction in January 2012, an interagency task force worked to develop the strategy – identifying concrete steps in five key areas designed to promote these destinations and make America as number one tourism destination in the

world: • Federal agencies will expand efforts to promote a welcoming message for international visitors, coordinating with Brand USA to encourage international travel to America.

• Federal agencies will enable more efficient and secure travel to and within the United States, and improve the visa application process, which has already been dramatically enhanced under the leadership of Secretaries Clinton and Napolitano.

• We will foster greater cooperation with the private sector to provide a world-class U.S. travel experience.

This includes leveraging technology in to help non-English speaking visitors and do more to help small businesses tap into this expanding market opportunity.

• Through the Tourism Policy Council, we will work more closely with public and private partners to coordinate federal policies. Plus, the Commerce Department will establish a national travel and tourism office to provide leadership within the federal government.

• We will work with both industry and academic researchers to collect and analyze the best data on travel

and tourism to help make smart, strategic decisions that will maximize America’s growth and leadership in this industry.

Tourism is our number one services export, and holds an incredible potential to create American jobs. As our nation’s economy continues to gain strength, we’re proud of this National Strategy and the promise it holds of being an economic engine for the country.

We,look forward to working with our partners across government and industry to turn this new strategy into action.  www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/05/10/ national-travel-and-tourismstrategy-sets-goal-draw-100-millioninternational-visito

Quote of Note...

“When it comes to our efforts on behalf of women and girls, I’m proud of the accomplishments we can point to. Yes, we’ve got more to do. But there’s no doubt we have begun to make progress.”

President Barack H. Obama

25  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

GRANTS.GOV LISTINGS The following grant opportunity postings may be found on the Grants.gov Find Opportunities service: HHS Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health Limited Competition: Specific pathogen free macaque colonies (U42), Modification 1 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=70853

Business

HHS Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health Limited Competition: Specific pathogen free macaque colonies (U42), Modification 1 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=70854 HHS Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health Limited Competition: Specific pathogen free macaque colonies (U24), Modification 1 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=70855 DOD Department of Defense Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency DARPA - Defense Sciences Office Defense Sciences Research and Technology, Modification 1 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=112994 HHS Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health Development of Novel and Emerging Technologies for the Accurate Detection and Diagnosis of Polymicrobial Infections in Biomedical Laboratory Animal Models (STTR

[R41/R42]), Modification 1 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=123134 HHS Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health Midcareer Investigator Award in Mouse Pathobiology and Comprehensive Phenotyping Research (K26), Modification 1 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=131273 USAID Agency for International Development Thailand USAID-Bangkok USAID Improving Higher Education Quality Program in Vietnam, Modification 5 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=137633 USAID Agency for International Development Uganda USAID-Kampala NU-HITES, Modification 2 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=141993 DOE Department of Energy Golden Field Office Advanced Manufacturing Program and Building Technologies Program Superior Energy Performance Program Administrator, Modification 1 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=142075 DOE Department of Energy Idaho Field Office Nuclear Energy Enabling Technologies (NEET) Advanced Methods for Manufacturing, Modification 1 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=144333 DOE Department of Energy Idaho Field Office

Nuclear Energy Enabling Technologies (NEET) Reactor Materials, Modification 1 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=144359 DOD Department of Defense Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency DARPA - Defense Sciences Office Butyrylcholinesterase Expression in Plants, Modification 1 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=144634 DOE Department of Energy National Energy Technology Laboratory Advanced Oxy-combustion Technology Development and Scaleup for New and Existing Coal-fired Power Plants, Modification 2 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=145074 DOD Department of Defense Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency DARPA - Information Innovation Office High-Assurance Cyber Military Systems (HACMS), Modification 1 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=146074 DOT Department of Transportation Pipeline &Hazardous Material Safety Administration PHMSA Hazmat Grants 2013 PHMSA HMEP States & Territories, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=146813 DOT Department of Transportation Pipeline &Hazardous Material Safety Administration PHMSA Hazmat Grants 2013 PHMSA HMEP SPSTG, Grant

26  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

see Grants.gov on page 27

GRANTS.GOV LISTINGS from page 26

www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=147134 DOT Department of Transportation Pipeline &Hazardous Material Safety Administration PHMSA Hazmat Grants 2013 PHMSA HMEP States & Territories, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=147574 DOT Department of Transportation Pipeline &Hazardous Material Safety Administration PHMSA Hazmat Grants 2013 PHMSA HMEP Native American Tribes, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=147593

VA Department of Veterans Affairs Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program VA Grant and Per Diem Program Notice of Fund Availability, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=147833 DOI Department of the Interior Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) BOEM FY 2012 Louisiana Coastal Marine Institute, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=147853 HHS Department of Health and Human Services

HHS Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health Research Networks for Macromolecular Interactions in Cells (U54), Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=147913 HHS Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health Collaborations for Macromolecular Interactions in Cells (R01), Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=147914 DOS Department of State Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Establishment of a University Partnership with Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Modification 1 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=147933 USDOJ Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Assistance National Justice Information Sharing (JIS) Initiative, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=147935 SSA Social Security Administration Social Security Disability Research Consortium, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=147953

DOC Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers for South Dakota and Kentucky, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=147954 EPA Environmental Protection Agency FY 2012 Tribal Pesticide Special Projects, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=147955 USDOJ Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Assistance BJA FY 12 National Adult and Juvenile Offender Reentry Resource Center, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=147973 EPA Environmental Protection Agency Citizen Science - Community Involvement Today and in the Future, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=147993 DOI Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Pacific Islands Climate Change Cooperative and Pacific Islands Climate Science Center, Modification 1 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=148013 HHS Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Program, Grant see Grants.gov on page 29

27  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Business

USDOJ Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Office of Violence Against Women OVW FY 2012 Technical Assistance Program, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=147817

Agency for Health Care Research and Quality AHRQ Mentored Career Enhancement Award in Patient Centered Outcomes Research (PCOR) for Mid-Career and Senior Investigators (K18), Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=147875

GRANTS.GOV LISTINGS from page 27

www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=148113

www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=148033 USDA Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture 1890 Facilities Grant Program, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=148037 DOI Department of the Interior OIA Brown Treesnake Control Program, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=148038 DOD Department of Defense Natural Resources Solutions to Address Stream Restoration and Habitat Improvement at Indian Head Maryland, Grant

NSF National Science Foundation CISE-MPS Interdisciplinary Faculty Program in Quantum Information Science, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=148153 NSF National Science Foundation Campus Cyberinfrastructure - Network Infrastructure and Engineering Program, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=148154 NSF National Science Foundation Research in Disabilities Education Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=148155

DOI Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service South Fork Cottonwood Ck Fish Passage Improvement, Phase One Modification 1 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=148233 DOE Department of Energy Golden Field Office U.S. Offshore Wind: Advanced Technology Demonstration Projects Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=148294 DOI Department of the Interior National Park Service Groundwork New Orleans, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=148333 

Business

29  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Tech Tools:

15 ‘Additional’ Email Marketing Tips for Small- to Mid-Sized Businesses

by Brittney Leigh Smith, Marketing Analyst, 60 Second Marketer

R

Business

ecently, the 60 Second Marketer posted 25 email marketing tips for small to mid-sized businesses. Here are an additional 15 tips, tricks, and secrets to help you out in your email marketing ventures: 1. Don’t Forget the Preview Pane in Your Campaign: The preview pane should be filled with the unique selling point of your campaign, with your most intriguing benefit or your best offer.

Unsubscription instructions, long introductory copy, and disclaimers should be moved down the page so that they’re not the first thing people see in the preview pane.

2. Get Subscribers by Partnering with Other Websites: Turn to Web sites that people who might be interested in your newsletter are likely to visit and cooperate with the owners of these sites in some way that can profit both of you, such as exchanging sign-up forms.

3. Make Sure Unsubscriptions are Effective Immediately: Avoid a spam-like impression by making sure unsubscriptions from your newsletters or email marketing lists go into effect immediately.

4. Choose the Right Day of the Week to Send Newsletters: The best way to figure out when to send your email is to test your way into success by deploying on a variety of days and seeing which day is best for your

specific audience. If your newsletter is business-oriented and read at work, you might start by sending it on Wednesday or Thursday. If your newsletter is primarily read at home and focuses on spare-time activities, try sending it on Saturday or Sunday.

7. Test the Layout of Your Newsletter with Email Clients: Make sure your email marketing message looks good not only in your email program but in your recipient’s, too. You can do this by signing up for AOL, Google, HotMail and other free

(For more information on this topic, read “What Are the Best Days of the Week to Send an Email Campaign?” on the 60 Second Marketer blog.)

services, then testing the look-and-feel by sending yourself an email to your AOL, Google and/or HotMail accounts.

5. Send Newsletters on Time: People love consistency. If part of your email marketing involves sending a weekly newsletter, send it out at the same time each week.

6. Successful Email Marketing is 1-to-1 Permission Marketing: Truly successful email marketing consists of personalized messages being sent to customers individually. Tailoring your communication to the needs of the individual customer is only possible if you know a lot about them. You can learn about your subscribers by analyzing the data in the sign-up form or by sending them a survey after they sign up.

8. Decide whether to use Opt-In or Double Opt-In: Email addresses on an opt-in list are not confirmed. On a double opt-in list, all email addresses must be confirmed by the user before they are added. A request for confirmation is sent to the submitted address, and the address owner must take some action to confirm that. At the 60 Second Marketer, we’ve found that a double opt-in list ensures a very high degree of engagement with our readers and a very low complaint rate.

9. How to Get the Names of Anonymous Subscribers: Send a letter to those who have signed up for your newsletter but haven’t submitted

30  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

see Email Tips & Tricks on page 31

Email Tips & Tricks from page 30

their name periodically and tell them you’d love to greet them with their name instead of the stale “Dear Subscriber.”

Chances are lots of them will be more than willing to reveal their name.

11. Monitor Reply-to Addresses: The “reply-to” address for your email campaigns should be closely monitored by a member of your team.

It is important that email remain a twoway street, and by having a valid reply-

12. Remind the User how they Signed-up: People register for email subscriptions at different sources (store, point of purchase, coregistration, etc.). As a result, they may not always remember what they did to start receiving communications from your brand. By personalizing the copy based on the registration source, you can provide them with a gentle reminder of where they signed up, which can eliminate any confusion that might cause them to hit the unsubscribe link.

13. Do Not Include Attachments in Your Emails: Some people will not open an email with an attachment for fear of getting a computer virus, so it

is best not to include any. If want to share an image or coupon with your subscribers, it is more effective to incorporate it within the body of the email.

14. Don’t Say it All in One Message: If you have a lot to tell the subscriber, say it over a series of communications.

The user is more likely to retain information given in small batches than a lengthy email that requires them to “page-down” through multiple paragraphs. A well-integrated welcome series works wonders.

15. Include a Sign-Up Banner at the Bottom of Your Blog Posts: See the e-newsletter sign-up banner at the bottom of this blog post? Steal the idea. Seriously, take the idea and incorporate it into your own blog posts.

We’re all in this together, aren’t we? 

Business

10. Know Your Competition: Sign up for your competitors’ emails. It will give you insight into what types of emails they send and what they are offering to their subscribers. This can help you with promotional ideas as well as improvements to your own email campaigns.

to address that is monitored and acted upon, your customers will know you are listening to them. Don’t make the mistake of allowing the replies to pile up in your inbox and never looking at them.

http://60secondmarketer.com

June 22-23, 2012 San Francisco, CA www.kauffman.org/lifescienceapp 31  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

BET Founder Plans Web Distribution Firm for Eclectic Programming

By Meg James and Greg Braxton, Los Angeles Times

Business

R

obert Johnson, the nation’s first African American billionaire, has invested in professional basketball teams, real estate, mortgage-backed securities and midsize hotels. Now he is returning to his old stamping grounds: media.

The founder of BET, the first cable television network specifically targeted to African Americans, is rolling up a pair of small video firms to form a new publicly traded venture, RLJ Entertainment.

The 66-year-old entrepreneur plans to create an online distribution company that syndicates programming, including titles made by producers and directors who have been unable to penetrate the barriers of Hollywood.

“The Internet changes that paradigm,” Johnson said in an interview last week.

“The gatekeepers have been, for practical purposes, disassembled. If you can identify and curate the content, there is nothing keeping you from reaching a global audience.”

The usually press-shy businessman plans to merge one of his investment vehicles with two small video distributors, Image Entertainment and Acorn Media Group. The companies hold rights to an eclectic mix of programming, including Agatha Christie films, British comedies, horror movies, exercise videos, urban entertainment and the work of stand-up comedians.

Johnson said the new venture would acquire other film libraries and would license its programming on DVDs and streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu and Amazon.com.

Johnson launched BET, which stands for Black Entertainment Television, in 1980. The channel started with very few shows, including a gospel music

Robert L. Johnson

series and a video music program with a set so flimsy that the host’s podium once collapsed on the air. But the channel grew and thrived. Media giant Viacom acquired BET in 2003 for $3 billion.

The cable pioneer believes his new venture could be quite lucrative too.

He sees striking parallels in how small cable TV networks invaded an industry long dominated by three powerful broadcast networks, providing new opportunities for entrepreneurs like

him and diversified programming for viewers.

“I am absolutely convinced that the only thing keeping minority creative people from getting their content to a hungry audience is access to capital,” Johnson said. “I’ve made a lot of money, but if you look at the businesses I have, you’ll see they all have a heavy dose of a focus on finding talented minorities and giving them the opportunity to ride

32  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

see Web Distribution on page 33

Web Distribution from page 32

the elevator up with me.”

Darnell Hunt, head of UCLA’s Ralph J. Bunche Center for African American Studies, gives Johnson high marks for giving talent a lift.

“He gave exposure to black artists when others wouldn’t. BET showed

Six years ago, he started Our Stories Films, an effort to give movie-making opportunities to minorities shut out by the major Hollywood studios. The label has released two films in an alliance with Weinstein Co., including last year’s profitable “Jumping the Broom.”

Nearly two years ago, Johnson formed another investment group to acquire media companies. It will use about $140 million in capital the group raised to buy Acorn Media in Maryland and independent distributor Image Entertainment in Chatsworth.

Acorn Media, which began as a documentary film production and distribution business, is now a

leading distributor of British television programming in the U.S. and Canada, including a library of Agatha Christie films and fitness videos. The deal gives Acorn shareholders nearly $105 million for their equity.

Investors in Image Entertainment, which has had a troubled financial history but boasts a library of more than 3,700 titles, including “Time Bandits” and “The Witches of Oz,” will receive $22.6 million. Image Chief Executive Ted Green plans to stay on to run the new company, which is expected to generate about $240 million this year in revenue. The new company is being valued at about $194 million, according to regulatory filings.

No longer on Forbes’ list of billionaires, Johnson splits his time among West Palm Beach, Fla.; Charlotte, N.C.; and Bethesda, Md. He will retain an 11% interest, making him the largest individual shareholder of RLJ Entertainment. Image investors will hold about 11%, and Acorn investors will have 5%. Cash from the offering will fund operations and other acquisitions.

Johnson describes himself as “agnostic” about the kind of content RLJ Entertainment will feature. “As long as it is legal and is not porn,” he said. Eventually RLJ may launch a subscription Internet service, for which consumers would pay about $5 a month to see movies made by African Americans.

“Because I happen to be African American, I have a deep sensitivity and a financial reason for unlocking that creativity,” Johnson said. “And that creativity generates a lot of money.” www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-ct-robertjohnson-20120417,0,6860658.story

33  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Business

Michael Jackson videos when MTV wouldn’t,” Hunt said.

But Johnson has also been criticized by some African American leaders who felt that BET’s programming spotlighted offensive images of black people.

They accused him of putting money above social responsibility by stocking BET with music-related shows, including hip-hop videos that stressed materialistic possessions and sexual prowess.

“People wanted BET to offer alternative images of African Americans that were not being shown on the mainstream network,” Hunt said. “They wanted scripted programming, public service programs.”

The problem, Johnson said, was that BET was the only game in town.

“We got all of the praise and all of the damnation because we were the only ones. I was criticized for not delivering

what the market considered to be the appropriate content for a nation of black Americans crying out for positive content. But positive is in the eyes of the beholder. It wasn’t my responsibility to be the guy.”

The Internet, Johnson said, is different. “There will never be the only one with the Internet.”

After Johnson exited BET in 2005, he formed investment companies with diverse interests.

He led the group that put together the Charlotte Bobcats professional basketball team.

Johnson’s lodging trust bought and manages hotels, including the Hilton Garden Inn in Hollywood and an Embassy Suites in Downey.

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

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ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

34  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

P.Diddy to Introduce “Revolt” Channel on Comcast 2013

By Philip Shan

S

ean “Diddy” Combs has announced plans to launch “Revolt” channel on Comcast for 2013. In the words of P.Diddy, the channel will build itself from the ground up so artists can connect with their audience almost entirely plugged by social media.

National broadcasted television has been attempting to incorporate social media on air. The dynamics of social media are much different than the boob tube.

If channel “Revolt” is successful it could introduce many new artists; as a producer P.Diddy has that in mind.

MTV used to be the number one way for artists to be exposed. Up-andcoming artists are using social media now as are their fans.

Comcast Corporation, one of the world’s leading media, entertainment and communications companies, has selected four new minority-owned independent networks to be broadly distributed on Comcast Cable systems between April 2012 and January 2014.

African-American Category: • Aspire: Spearheaded by Entrepreneur and NBA Hall of Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson, in partnership with GMC TV, Aspire is dedicated to delivering enlightening, entertaining and positive programming to AfricanAmericans families, including movies, documentaries, short films, music, comedy, visual and performing arts, and faith and inspirational programs.

Aspire will celebrate the successes, achievements and accomplishments of the African-American community

Hispanic Category: • El Rey: Proposed by legendary Hollywood director Robert Rodriguez and FactoryMade Ventures executives John Fogelman and Cristina Patwa, this network is designed to be an action-packed, general entertainment network in English for Latino and general audiences that includes a mix of reality, scripted and animated series,

movies, documentaries, news, music, comedy, and sports programming. The network has entered into an agreement to launch by January 2014.

• BabyFirst Americas: Proposed by Spanish language television veteran Constantino “Said” Schwarz, this network is designed for infants, very young children, and their parents, and emphasizes the importance of early development of verbal, math and motor skills. The network has entered into an agreement to launch by April 2012.

Comcast made a series of voluntary public interest commitments in connection with the NBCUniversal transaction, one of which is to launch 10 new independently owned and operated networks over the next eight years. http://finance.yahoo.com/news/ Comcast-Announces-Agreementsbw-3913091992.html?x=0 http://thequeenscastle.net/confirmedsean-diddy-combs-launches-music-tvnetwork-revolt

35  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Business

Comcast Announces Agreements with Four New Minority-Owned Independent Networks

and create new opportunities for the next generation of AfricanAmerican visionaries.

The network will launch by summer 2012.

“Aspire will celebrate our heritage, our groundbreaking achievements and the fearless talent that has shaped American culture. I’m most excited about Aspire creating opportunities for the new voices, new visions and the next generation of storytellers,” said Earvin “Magic” Johnson.

• Revolt: Proposed by superstar and entrepreneur Sean “Diddy” Combs and MTV veteran Andy Schuon, this network is designed to have programming inspired by music and pop culture, including music videos, live performances, music news, and interviews and will incorporate social media interaction for music artists and fans. The network has entered into an agreement to launch in 2013.

“We’re building this platform for artists to reach an extraordinary number of people in a completely different way.

REVOLT will be live, like all great moments in television history. REVOLT will also be immediate, like today’s social networks. We know it was a highly competitive process and we want to thank Comcast for this opportunity to truly change television with REVOLT.”

In-flight WiFi Takes Off Through Satellite Technology

by Charlie Osborne

I

n the latest pact announced within the aviation industry, Honeywell Aerospace (http://honeywell.com) and satellite operator Inmarsat (www. inmarsat.com) have agreed to a new

and several thousand U.S. aircraft offer the service. However, as most connectivity speeds currently available peak at approximately 3MB a second due to ground-based systems supporting flights, the new satellitebased service is expected to go beyond this, and offer up to 50MB in comparison.

By 2016, it is predicted there will be over 10 billion mobile devices in use across the globe, and data traffic demand will rise — 71 percent of which will be used to stream media including video. As the world becomes more interconnected and consumers expect to be able to remain ‘connected’ in transit, commercial a i r l i n e companies are beginning to take this into consideration in order to remain competitive in the global marketplace.  www.smartplanet.com/blog/smart-takes/ in-flight-wifi-takes-off-through-satellitetechnology/25796?tag=nl.e660

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Business

partnership which will aim to provide WiFi services to consumers.

The companies officially announced the agreement in the hope of bringing better speeds, reliable connectivity and streaming services to passengers who have tablets, smartphones or laptops worldwide in transatlantic flights by the use of satellite technology.

According to Honeywell Aerospace and Inmarsat, by combining satellite communication capabilities with Inmarsat’s Global Xpress connectivity, the new services will result in travelers being able to quickly and seamlessly get online. For business passengers, this means they could connect to social media, conduct video conferences and watch presentations in-flight.

“With this new service, the flow of information will no longer stop when

the door to the aircraft closes,” Tim Mahoney, p r e s i d e n t and chief executive officer of Honeywell Aerospace said within the announcement.

“Honeywell identified global aircraft connectivity as a future growth trend, and through the combination of the recently acquired EMS Technologies, Inc.’s broad technology offerings and Honeywell’s global aerospace franchise, the company is the perfect partner to launch the Inmarsat Global Xpress aerospace network.

We believe this new network will significantly expand the connectivity options of consumer, business, and government customers around the world.”

Inmarsat, which will invest $1.2 billion, will launch the first of three new satellites for its Global Xpress Network in 2013, with global service for commercial, business aviation, and government customers predicted to launch in 2014. Honeywell will provide hardware, services and maintenance worth $2.8 billion.

In-flight WiFi is not a new concept,

Maker Faire: Kansas City www.makerfairekc.com

What is Maker Faire?

Maker Faire events across the United States are celebrating a DIY/ homegrown invention movement.

Whether it’s a home-built robot, video game, handbag, miniature race car, musical instrument, or sustainable micro garden, Maker Faire showcases all that is creative and innovative in our community.

When and Where is Maker Faire: Kansas City?

Saturday, June 23, 2012, 10 am – 7 pm Sunday, June 24, 2012, 10 am – 5 pm Union Station 30 W. Pershing Rd. Kansas City, MO 64108

• Miniature Racing and Boating • Student Projects/Experiments • Clothing/Textile Design and Innovation • Food and Beverage Makers • Crafts, including Wood, Glass, • Found objects • Visual Arts • Performing Arts • Fire/Water Displays • Unusual Tools • Kites • Bicycles • HAM Radio • Art Cars

Maker Faire: Kansas City this summer.

More questions?

Contact us (www.makerfairekc.com/ contact). 

How many Makers will Exhibit?

Union Station is equipped to

What Kinds of Exhibitions will handle upward of 400 booths be There? inside and on the surrounding Interactive projects that showcase the value and process of “making,” including: • Vintage Tech and Gaming • Design/Architecture/Engineering • Robotics • Hacker and Maker Space • Biotech/Biochem • 3D Printers • Tesla Coils

grounds.

How many People will Attend Maker Faire: Kansas City?

With excitement of last year’s event spreading throughout the community and the region, Union Station expects more than 10,000 visitors to experience

africanamericans. barackobama.com

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Natural Clothing with Solar-Power Chargers Being Developed at Colorado State University

C

developing natural-fiber outdoor clothing prototypes that harvest energy while the wearer participates in outdoor activities.

“This project is unique in that there are no current apparel products that combine solar power with natural fibers,” said Eulanda Sanders, a professor in the Department of Design and Merchandising who specializes in apparel design and production. While a few solar-powered “smart” outdoor apparel items are on the market, they are functionally flawed with solar panels that are difficult to launder or wear and are not aesthetically pleasing.

The team is using only UV-treated natural fiber fabric, such as cotton or linen, rather than petroleum-based textiles, which contribute to pollution.

The researchers have discovered that the right selection of fabric and weave, thickness, weight, dyeing and finishing of natural fabrics provides excellent protection from UV rays. The group has developed prototypes of three jackets, a vest and two helmets --one ski helmet with Blue tooth capabilities and one for possible military use.

“We believe this will fill a need in the

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/LosAngeles-Dodgers-to-be-sold-to-MagicJohnson-led-group-032712

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Business

olorado State University apparel design and production researchers and students are working to develop natural-fiber outdoor clothing that can charge MP3 devices, tablets, computers, GPS units and cell phones with built-in -- but comfortable to wear -- solar panels. The project is so impressive that it was recently selected to compete in a sustainability design competition in Washington, DC. The project, funded by a $15,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency, intends to also reduce pollution on two fronts. First, the clothing will use the most recent research and technology to make natural fibers such as cotton and linen as outdoor savvy as other petroleumbased textiles which are heralded by outdoor enthusiasts for warmth, UV ray protection, comfort and moisturewicking. Second, the clothing will provide a solar source of energy for electronic devices, reducing alkaline battery use.

Eulanda Sanders and Ajoy Sarkar, associate professors in the Department of Design and Merchandising, along with four students, are currently

market for the many environmentallyconscious outdoor enthusiasts,” Sarkar said. The overall goal is to develop natural, solar-powering clothing items with functionality, durability and comfort while also being aesthetically stylish.

Key factors in the success of these garments will include the cost and flexibility of the panels and strategic placement to maximize sun exposure.

Comfortable and easy-to-launder panel attachment points and wiring also will be important design features. In the second phase of the project, they also are considering designs that could be later adopted by road construction workers.

The team presented their project and prototypes at the National Sustainable Design Expo in Washington, DC. They were among 45 teams selected from 150 team applications from across the country that were selected to compete in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s People, Prosperity and the Planet student competition. If CSU students win, they’ll receive additional funding to market their idea.

The Department of Design and Merchandising is in the College of Applied Human Sciences. 

Business

Starbucks Invites You to Help Create American Jobs

W

hen you donate $5 or more to the Create Jobs for USA Fund you’ll receive an American-made “Indivisible” wristband so you can show your ongoing support.

Make your donation online at www.createjobsforusa.org or visit your nearby Starbucks company-operated store.  40  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Honda to Recycle Rare Earth Metals

by Ina Damm Muri

included a simple diagram of the recycling flow between dealers and factory, but presented few details about how the process actually works.

Economists saw no mystery in what the Honda move means in the marketplace. According to reactors from SmallCap Network, the high market prices of rare metals suggests “the company could have got it right in terms of economics.

China produces about 95 percent of the world’s rare earth supplies. With its monopoly on production, China notes its concerns about the environment and resources and issued export controls that sent the prices of rare earth metals rising.

For Honda, the goal is to specifically look to recycling to meet its rare earth metal needs and they say that the reclamation initiative

won’t stop at batteries either. They intend to grow out an extended list of components from which the metals can be recycled.

Honda refers to 17 rare earth metals that are crucial to modern lifestyles and used in numerous applications for industrial, high tech and commercial products. 

41  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

www.smartplanet.com/blog/ smart-takes/honda-to-recyclerare-earth-metals-first-time-inhistory/25916?tag=nl.e660

Business

H

onda made an announcement recently of a recycling breakthrough. The firm will start recycling rare earth metals from the nickel-metal hydride batteries of its used hybrid cars on a mass-production basis, Honda informs.

Honda says this new process is a world-first - a process to extract rare earth metals from various used parts in Honda products will start at the end of April 2012.The process allows for the recovery of more than 80 percent of the rare-earth metals used in the nickelmetal hybrid batteries.

The process involves extractions of the rare earth metals from used batteries collected from Honda hybrids

by Honda dealers inside and outside Japan.

The technology is a result of the company’s collaboration with Japan Metals & Chemicals (JMC), a company based in Tokyo. The announcement

Minorities Getting Left Behind in Economic Recovery

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communities of color in a deeper hole four years after the recession began.

Employment in the fourth quarter of 2011 was 88.9% of their employment in December 2007 for African Americans and 91.4% for Latinos, compared to 93.6% for whites and 92.9% for Asians.

• African Americans and Latinos earn less than others. African Americans’ usual median weekly earnings were $674 (in constant 2011 dollars) and Latinos’ earnings were $549. In comparison, whites earned $744 each week and Asians earned $866 in the fourth quarter of 2011.

•There are more African Americans and Latinos employed at or below the minimum wage than other groups.

•Household incomes have fallen drastically for African Americans since December 2007. Inflation-adjusted median incomes for African Americans fell by 7.1% from 2007 to 2009, faster than for any other population group.

And, dropped another 3.2% from 2009 to 2010, which was as fast or faster than comparable income drops for any other population group.

•Communities of color have substantially less health insurance coverage than whites. The share of African Americans without health insurance in 2010 was 20.8% and Latinos was 30.7%. This compares to 11.7% of whites without health insurance at the same time.

•Wealth gap between communities

FULL REPORT: www. americanprogress.org/issues/2012/04/ communities_of_color.html

43  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Business

he Center for American Progress has released a report entitled “The State of Communities of Color in the U.S. Economy: The Third Year of the Recovery” analyzing how communities of color have not enjoyed the benefits of the recovery’s growth and shows that communities of color are less likely than whites to enjoy the opportunities that come from having a good job, owning one’s own home, and having a financial safety cushion in the form of health insurance, retirement benefits, and private savings.

This difference exists because economic opportunities eroded faster for communities of color than for whites and have been coming back more slowly for communities of color than for whites during the economic recovery.

Notably, the report found that African Americans have enjoyed fewer job opportunities than other groups, putting their employed share of the population at 52.1% compared to 59.3% for Latinos, 59.4% for whites and 59.9% for Asians in the fourth quarter of 2011.

See some of the following key facts from the report: •African Americans and Latinos persistently suffer from high unemployment rates. The unemployment rate of African Americans has typically been twice as high as that of whites, while the Latino unemployment rate is about 50% greater than for whites.

•Slower job growth leaves

of color and whites widens sharply due to housing market weaknesses. The median non-white or Latino household owned with $23,300 (in 2009 dollars) less than one sixth of the wealth of white non-Latino households, who owned $149,900 at that time in 2009.

•Homeownership disappears fastest for African Americans. At the beginning of the recession in 2007, the African American homeownership rate was 47.7%, the Latino homeownership was 48.5%, and the homeownership rate for other races was 58.6%, compared to the white homeownership rate at 74.9%. By the end of 2011, 45.1% of African Americans owned their homes, 46.6% of Latinos owned their homes, and 56.5% of all other races owned homes, compared to a homeownership rate of 73.7% for whites.

•Communities of color at higher risk of losing their homes to foreclosure than whites. The foreclosure rate for African Americans was 9.8%, for Latinos 11.9% and for Asians 6.6%, while the foreclosure rate for whites was 5.0% in 2011.

•Retirement plan coverage is lower for communities of color than for whites. In 2010, the percentage of African American private sector workers who participate in a retirement plan at work was 34.4%, 21.4% for Latinos, and 44.3% for whites.

All in all, communities of color generally have worse economic security than white households. The data further show that all groups seem to have experienced some improvements, starting in 2010, except for African Americans. The widespread economic pain and the lingering economic distress following the Great Recession require policymakers’ attention. The report finds that policymakers need to step in to make sure communities of color equitably benefit from the economic recovery. 

Tech Tools: Manufacturing at

the Click of a Mouse: the Third Industrial Revolution Commences

By Joe McKendrick

Three-dimensional printing has a huge range of potential applications, from customized mass production of medicine, to food, to houses, to machinery. Technologies such as 3D printing are altering the face of manufacturing, making it leaner, cheaper and far more flexible than ever before to produce products. And, in the process, will reverse the offshoring trend.

A

cost production region.

Not mentioned in the BCG release, but an important factor, is the rise of automation and digitization of production processes within US companies, thanks to information technology and lean methodologies.

Emerging technologies, particularly 3D printing, also makes production at the source viable and cost-effective, and it’s likely that many companies and innovators will be embracing “desktop manufacturing” as a way to quickly and smartly assemble and mass produce their goods.

As The Economist describes it, 3D printing will change “the geography of supply chains,” since 3D printing can take place anytime, anywhere.

Spare parts will no longer have to be ordered from some distant locale, they can be made on the spot. “The days when projects ground to a halt for want of a piece of kit, or when customers complained that they could no longer find spare parts for things they had bought, will one day seem quaint.”

Quaint indeed.  www.smartplanet.com/blog/businessbrains/manufacturing-at-the-click-of-amouse-the-third-industrial-revolutioncommences/23644?tag=nl.e660 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_printing www.makerbot.com

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Business

new report in The Economist (www.economist.com/ node/21553017?goback=. gde_48984_member_109100) calls the increasing digitization seen in manufacturing with technologies such as 3D printing the dawn of the “Third Industrial Revolution.” One of the most pronounced changes now being seen is a shift away from moving production to regions with low labor costs back to regions where markets reside. “Labor costs are growing less and less important,” The Economist notes: “a $499 first-generation iPad included only about $33 of manufacturing labor, of which the final assembly in China accounted for just $8.”

In fact, the shift to localized production has already been underway — in a new survey of 106 executives at large US-based manufacturing companies, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) finds more than a third, 37 percent, plan to bring back production to the United States from China or are considering it.

BCG cites China’s rising labor costs — the inevitable and ironic result that a rising standard of living enables — as making manufacturing less costeffective within that country. In the past, the next logical move would have been to relocate plants or contract for production in emerging regions with low labor rates. Interestingly, what’s happening this time around is the United States is seen as the next low-

Business 101: Why Branding

Matters: Stand Out From the Rest

By Dylan Mazeik

I

n this digital age, a successful business needs to provide outstanding service, offer intrinsic value to its clients, build customer relationships—and stand out from the crowd on myriad online platforms.

To set one’s company apart from the herd, a business needs a brand. The American Marketing Association (www.marketingpower.com) defines a brand as a “name, term, design, symbol, or any other feature that identifies one seller’s good or service as distinct from those of other sellers.”

To understand the elements of smallbusiness branding, you first need to know why it’s essential to a company’s success.

• Branding is your business ambassador. It helps customers familiarize themselves with your business and builds trust with colleagues, customers, and prospects.

• A great brand is memorable. If people can’t remember your brand, they will not be inspired to do

business with you. People buy from businesses they know, trust, and like.

• Social media demands a visible, attractive brand. It’s not a question

• Branding helps your business get recognized on multiple platforms.

Getting your message out and keeping it consistent is only achievable when your brand is searchable, recognizable, and accountable. You need to manage your brand on different platforms (your blog, social media sites, etc.)

• People connect with your brand through its story. Every company has a “how we came to be” story. Let your story be part of the brand that resonates with your customers.

• Branding levels the playing field for small businesses. Entrepreneurs do not have an unlimited marketing budget. However, by honing your brand’s message, visuals, and style, you can go toe to toe with your larger competitors—and look good doing it.

• Today’s connected, social savvy consumers demand it. People need to see you’re on top of your game with a compelling brand. A solid brand equals trust.

• Small businesses are doomed to fail without effective branding.

Sad, but true. Your ideas and

outstanding service aren’t enough to cut it in today’s brutal business climate. Your brand is your story, and

stories are essential to attracting and keeping customers.

• Smart branding will bring your “red carpet moment.” Whether through social media, traditional advertising, or good old-fashioned networking, influencers and decision-makers are on the lookout for trend-setting businesses. Make the biggest impact possible by having a memorable brand.

When it comes to designing your brand, you need to plan well and find a great logo maker or designer that understands your company’s needs.

Contrary to popular belief, a fresh, professionally designed logo doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Websites like FreeLogoServices, are cool resources to design your logo for your website, blog, Facebook business page, Twitter page, and other social media platforms.

When done well, a brand can help businesses gain new customers, expand their circle of influence, and stand out.  www.mpdailyfix.com/why-brandingmatters-stand-out-from-the-rest-ofthe-herd/?adref=nlt042312&utm_ source=mpt&utm_ medium=myview&utm_ campaign=basic&utm_ term=brand&utm_content=post

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Business

• Branding is your business identity. Branding goes beyond your name, tagline, and logo. Your brand is who your business is to the world.

What is your story? What makes you special? Differentiation is key for a dynamic brand. Your brand is your mission, vision, and story wrapped up in one unique package.

of “should” you engage in social media anymore, it’s “how.” A brand helps folks identify your business in your marketing sphere.

Business in the Future: Startup Plans to Extract

Gold from Asteroids

By Tuan C. Nguyen

R

ecent evidence suggests that, during earth’s humble beginnings, a violent hailstorm of asteroids supplied not only the ingredients neccesary for life, but also all the essential resources to sustain it.

In fact, it’s likely that all the gold, iron, platinum and wealth of other precious minerals essential for economic and technological prosperity came originally from the rain of asteroids that pelted the Earth shortly after the crust

cooled. The problem now, though, is that inital gift of rich natural resources is on track to be exhausted within 5060 years, according to a report in New Scientist (www.science.org.au/nova/ newscientist/027ns_005.htm).

One way to replenish the earth’s reserves, proposed by a team of distinguished scientists, is to simply go straight to the source. To accomplish this, Peter Diamandis, creator of the reknowned X-Prize Foundation, and

Eric Anderson Chairman of the Board of the Space Spaceflight Federation, have formed Planetary Resources, a venture to bring “the natural resources of space within humanity’s economic sphere of influence,” according to the company’s web site (www. planetaryresources.com).

The company is backed by a group of industry big wigs that include Filmmaker James Cameron, former Presidential Candidate Ross Perot

48  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

closer look.

• Once a target asteroid is identified, the spacecraft would be used to collect “volatiles” such as water, oxygen and nitrogen. These can be stored in depots, which can be thought of as supply stations for astronauts on lengthy missions in outer space. The price of a bottle of water may be about a dollar on earth, but costs as much as $20,000 per liter to get water into space.

• Mining for precious metals is where it gets really tricky. Scientists may decide to send a equipment to start mining on-site or to tow the rock to a more manageable location such as an orbit around the moon or directly back to earth.

• Making a profit from this experiment is the one aspect of this whole ambitious operation that still needs to be hashed out. But the founders believe that once they show how feasable the idea is, business possibilities will materialize. Just laying a foundation for such an industry is the foremost goal.

astronauts, it’s apparently very doable, according to Astronomer Phil Plait.

On his blog, Bad Astronomy, Plait laid out a four step plan based on specific details provided to him by Planetary Resources President and Chief Engineer Chris Lewicki.

Here’s a brief outline of how asteroid mining will work: • The first phase of the plan begins with the launching of a series of small space telescopes to scout potential near-earth asteroids. The first of these, the Arkyd 101, is already being built and is scheduled to hitch a ride aboard a rocket sometime near the end of 2013. Eventually, scientists hope to send the telescopes directly to prospective asteroids to gather samples and at the same time get a

www.smartplanet.com/blog/ thinking-tech/heres-how-astartup-plans-to-extract-gold-fromasteroids/11373?tag=nl.e660

49  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Business

and Google co-founder Larry Page.

Ultimately, it is their hope that in due time “water from asteroids will fuel the in-space economy, and rare metals will increase Earth’s GDP.” But just how much money being pumped into the economy are we talking about here? Well, for some perspective, Astronomer John S. Lewis (“Mining The Sky: Untold Riches From The Asteroids, Comets, And Planets”) postulated that a relatively small metallic asteroid with a diameter of one mile contained more than $20 trillion worth of industrial and precious metals.

While tapping into this treasure trove of valuable metals will involve more than just handing pick axes and a shovels to a bunch of space-bound

Some may argue that the whole notion of asteroid mining sends the wrong message regarding how we should go about managing our natural resources. Instead of looking to devour more, shouldn’t we be focusing on how best to make due with what we have and practice some restraint? In fact, there has recently been some promising research into ways we can even recycle such materials. For instance, Honda has plans to recycle rare earth metals from the batteries ofits used hybrid cars (see page 41).

Still, technological progress is moving at such a rapid pace that tapping into otherworldly sources may soon become more of an imperative than an option. Also, let’s not forget that any hope for advancing renewable energy technologies such as solar panels and wind trubines relies heavily on the availability of terbium, yttrium, dysprosium, europium and neodymium — all rare earth metals that are quickly being depleted. 

We are very excited to announce the collaboration between

Caltrans Construction

Money for You Can

MEAN

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

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

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

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

Small Business Development Center Hosted by El Camino College 13430 Hawthorne Blvd.

Hawthorne, CA 90250 310.973.3177 southbaysbdc.org

Artwear Handpainted Handbags • Skirts Tees • Accessories • Calendars Wall Hangings and More! http://gbabysworld.blogspot.com Gbabyartwear@hotmail.com or Gbabyart345@gmail.com Find Gbaby Products at the “Collective” http://www.atthecollective.com 280 Elizabeth Street, Atlanta, GA

Cultural Interiors West &

Cordially Invited

in the Pico Fairfax Area.

Cultural Interiors West 5573 West Pico Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90019 Check out our diggs inside a 1934 Bungalow.

Stop by and experience our exciting array of products from Cards to Cupcakes, African Masks to Asian Teacups.

Come taste and educate yourself about the benefits our new Healthy Herbal Teas.

See the new Gourd Purses by 3G Relative Art. Sample our new candle scents by Votivo and Voluspa.

Watch for the arrival of CI’s new furniture line.

Hope to see you soon!!!

In the meantime visit us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ pages/Cultural-InteriorsWest/140688362658236

50  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

New Business Opportunity - Do Not Miss:

Microsoft Finds a New Nook in E-Books

By John C Abell

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Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight hand, Nook sales — which include the readers, accessories and e-books — increased 38 percent to $542 million in the quarter.

Clearly it’s in the digital play that any real growth exists. That was the reason Barnes & Noble announced in January that it was exploring ways to somehow separate the Nook: The better to clear the field for a business with different needs — and prospects — than print and retail establishments.

“This is about requiring sustained investment in the Nook business to grow and expand internationally,” Forrester analyst Sarah Rotman Epps told Wired at the time (www.wired. com/epicenter/2012/01/bn-separatenook/all/1). “A separate Nook business may be able to attract new investment and partnerships and innovate more quickly.”

Apparently so. Now B&N not only has new cash on hand but a global distribution partner whose desktop software — unlike the Nook — is used in every corner of the world.

“Barnes & Noble is actively engaged in the formation of Newco, which will include Barnes & Noble’s digital and College businesses,” the statement says. “The company intends to explore all alternatives for how a strategic separation of Newco may occur. There

can be no assurance that the review will result in a strategic separation or the creation of a stand-alone public company, and there is no set timetable for this review. Barnes & Noble does not intend to comment further regarding the review unless and until a decision is made.”

So, What’s the Opportunity!! Become an E-Book Developer The Microsoft investment in the Nook signals that a market for new games, animated stories, e-learning, making knowledge acquisition fun and exciting, and new ideas is now open.

The programming language to use is Lua (www.lua.org). It is available for FREE along with software information at the website. You will need to purchase the books on Lua which are available through Amazon.com.

The platform for developing Nook apps (and other delivery platforms such as smartphones) is Corona SDK available at www.anscamobile.com.

Again, tutorials are available along with links to experts and sample videos.

Select your topic, plan your presentation and charge into the new economy (www.anscamobile.com/ corona/switch/e-book-developers).  www.wired.com/epicenter/2012/04/ microsoft-nook-investment

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Business

icrosoft announced recently that it is investing $300 million in the Nook, the Barnes & Noble e-reader that is the closest competitor to Amazon’s Kindle. The investment gives Microsoft a 17.6 percent stake in a new entity valued, based on the infusion, at $1.7 billion.

While they have yet to name the new company — it is referred to as Newco in the announcement — the new partners did announce that there will be a Nook app in Windows 8, Microsoft’s nextgeneration desktop OS expected to launch with a near-final version in June (www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/04/ windows-8-release-preview-coming-inearly-june). As part of the deal the two companies have also settled patent litigation.

Microsoft previously announced the end of Microsoft Reader.

“Obviously this is a ploy by two players who are behind the leaders in their respective markets to join forces in hopes they can balance out each other’s weaknesses,” Forrester analyst James said. “If they really push it — and it’s a big if because it’s really Microsoft that would have to push the Nook business into all of its other platforms, including the Xbox — this could be Microsoft’s attempt to compete with iTunes. But that will require an appstore as well, which is another important piece that they don’t have. But you have to start somewhere.”

Unlike Borders, Barnes & Noble has managed to jump across book publishing’s digital divide, created

by Amazon’s release of the firstgeneration Kindle not quite five years ago. But while the nation’s largest book retailer still operates several hundreds of stores — and earned $1.49 billion from them in its most recent quarter — that amount represents only a 2 percent year-over-year increase (and was likely helped considerably by the dissolution of Borders). On the other

HBCUs: The (re)Birthplace of Entrepreneurship

Business

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had the pleasure of attending (and serving on a panel) the recent White House HBCU Entrepreneurship Conference. A blue-ribbon panel of luminaries from academia and industry was on hand at the invitation of avid USBC-supporter Marie Johns, Deputy Administrator of the SBA. Enlightening. Encouraging. Affirming.

Each of these could describe the outcomes of the all-day session. It really had my ”Rattler” (FAMU)/Clark Atlanta University blood pumping!

The unanimous consensus of everyone in attendance? America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities must commit themselves to: develop the next generation of Black business leaders; be centers of excellence and thought leaders on entrepreneurship; jumpstart innovation in the communities they serve; and encourage and foster entrepreneurial activity among students before graduation!

As you might imagine, the discussions were wide-ranging, touching on globalization, technology, reengineering education models, access to capital, and the lingering impacts of discrimination on all of the above. There were reports of real-world successes

from most recent Bennett College President, Dr. Julianne Malveaux, and Johnson C. Smith University’s Ron Stodghill. Though not HBCUs, Silicon Valley’s Mission College (represented

by President Laurel Jones) and Dr. D.T. Ogilvie of Rutgers delivered highlights of real-world examples of the kind of innovation that HBCUs can emulate and monetize.

The stark harshness of the reality as presented by one panelist brought home just how critical it is that HBCUs embrace this latest challenge: the total revenues of all 2 million Blackowned businesses contribute less than 2% to America’s GDP! As incredible as that sounds, that figure represents growth in performance – and highlights just how much room to grow Black business owners have.

So, it’s pretty simple to me… the USBC is going to pitch in and do what we can to help. We’ll start by making sure several student business leaders are able to attend our upcoming School of Chamber Management this July 24-28 here in Washington, DC. Maybe they’ll learn something… maybe we’ll learn a thing or two from them.

We’ll also commit to encouraging closer cooperation between our

member chambers and the business departments of HBCUs located near them. I’m certain only good things can come from increased interaction between current and future business leaders.

There is no question that the rebirth of Black Entrepreneurship will take root and grow on the campuses of America’s Black colleges and universities.

Thousands of bright, talented young men and women focused on using their brains to change the economies of their communities and the world… What’s not to like about that?

And finally, I must acknowledge President Obama’s Administration. I have mentioned Deputy Administrator Marie Johns from SBA, Donald Cravins from the Senate Committee on Small Business and others, but the President gets it! Virtually every agency has embraced his insistence on inclusion. Maybe I’m just feeling good because I’m the product of two HBCUs, but to have the White House in the fight with us… that’s really a good thing!

52  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

In the spirit of success, Ron Busby, President U.S. Black Chamber, Inc. posted by Kirk Tanter

The Changing Definition of “Small Businesses”

by Kim Anthony

Kim Anthony The JOBS Act lets private companies have up to 2,000 investors before they must register with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The previous limit restricted companies to having just 500 investors before they had to go public.

As well, the JOBS Act establishes a new designation of “emerging growth companies.” Companies so categorized would not have to comply with regulations regarding large publicly traded companies for up to five years after their first public offering. If its gross revenue were under $1 billion, for example, a company would not have to reveal its executives’ salaries.

Former SEC Commissioner Joseph Grundfest, who also teaches law at Sanford University, told The Wall Street Journal that raising the shareholder limit could help companies stay private when they would other have to go public before they are ready.

Federal dollars and contracts are also at stake in the changing definition of small businesses.

The SBA’s size standards determine which companies may compete for government contracts reserved by federal agencies for small businesses.

Federal agencies are supposed to give preference to small businesses in 23 percent of the contracts that they award.

Small business owners who previously completed millions of dollars of work for the federal government told the Washington Post that they could soon be fighting against companies twice their size and that competition could knock them out of the running for future contracts. 

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ens of thousands of mediumsized businesses have suddenly become small, thanks to regulatory changes, and that means increased competition for federal government contracts reserved for small businesses.

Congress, the Small Business Administration and banks have all recently expanded their definitions of what constitutes a small business.

The SBA has revised its definition of a small business in 130 industries over the past year, shifting some 27,400 businesses from the “other than small” column to the small business column.

In many industries, the definition of a small business had remained the same since the 1980s, unadjusted for inflation.

Among the most notable changes, the SBA lifted the revenue limit for small architectural firms from $4.5 million to $7 million. The SBA definition of a small engineering firm leapt from $4.5 million

in sales to $14 million. SBA backed government loans more than doubled from $2 million to $5 million.

The SBA has proposed similar changes in other industries including real estate, information and waste management.

Banks have also changed which clients they treat as small businesses.

In October, Charlottebased Bank of America established a single group of consumer banking clients from across the globe that it considers to be small businesses. These clients range from tiny, newly founded companies to established businesses bringing in up to $5 million in revenue annually.

Bank of America representatives said the move is just an administrative change that will not affect its small business lending data. In 2011, Bank of America gave loans totaling $6.4 billion to small businesses, as defined as commercial clients earning under $20 million in revenue annually. That loan total represented a 20 percent increase from 2010.

The definition of a small business is not simply an academic matter. Being counted as a small business can increase its access to capital and allow a company to fly under the radar in regards to certain federal regulations.

Changes to the definition of small businesses are being spurred by the JOBS Act, which Congress passed in March and President Barack Obama is expected to sign in early April. The bill aims to ease the way for investors to put capital into start-up companies, which can then grow and hire new workers more quickly.

54  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Kobbler King Eyes Going National A

a call to bring his product. Today he stocks his cobblers in 30 Albertsons.

But McMillan admits he has come a long way from those early days and credits much of what he has learned about selling to grocery stores to the Albertsons Rodeo Road store manager and a restaurateur he delivered to— Janet’s Jerk Chicken.

Among the information he learned about was bar codes, insurance, negotiating a contract and payment terms.

The owner of the Kobbler King also learned something else.

One product is not enough, when you’re doing business wholesale.

He has subsequently expanded his cobbler line to include flavors such as sweet potato, pumpkin, peach, apple, blackberry and raspberry.

He also makes chicken, seafood, veggie and steak pies that he is looking to get into the frozen food section of stores.

“With the chicken cobbler, I’m looking for it to take the place of the traditional pot pie, but it’s more like a gourmet dish,” explains the Los Angeles entrepreneur, who is working on getting Walmart and Ralphs to carry his line locally, then he wants to go nationally.

McMillan is well aware of all the competition in the marketplace and says what sets his pies apart are the quality ingredients he uses, especially the butter.

Connections are the other ingredient the Kobbler King owner says will help him reach the goal of going national.

“I’m trying to get on “Shark Tank”, because I need connections. I can get investors, but I need more than

just money. I need connections to distribution and manufacturing who can help me get this stuff nationwide.”

“Shark Tank” is a weekly television show where entrepreneurs pitch their companies to venture capital investors.

“I would be willing to have a smaller percent of the company to get this product nationwide. But it has to be the right person who has the know-how to help my business. I can’t do it all myself.” 

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Business

t age nine, Brian McMillan did something very few of his contemporaries probably would even consider—he cooked a Thanksgiving dinner.

“I started cooking at 7, because I just wanted to do it,” remembers McMillan, who would spend a lot of the time he visited his grandmother in Cleveland baking pies.

His love of cooking and baking would come in very handy, after he lost his banking job in the early 1990s.

McMillan took the pies he had perfected and started baking them in his home to sell at his church--West Angeles Church of God in Christ.

He did that for about a year and then was able to snag his first restaurant account, by hanging out in a parking lot.

“I did my shopping at Smart and Final. They used to have these parking lot sales, and I said I want to go to this,” explained McMillan.

He did, and eventually was able to talk to restaurant owners, who agreed to serve his pies and cobblers in their locations. He was also able to sell to some Smart and Final locations.

Those actions enabled McMillan to change the direction of his business, the Kobbler King, from retail to wholesale.

Then the Cincinnati native began to think even bigger.

“I went into Albertsons (on La Brea and Rodeo) one day and talked to the manager. I asked what I needed to do to get my products into Albertsons.

That was 13 years ago,” recalls the entrepreneur who added that the initial process took so long (six months) he had just about given up. Then he got

Honor our Mothers with Flowers!

Technology:

Take a Look!

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

https://neighborland.com Neighborland is a new way to make your neighborhood better. Share your

Lumosity is a system of games and exercises that help you to improve brain health and performance. Benefits of exercising your brain regularly include improving memory, extending your attention span, enhancing your creativity. Access to the Lumosity is via the Internet and available to you wherever you are for the 10 to 15 minutes of participation.

Once registered you set your goals and a training program will be personalized for you. There is a fee for participating in the program and you may give the gift of membership to friends and family. So consider playing games for selfimprovement rather than killing aliens

http://snapguide.com

www.lumosity.com

Be Honest: When sharing a guide be sure to give others any credit they’re due. The guide summary is a great place to give someone else the props they deserve. If you spot content that is not properly attributed, leave the author a comment so they can update their guide.

Be Helpful: When publishing a guide ask yourself, would anyone else find this interesting and/or helpful?

Report Objectionable Content: We do not allow nudity or hateful content.

If you find content that you think violates our Terms of Service please report it.

https://groupme.com

GroupMe lets you effortlessly group text with the people in your life that are important to you. It’s your real-life network, in your pocket. Send and receive messages using your data connection. When you have a poor connection, the app can switch you to SMS so you’ll never miss a message.

Share photos within any conversation. It’s totally free and works on every phone.  Submitted by LaSandra Stratton, Chief Content Administrator of the Black Business News.

57  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Business

ideas, support your neighbors’ insights, and connect with people who share your issues. No issue is too big or too small to bring up on Neighborland. If it matters to you, then it matters. We are building a platform to fundamentally change the relationship between people and their cities by simplifying collaboration, participation, and engagement. If you’d like to partner with us on the launch of Neighborland in your city, or are interested in joining our team, visit the website for details.

Our job is to empower residents and connect them with the resources they need to make their ideas happen.

Snapguide is a free iOS app and web service for those that want to create and share step-by-step “how to guides.” The service provides easy to understand instructions for a wide array of topics including cooking, gardening, crafts, repairs, do-it-yourself projects, fashion tips, entertaining and more.

Users are invited to create their own guides using the iPhone app. Snap pictures and videos of your project, add captions, and share your guide with the Snapguide community.

• Capture photos and videos that describe your project using your iPhone.

• Publish your guide and view it on the web, tablets and phones.

• Share your guide with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and more.

Snapguide suggests that users follow these guidelines to maintain a positive environment for the sharing community: Be Yourself: Don’t be afraid to show what you know, even if you don’t necessarily consider yourself an authority.

Be Nice: Snapguide is a community of people. Please be respectful in your comments and guides. Remember, there are lots of ways to skin a cat.

Skip Cooper Joins CaHSRA Advisory Council

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arl “Skip” Cooper, II, Executive Director of the Black Business Association, headquartered in Los Angeles, California, is now a member of the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CaHSRA) Business Advisory Council.

The CaHSRA is committed to ensuring that Small Businesses (SBs), inclusive of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBEs) and Micro-Businesses are afforded every

opportunity to participate in the contracting opportunities of the highspeed rail project.

Inspired by successful high-speed train systems worldwide, California’s electrically-powered high-speed trains will help the state meet evergrowing demands on its transportation infrastructure. Initially running from San Francisco to Los Angeles/Anaheim via the Central Valley, and later to Sacramento and San Diego, highspeed trains will travel between LA

and San Francisco in under 2 hours and 40 minutes, at speeds of up to 220 mph, and will interconnect with other transportation alternatives, providing an environmentally friendly option to traveling by plane or car.

Information about the CaHSRA’s Small and Disadvantaged Business Program is available at http://www. cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/sb-resources. aspx.  www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov

Make Money off Your EV Charging Station

New Business Idea:

Private Owners & Businesses with Public Parking Spaces May Benefit

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uying an electric vehicle can be a costly proposition. Aside from the car itself, many EV owners also purchase stations to charge their vehicles from home. It may seem like a lot of investment for a charger that gets used once a day.

But thanks to new software, owners of charging stations may be able to make some money on the side. WattStation Connect is an internet-based software that enables charging station owners to run their stations like a business, setting hours and rates using their computer or smartphone. The software is compatible with internet-connected GE WattStation chargers.

The difference between WattStation

Connect and existing apps like PlugShare and Recargo - which already let

p e o p l e publicize a free electrical outlet - is that it allows charging station owners to

manage their stations like a business.

The software uses PayPal to collect payments, and station owners can view reports tracking how much the stations have made.

The software could provide financial incentives not only to private vehicle owners considering investing in charging stations, but also to businesses with public parking spaces, who may consider expanding their EV charging infrastructure.  www.smartplanet.com/blog/ transportation/make-money-off-yourev-charging-station/1620?tag=nl.e660

59  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Photo: GE Reports

Business

By Channtal Fleischfresser

Count Me In’s Urban Rebound Program is Coming to a City Near You! Count Me In, with support from the Sam’s Club Giving Program, is pleased to present the Count Me In Urban Rebound Program, coming to Los Angeles, CA (Spring), Detroit, MI (Summer) and Charlotte, NC (Fall) 2012.

Urban Rebound is an exciting initiative for ready to grow their businesses to $250,000 or more in annual revenues. In the coming weeks, we’ll be announcing pitch parties, webinars and, of course, a fabulous pitch competition for women with businesses based in these areas.

We’ll be looking for 100 women from each city to participate in our Business Accelerator Program so don’t miss out on your chance to be a part of this exciting opportunity!

Sign up for Count Me In’s Urban Rebound Program event alerts and updates at: http://makemineamillion.org/webform/Upcoming-Events

Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence, Inc. is a leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women grow their micro business into million dollar enterprises.

Business

women entrepreneurs

The AMAC Airport Business Diversity Matchmaker Held on 6/10/2012 at America’s Center Convention Complex The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) invites all conference registrants to participate in 2012 AMAC Business Diversity Matchmaker being held June 10th at America’s Center Convention Complex in St. Louis, Missouri. The AMAC Business Diversity Matchmaker will afford major organizations (corporate, airport, concessionaires, franchisors) and small businesses (A/E/C, consulting, professional services, concessions, and franchisees) the opportunity to meet and establish meaningful relationships. Organizational representatives will be scheduled to meet with small businesses that have been pre-screened to meet specific requirements.

During this Matchmaker, participants will have the opportunity to meet with organizational representatives and procurement decision makers from many airport, aviation-related and franchise organizations in private one on one meetings.

The Business Diversity Matchmaker will feature the following categories: Architecture, Aviation Services, Concessions: Food and Beverage Franchisor / Franchisee opportunity Products Services Retail Brand Opportunities Products Services Construction-General Contractors, Construction Services: Equipment Carpenters Excavating/Grading Painter Electricians Engineering, Environmental Services IT, Logistics/ Distribution, Medical: Services Supplies

Office: Services Supplies Professional Services: Carpet Cleaning Maintenance Heating/Ventilation Landscaping Security Consulting Exterminating Janitorial Waste Management Legal Services Insurance Finance Real Estate Marketing Telecommunications, Transportation, Other:

All diverse companies are welcome to participate whether or not you currently have certification. However, you must be a conference registrant to participate. Dress for all business and social functions is business casual. If you are a supplier of services in any of the categories listed above and would like to participate in this event, please click on the link below to get started. We look forward to meeting you in St. Louis.

How Do I Sign Up? Click on the link below to register for the AMAC Airport Business Diversity Matchmaker. www.AMAC.MarketGate.com Have Questions?

Please contact Johanne Castagan by phone at (440) 528-0422.

Dress for all business and social functions is business casual.

For more information on the 2012 AMAC/FAA Airport Business Diversity Conference visit: www.cvent.com/events/attendee-registration/event-summary-e2436a22d89543efbb52caec8c41414c.aspx

64  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Rooibos Tea House

African Red Tea Imports

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

www.africanredtea.com Nira Levy Maslin, CEO

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

and

Comedy Night Join the Fun! Share the Laughs!

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.)

Gathers Strategies Engaged by the Province of Ontario to Provide Strategic Business Development Services

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these four strategically important industries,” noted Dwayne Gathers, CEO of Gathers Strategies. “Our team has worked hard in support of agencies within the Province in developing relationships with California companies. We look forward to the added scope of connecting major drivers of the California and Ontario economies in significant ways.”

This engagement allows Gathers to work directly with the government of Canada’s most economically vibrant and important province – Ontario provides 40% of the economic activity in Canada – to establish and deepen mutually beneficial relationships leading to increased economic activity in multiple industries with California, the world’s 8th largest economy overall.

For the past three years, Gathers Strategies has successfully developed business outreach strategies and executed West Coast business development trips for Ontario economic development a g e n c i e s and business organizations in the Greater Toronto Area, the Ottawa, Waterloo and Niagara regions, and the city of London seeking to build relationships with California’s life sciences, information t e c h n o l o g y, entertainment, media, and digital arts communities to support investment,

expansion and strategic partnerships.

These trips, including managing client engagement and participation at leading conferences such as the annual Game Developers Conference in San Francisco and Siggraph in Vancouver, BC, are resulting in deeper relationships with firms who value Ontario’s strong creative workforce, financial incentives and forward-looking policies to grow its digital media community.

Gathers Strategies, Inc. is a Los Angeles-based consulting practice with expertise in business and economic development, public affairs and government relations, and international trade and investment. Representing and advising clients that seek to develop strategic collaboration, investment and trade with California firms, and those that seek to elevate their profile and awareness amongst California’s diverse business communities, Gathers Strategies offers a unique blend of global expertise, Washington public policy knowledge and deep California relationships.

For more information, please contact dgathers@gathersstrategies.com, call (213) 236-3554, or visit www. gathersstrategies.com.  •••

Dwayne A. Gathers Gathers Strategies, Inc. 515 South Flower Street, 36th Floor Los Angeles, California 90071 USA Office: 213-236-3554 Fax: 213-236-3501 Cell: 310-272-6721 Web: www.gathersstrategies.com Skype: dwayne.gathers Twitter: @gathersstrat

67  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Business

athers Strategies, Inc. is pleased to announce it has been engaged by the Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation for the Province of Ontario, Canada to provide focused outreach and marketing services in support of lead generation, industryspecific business development, and strategic relationship-building goals of the Province. With this engagement, Gathers will focus on identifying and facilitating investment attraction opportunities in advanced manufacturing, information and communications technologies, interactive digital media, and life sciences, throughout Southern California including Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego Counties.

“We are pleased to have been selected by the Province Ontario to accelerate its business development cycle and enhance relationships in

Leroy Walker, 1st Black USOC Chairman, Dies

shepherding the Atlanta Games. He also coached the U.S. track team in 1976, which brought home 22 medals, including gold in the long jump, discus, decathlon, 400-meter hurdles and both men’s relays.

Walker spent more than 40 years at North Carolina Central University, first as track coach, then later as chancellor of the school.

Current U.S. Olympic Committee Chairman Scott Blackmun says Walker’s impact on the U.S. Olympic movement and track and field will be felt for generations to come.  http://msn.foxsports.com/olympics/ story/LeRoy-Walker-USOCs-firstblack-chairman-dies-042312

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Community/Public Interest

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eRoy Walker, the first AfricanAmerican to head the U.S. Olympic Committee and coach an American Olympic track and field team, has died. He was 93.

Scarborough & Hargett Funeral home says Walker died Monday in Durham. No cause of death was given.

Walker led the U.S. Olympic Committee from 1992 to 96,

Willie Middlebrook, Photographer Documented African American Life August 11, 1957-March 12, 2012

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probably wouldn’t know what to do with them. And I know a lot of black folk like me. These are the kinds of images that need to be seen.”

His eye was drawn to black life in varied manifestations, including tender compositions of a grandmother and child and grittier images of police helicopters over Watts and live chickens waiting for slaughter on 103rd Street.

Middlebrook was “one of the most important contemporary photographers working today, even though he has not had the recognition,” said Kent Kirkton, director of the Institute for Arts and Media at Cal State Northridge, which featured some of Middlebrook’s early photographs in a show held in conjunction with the region-wide exhibition Pacific Standard Time.

His work has been featured in more than 200 solo and group shows and collected by major museums, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Art Institute of Chicago.

“What he has done so successfully that many others have not done is he has bridged the gap between … fineart photography and documentary photography,” Kirkton said. “What makes it so important is he never lost his commitment to his community and who he is. His contemporary work makes powerful statements about the life of African American people.”

Born in Detroit on Aug. 11, 1957, Middlebrook moved to Los Angeles with his family when he was 3. Encouraged by his parents to express himself as an artist, he studied at Compton College, Art Center College of Design and the Communicative Arts Academy founded by assemblage artist John Outterbridge.

Middlebrook helped set up the academy’s darkroom and “he never

came out. It was so fulfilling for him,” Outterbridge said. “He was one of the most gifted and knowledgeable photographers in the country. His presentations photographically were larger than life, not only because of the uniqueness of the compositions but his way of thinking about the world and his very innovative process. He did largescale things.”

Middlebrook worked as an administrator at a number of local arts organizations, including the Los Angeles Photography Center, the Children’s Gallery at Barnsdall Park in Hollywood and the Watts Towers Art Center.

He frequently focused his lens on his family and friends, suggesting his deep personal bonds with loved ones and their shared ethnic heritage.

At the center of one of the mosaic panels at the Expo/Crenshaw station is the face of his granddaughter, Kerri Powell, caught in a fierce moment, her eyes squeezed shut and her mouth open in a scream or cry. A calm third eye gazes out from her cheek. “He used to say, ‘It’s all in the eye.’ He was very fascinated with the uniqueness of our eyes,” Jessica Middlebrook said.

His survivors include three brothers, five children and seven grandchildren.  http://articles.latimes.com/2012/ may/11/local/la-me-williemiddlebrook-20120511

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Community/Public Interest

illie Robert Middlebrook, a photographer who sought to enlarge public perceptions of the African American community through painterly depictions of its people and places, died March 12, 2012 at Brotman Medical Center in Culver City. He was 54.

The cause was complications of a stroke suffered last month, said his daughter, Jessica Middlebrook.

Middlebrook’s death came just a week after the unveiling at the new Expo/Crenshaw Metro station (www.metro.net/about/art/locations/ expocrenshaw-station) of one of his largest public installations, a series of 24 mosaic panels based on his photographs. He was known for what he called photographic paintings, wellcomposed photos that he made more evocative by brushing the negatives with developing fluid, a method later replaced by digital enhancement.

The result was portraits full of urban energy, with faces peering “from beneath surfaces that suggest erosion, graffiti, peeling billboards and, ultimately, a symbolic struggle for identity,” the Chicago Tribune wrote in 1995.

Middlebrook often used self-portraits to explore conflicting ideas about identity, a theme that he could not escape as a heavy-set, 6-foot-tall black man who wore his hair in dreadlocks and turned heads whenever he entered a room.

“I’m a black man in America — a large, dark, black man with dreads — and I’ve never robbed, beaten or stolen,” Middlebrook, twice awarded fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, told The Times several years ago. “I’ve never been to jail, and if you put drugs in front of me I

City of Los Angeles Business Inclusion Program The City of Los Angeles is striving to increase the participation of small, emerging, veteran, women and minority-owned businesses in City contracts.

All City departments utilize the City’s electronic marketplace, Los Angeles Business Assistance Virtual Network (www.labavn.org), to post all opportunities subject to advertising.

We encourage business owners to register on www.labavn.org to receive notifications of contracting opportunities as well as updates on implementing the program.

Visit www.losangelesworks.org for additional information regarding doing business in and with the City of Los Angeles.

Mayor’s Office of Economic & Business Policy

Editorial:

What Congress Doesn’t Understand About Net Neutrality and Online Video

By Mari Silbey

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to optimize last-mile delivery and take caps off the table for their services too. In that case, costs would go up for programmers, but they couldn’t complain about unfair advantage with consumers.

Or maybe Congress should create a big fat dividing line between Internet and TV service, and limit the amount of capacity ISPs can dedicate to TV service delivered over a managed IP network. That would theoretically leave more bandwidth for the rest of the Internet, and therefore create less pressure to cap usage and discourage other Internet video services.

But guess what. Even that discussion doesn’t take us to the end of the debate.

Don’t forget that you also have to figure in video retransmission rights, and what guidelines should be put around channel bundles. Not to mention the issue of broadband availability.

There are still rural areas where highspeed Internet isn’t even an option for consumers. And what about wireless connectivity?

Like I said, online video attaches to some seriously gnarly issues. Is it good that Congress is trying to understand the landscape better? Absolutely. Do all of our lawmakers have a firm grasp on the topic today? I don’t think we’ve even settled the net neutrality question.

And that’s only one part of the online video debate. ” en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_neutrality www.smartplanet.com/blog/thinking-tech/ what-congress-doesnt-understandabout-net-neutrality-and-onlinevideo/11366?tag=nl.e660

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Community/Public Interest

ongress wants to understand the impact of online video on the television market, which is why the Senate Commerce Committee recently held a hearing on the subject. Unfortunately, online video is a complicated topic. It’s tied to other gnarly issues including video retransmission rights, broadband availability, and that biggest of all bugaboos, net neutrality.

For example, during the hearing, Senator John Kerry asked how critical net neutrality is to the video market.

Media mogul Barry Diller – now a major investor in online video start-up Aereo – responded that its importance is at parity with the need for a national broadband policy that improves our country’s world broadband ranking to number one or number two. Diller’s response was a good one, but it still failed to address how we define net neutrality in the first place.

In theory, net neutrality simply means that all traffic sent over the Internet gets treated equally. However, the Internet isn’t one big monolith. There are big differences depending on whether you’re talking about last-mile Internet access, or the infrastructure that makes up the middle part of the Internet’s byways. Also, you have to differentiate

b e t w e e n managed Internet Protocol (IP) networks, and the free and clear Internet, which also uses IP. And here’s where things get sticky.

Internet service providers like Comcast and Verizon are now setting aside some bandwidth to create their own managed networks in the last mile.

And within those managed networks, caps on consumer data usage don’t apply. Internet video providers complain that lack of data caps mean ISPs are creating preferential status for their own online video services, thereby violating the principal of net neutrality. But on the other hand, the ISPs were the ones to invest in that underlying last-mile infrastructure originally. If some of it is used for the ISP’s own video services – which consumers choose to pay for – is that wrong?

All of this takes us full circle back to online video’s role in the television market. To level the playing field, should content providers have the ability to lease capacity from ISPs in order to manage their own video delivery? In that case, the programmers would be in charge of managing congestion and deciding whether to impose their own data caps. But that seems a bit impractical. For one thing, not all programmers want to be in the business of video delivery.

Or maybe programmers should just pay ISPs a certain amount of money

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74  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Operation HOPE’s Youth Initiatives Highlighted at White House Summit on Financial Capability Operation HOPE Founder John Bryant Participates in Role as Chair of the Subcommittee on the Underserved and Community Empowerment for the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability

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and making it easier for businesses to create and maintain American jobs.

The White House announced two HOPE programs instituted to e m p o w e r American youth: • D e n v e r P u b l i c Schools and Operation HOPE: Denver Public Schools is launching a new effort to increase student financial literacy in Far Northeast Denver to connect more than 1,500 low and moderate-income middle and high school students with business executives from across the city. Students will learn the ins and outs of running a small business through these mentorships, and then will get their chance to start their own operation. Student businesses will then be tracked by Gallup using the Gallup-HOPE Index throughout the year to determine how successful their individual projects are. The goal is to teach students how to create financial goals, set budgets and then work within their means as they try to accomplish their goals in a projectbased environment.

• Oakland Unified School District and Operation HOPE: Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) is expanding their partnership to deliver “Banking on Our Future” financial literacy education to every 4th – 12th grade student, approximately 14,000 students, in the Oakland Public Schools. This project will launch

For a complete list of financial empowerment programs announced by the White House during the summit, visit: www.whitehouse.gov/the-presso ff i c e / 2 0 1 2 / 0 5 / 1 0 / c o m m i t m e n t s promote-financial-empowermentacross-country.

The President’s Advisory Council

on Financial Capability is leading a nationwide effort to promote local Councils to spearhead financial capability initiatives nationwide.

Operation HOPE A global nonprofit, dedicated to financial dignity, Operation HOPE promotes self-respect and selfsufficiency through financial literacy and education tools to underserved communities in more than 273 cities worldwide. Through its four core portfolios, the organization has provided youth and adult financial literacy, economic preparedness, digital empowerment, promoted home ownership, and assisted with foreclosure prevention to more than 2 million individuals. This year, HOPE celebrates 20 years of making the free market system work for lowincome communities in a Silver Rights Movement meant to help make free enterprise and capitalism work for the poor and undeserved.  http://blog.operationhope.org/2012/05/ operation-hope-shares-youthinitiatives-at-white-house-summit-onfinancial-capability

75  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Community/Public Interest

he White House recently hosted a special Summit on Financial Capability and Empowerment to share measures for empowering students nationwide. Operation HOPE Founder, Chairman and CEO John Hope Bryant was on hand at the summit to share HOPE initiatives around empowering low-to-moderate American youth and adults.

“This summit drew attention to the importance of financial empowerment for all Americans, with particular focus on youth,” Bryant, announced from the White House Summit. “I commend the Obama Administration and John Rogers and Amy Rosen, who chair the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability, for demonstrating the leadership to shine a light on the important issues that the summit will address.”

“Few things could be more important than assuring that our nation’s youth are prepared, engaged and up to the task of keeping America’s competitive edge,” Bryant continued. “In answer to the White House Summer Jobs + Initiative and beyond, Operation HOPE has cultivated programs that will give students the ability to learn through on the job training, an opportunity to be their own boss, as well as an index to track measureable outcomes.”

Operation HOPE responded to the President’s challenge employee youth, creating programs in cities nationwide that go beyond summer jobs, but also is part of the strategy for spurring job growth in industries of the future, educating and cultivating a work force,

the Gallup HOPE Index and the HOPE Business-in-a-Box initiative.

The project will consist of small businesses and entrepreneurial endeavors run by students which are easy to start, fund and operate and tailored for the interests and capabilities of Oakland youth. The Gallup HOPE Index will measure each student’s level of hope, wellbeing, engagement, financial literacy, and economic energy.

Five Easy, Family Friendly Recipes, from the White House to Your House...

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irst Lady Michelle Obama threw a big South Lawn party 2011 to celebrate the success of the HealthierUS School Challenge.

All 1,000 guests were given a lovely little book containing five recipes created by the White House chefs. It is now available to the public in digital format, which is a first for the Let’s

Move! campaign and the White House.

Included are recipes for Cauliflower Mac and Cheese; Broccoli Soup; Grilled Chicken Salad with greens; Warm Baked Apples with Dried Cherries, Raisins, and Blueberries; and Fruit and Oat Snack Bars. DOWNLOAD the book here - www.letsmove.gov/ sites/letsmove.gov/files/Healthier_ Schools.pdf.

Each recipe is family friendly, low-fat and healthy, of course.

White House Executive Pastry Chef Bill Yosses and Assistant Pastry Chef

Susie Morrison demonstrated the Fruit and Oat Snack bars during Mrs. Obama’s party on Monday, to much enthusiasm from the crowd.  http://obamafoodorama.blogspot. com/2011/10/download-your-ownwhite-house-cookbook.html

First Lady Michelle Obama’s Forthcoming Book to be Released in May 2012 obamafoodorama

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White House Kitchen Garden Inspires Families, Schools and Communities.”

In her first outing as an author, Mrs. Obama will describe how daughters Malia, now 13, and Sasha, now 10, “were the catalysts for change for their family’s eating behavior which inspired her national initiative to address childhood obesity and resulted in the idea to plant a vegetable garden on the South Lawn,” according to Crown.

“This book is going to be beautiful and amazing,” Senior Policy Advisor for Healthy Food Initiatives Sam Kass said recently. “Full of recipes, and how-to tips about how to plant a garden, how to plant a children’s garden, how to do it on your windowsill, how to do it on your back porch...in your a backyard... in a school.”

“It’s going to be a great tool but also a great visual and a great story.”

First Lady will Donate Proceeds to Unnamed Charities Mrs. Obama “accepted no advance for the book and will donate all net or after-tax author proceeds to a charity or charities to be named later,” Crown said when first announcing the project in March of 2011. “Random House, Inc. will also make a donation to an appropriate charity to be named later.”

The names of the First Lady’s “charity or charities” have not yet been announced, and Mrs. Obama’s Press Secretary, Hannah August, told Obama Foodorama that there is not yet a date when this information will be revealed. She also said she could not specify details about whether or not Mrs. Obama will go on an author tour to promote the book this summer.  http://obamafoodorama.blogspot.com

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Community/Public Interest

irst Lady Michelle Obama’s forthcoming book American Grown, about her signature project, the White House Kitchen Garden, will be released on May 29th.

Originally scheduled to be released on April 10th, 2012, in January of this year Crown Publishing Group, a division of Random House, changed the publication date, citing production delays, and announced a change for the book’s subtitle, too.

“We want to make sure it is as beautiful as possible,” said Crown spokesman Tammy Blake about the new publication date.

The 256-page hardcover edition will sell for $30 in the US market, and Blake said an enhanced e-book edition will also be released on May 29. Archival photos of the First Lady and visitors to the Kitchen Garden being used for the book were still being gathered by the book’s art director in mid-February, though photos taken exclusively for the project by lensman Quentin Bacon were shot throughout Kitchen garden harvest and planting events in 2011.

Bacon photographed Mrs. Obama for the book jacket last May. The book’s subtitle is now “The Story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America,” changed from the original “How the

Registration and Education for voting, you can have the effect on our country that proponents of these these laws are seeking to prevent.

Registering to vote takes only 5 minutes. Head to the This is My Vote site, fill out your application, and mail it in today:

http://action.naacp.org/ voter-registration

Community/Public Interest

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hose three words are the mantra of This is My Vote. They represent the most effective way to fight back against voter suppression and to make your voice heard in November.

Over and over again we see the impact lawmakers can have on our lives.

By registering to cast your ballot and educating yourself on the requirements

I know you’ve heard it before but I will keep on saying it: There is strength in numbers. We proved this in Sanford, Florida, and I’ve seen it proven all over the United States in the 100+ campaigns I’ve worked on.

I know what can be achieved if our nationwide effort to register voters is successful: Elections will be swung, civil rights and social justice will

take their rightful place on the policy agenda, and voter suppression laws will be rendered useless.

Don’t overestimate the time it takes to register to vote. It only takes 5 minutes, the same amount of time it takes to send our registration link to your family and friends if you’re already registered.

Together, we can have a monumental impact.

Register to vote, or send our link to your family and friends: http://action.naacp.org/voterregistration Thank you, Marvin Randolph Senior Vice President for Campaigns NAACP www.naacp.org 

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/Grow a Business to Generate Wealth & Jobs 

Buy Black  Save Black  Invest Black 78  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

HOPE 20th Anniversary Bus Tour Explores Los Angeles from Chaos to Community “The Banking on Our Future’s curriculum has educated over 600,000 people already,” said Quincy Jones, as he presented the curriculum to the first two schools to receive it–Quincy Jones Elementary and Synergy Charter Academy. ”It’s our goal that this inaugural issue will further empower youth with financial literacy; that’s our best weapon to ensure that young people in our underserved communities have their shot at the American Dream.”

Jones becomes the first celebrity in what will be a series of specialized curriculum to have his life’s story woven into HOPE financial literacy curriculum.

(Left to right) Steve Venz, Principal, Quincy Jones Elementary; John “Hope” Bryant, Founder and Chairman, Operation Hope; Quincy Jones, Meg Palisoc, Co-Founder Synergy; Tyrese Gibson, Actor, Musician & Philanthropist, and Rod McGrew, Global Chief, Marketing and Branding Operation Hope.

The HOPE Opportunity Bus Tour traveled through the neighborhoods that were ravaged during the 1992 civil unrest in Los Angeles, highlighting the transformations and successes that Operation HOPE, and other community heroes and sheroes have achieved working together, over the last two decades.

The tour, which ultimately sought to tell the story of grassroots community success, also coincided with the 20th anniversary of Operation HOPE, which was founded in the aftermath of the Rodney King verdict in 1992 with the goal of making financial dignity relevant to all people through a movement for “silver rights.”

Along the tour, participants stopped at Quincy Jones Elementary School where Operation HOPE Founder John Hope Bryant joined Music Legend Quincy Jones, Actor/Singer Tyrese, LA Mayor Antonio Villeragosa, Civil Rights icon Andrew Young, and former Rebuild LA Chairman Peter Uberroth to unveil the new “Quincy Jones Celebrity Edition” of the Banking on Our Future Financial Literacy curriculum.

For the last 20 years, HOPE has been cultivating financial literacy tools to empower underserved communities, and this new edition adds the mentorship of Quincy Jones, as a foundation through which students can learn how financial issues translate to real world experiences.

Based on his personal experiences with money management, the lessons will inspire and empower students to control their own financial futures, giving them a deeper understanding of the language of money.

The HOPE Opportunity Bus Tour was the first of several events that HOPE is facilitating this year to mark 20 years of progress and to help develop an agenda for the promising future.

About John Hope Bryant A Young Global Leader for the World Economic Forum, an Oprah's Angel Network award recipient, a TIME Magazine 50 (Leaders) for the Future (94'), John Hope Bryant is an entrepreneur, the founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Operation HOPE, the Inc. Magazine/CEO READ bestselling author of LOVE LEADERSHIP: The New Way to Lead in a Fear-Based World (Jossey-Bass), advisor to the last three sitting U.S. presidents, a thought leader, public speaker, and an innovator in the business of empowerment.

Mr. Bryant serves U.S. President Barack Obama on the President's Advisory Council on Financial Capability, and prior to that Mr. Bryant served U.S. President George W. Bush as vice chairman of the U.S. President's Advisory Council on Financial Literacy, and chairman of the council's Committee on the Under-Served. http://20years.operationhope.org

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Community/Public Interest

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peration HOPE marked the 20th anniversary of the 1992 Los Angeles Civil Unrest by leading a convoy of investors, community leaders, entrepreneurs and government officials on a bus tour through South Los Angeles.

The Bus Tour concluded with a unique listen and action session of President Obama’s Advisory Council on Jobs & Competitiveness and its members at the Cathedral of the West Angeles Church of God in Christ in South Los Angeles. Photos and videos from the council session coming soon.

Malawi Under Woman Rule

By Mabvuto Banda

International

Hon. Joyce Banda, President, Republic of Malawi

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ALAWIAN Vice-President Joyce Banda took over the running of the southern African nation after the death of President Bingu wa Mutharika, and fears of a succession struggle receded as state institutions backed the constitutional handover.

Banda, 61, who will be southern Africa’s first female head of state, appeared at a news conference in the capital Lilongwe to declare 10 days of official mourning for Mutharika, who had ruled for eight years.

She ordered national flags to be flown at half-mast and the state broadcaster to play sombre music.

“I call upon all Malawians to remain calm and to keep the peace during this time of bereavement,” Banda said, flanked by members of the Cabinet, the Attorney General and the heads of the Army and the Police.

Asked by a reporter whether she was assuming the presidency, Banda, a women’s rights activist, replied: “As you can see, the constitution prevails”.

The constitution stipulates that

the vice-president takes over if the president dies, but Mutharika appeared to have been grooming his brother Peter, the foreign minister, as his de facto successor.

Banda is expected to run the country until scheduled elections take place in 2014.

The presidency and cabinet issued a statement assuring citizens and the international community “that the constitution of the Republic of Malawi will be strictly adhered to in managing the transition.”

Both Britain and the United States, which had been major donors to Malawi until they froze millions of dollars in aid over rows with Mutharika over his policies and actions, urged a smooth transition respecting the constitution.

“We trust that the vice-president (Banda) who is next in line will be sworn in shortly,” the US State Department said.

British Foreign Minister William Hague said in a statement: “I urge all sides to remain calm and (hope) that a peaceful handover takes place as

provided for under Malawi’s constitution.”

The streets of the capital Lilongwe and the main commercial city Blantyre were calm, though police guarded strategic locations. There appeared to be little public sorrow at Mutharika’s death.

Many of Malawi’s 13 million people had viewed him as an autocrat personally responsible for an economic crisis that stemmed ultimately from a diplomatic row with former colonial power Britain a year ago.

Britain and others froze aid worth some 40% of government spending, fuel supplies dried up and food prices soared, leading to popular unrest and attacks on Mutharika’s economic policies by bodies as diverse as the Catholic Church and the International Monetary Fund.

“We as government will be in consultation with the bereaved family, advise the date when our president’s body will arrive from South Africa and other funeral arrangements,” Banda said.

“I also want to ask all Malawians to join me in wishing that the soul of our president rests in peace,” she added.  http://postzambia.com/post-read_ article.php?articleId=26648

80  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

World Economic Forum Africa 2012 - in Ethiopia Opinion:

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ekele Geleta is SecretaryGeneral of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and a cochair of this year’s World Economic Forum on Africa.

When I was a young boy growing up in a rural village in western Ethiopia, famine gripped my country. In 1984, when I became the secretary-general of the Ethiopian Red Cross, we faced the worst famine our country had ever seen. So much so that our staff and volunteers had to increase support to reach over one million starving people.

Today, as I am preparing to co-chair the World Economic Forum on Africa in Addis Ababa, parts of the continent, such as the Horn of Africa and the countries of the Sahel, are again facing potentially catastrophic food crises. We need to ask why.

During the 2007-2008 global food crisis, the system failed because no one predicted it: possibly because 2008 was, in reality, a record year for food production. Then, in late 2010, the Kenya Red Cross flagged a looming food crisis in the Horn of Africa. Not many listened. In 2011, the World Food Programme and the International Food Policy Research Institute confirmed that Africa was again spiralling into the cycle of drought, high food prices and famine.

In June of that year the UN Food and Agricultural Organisation moved and famine was once again declared. But the international community did not respond quickly enough. There was an apparent lack of action - some believe that funds had already been committed elsewhere; some laid blame on a lack of media focus and many cited the complex layers of socio-political factors that are rarely considered or discussed openly. For example, a lack of food reserves were part of the problem Tanzania and Ethiopia barred the export of maize.

Ethiopia, like many African countries, has an economy which is largely based

on agriculture, representing around 40% of GDP and the livelihoods of 77% of the population, thus the lives of many are dependent on rainfall.

Our lands can be arid and we often face food shortages when the harvests fail. Small-scale farmers are often the hardest hit and the safety nets to protect them are still limited. More broadly, across Africa, the key issue of access to finance has not been addressed - 80% of the population in the agricultural sector is not served by the private capital market and so depends on official development assistance.

Policies to ensure equal opportunities for global trade are non-existent and commodity trading is creating price instability and food shortages despite record production levels.

The point, of course, is that food security in Africa needs a long-term strategy and a multi-sector approach.

By building strong communities we create strong economies and ultimately, contribute to political stability. By creating sustainable livelihoods in agriculture and other sectors we can create sustainable economies and the reverse is equally true.

It is my hope that the World Economic Forum on Africa will provide an important opportunity for governments and key decision-makers to think creatively, and engage with and form partnerships with the African business, corporate and humanitarian sector.

Greater investment in seeds, tools and the latest farming and irrigation technology would do a great deal more in the long-run than sporadic injections of emergency funding when the crops fail. We need to break the seemingly endless cycle of hunger, suffering and dependence across the continent by encouraging greater investment in our infrastructure, schools, healthcare, agricultural sectors and small businesses. The days of quick fixes are over and we all need to pull together for

the sake of future generations.

Potential investors at the World Economic Forum on Africa should be especially mindful that investment in good, solid infrastructure can greatly accelerate national prosperity, provide a boost to civil society, and push forward reforms across the continent. Indeed, this year’s historical gathering of global leaders and captains of industry should not just be viewed as an opportunity for the private sector and for individuals to make gains, but to also look at the role they can play in the development of people and communities. Everyone gains from prosperous, healthy and self-reliant populations.

Ethiopia is a good example.

Slowly but surely it is starting to be viewed through a different lens. The promotion of our country as a land of promise and opportunity rather than one of misfortune and suffering will encourage much-needed investment, and inspire Ethiopia’s youth to throw off the shackles of the past and stride confidently into global business and political arenas. As one of the fastest growing non-oil economies in Africa, with a nationwide healthcare system that is cited as a model for emulation, our goal now should be to help lift our own people out of poverty and support development across Africa.

This is an exciting chapter in my life’s story and as I take part in this historic meeting in the country of my birth I believe more than ever in Africa’s potential to shape its own transformation. 

81  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

http://allafrica.com/ stories/201205100786.html

RESOURCES FOR GOING GLOBAL Dear International Executive, May is World Trade Month and it is right around the corner. Are you are aware of the SBA grant program (STEP – State Trade and Export Program) to assist companies with exporting? We hope you can join us for some of the exciting events below. These upcoming U.S. Commercial Service initiatives are designed to connect you to business opportunities around the world.

If you have any questions about these initiatives, please contact your local U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist. To find the trade specialist nearest you please visit http://www.buyusa. gov/home/us.html Happy Exporting!

International

1. IFT Energy, May 9-11, 2012, Environmental Technologies, Santiago, Chile 2. Made in America (Native American Products), May 18-28, 2012, California Lifestyle Products, Germany and Italy 3. Expo de Belleza Internacional Occidente (EBIO), June 3-4, 2012, California Lifestyle Products, Guadalajara, Mexico 4. Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition, June 9-12, 2012, Building and Infrastructure, Guangzhou, China 5. Farnborough International Airshow, July 9-15, 2012, Industrial Machinery and Supplies, Farnborough, United Kingdom 6. California Agricultural Mission to China and Korea, June 9-16, 2012, Food and Agriculture, China and South Korea 7. Expo Hospital Trade Show, June 27-29, 2012, Bio-medical, Santiago, Chile

8. Intersolar-North America, July 10-12, 2012, Environmental Technologies, San Francisco, California USA 9. Taste of California Matchmaking Exhibition, August, 2012, Food and Agriculture, California, USA 10. Hong Kong Food Expo, August 16-20, 2012, Food and Agriculture, Hong Kong, SAR 11. California Grown Promotions, September, 2012, Food and Agriculture, China, South Korea & Southeast Asia 12. Access China 2012: China International Fair for Investment & Trade (CIFIT), September 8-11 2012, Xiamen, China 13. Greenbuilding Brasil 2012, September 11-13, 2012, Building and Infrastructure, Sao Paulo, Brazil ********************************** Event: VITA Global Networking Breakfast - The Do’s and Don’ts When Negotiating International Contracts Location: The Valley Economic Alliance Building - BFG Board Room, 2nd Floor, 5121 Van Nuys Blvd. Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 Date/Time: April 18th, 7:30am Cost: $25 non-members, $20 members Registration: Contact Darcy Winters at dwinters@economicalliance.org or 818-379-7000 x109 ***************************** Event: Overview of Complying with U.S. Export Controls Location: Double Tree Hotel, Ontario, California Date/Time: Thursday, April 19th; 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Cost: $45.00 (includes continental breakfast/lunch) Link to register: http://export.gov/california/ie/eg_article_046139.asp

This seminar will provide an overview of U.S. export controls, export enforcement issues, what happens if you are not in compliance and how to avoid non-compliance happening to you. In addition, you will also learn about: Items and activities subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR); Steps in determining your export control classification number (ECCN)and export licensing requirements; The application and licensing processes; Record keeping requirements, and Export Management Compliance Program (EMCP).

There will be a keynote address by Rafael Patiño, Deputy Senior Commercial Officer at the U.S. Embassy – Tel Aviv, Israel who will discuss doing business in Israel /West Bank and related export control issues. ***************************** Event: Exporting - Increase Your Revenues Location: The Westin Bonaventure Hotel, Hollywood Rm. 3rd Fl. – Red Tower Date/Time: Thursday, April 19; 8:00 Registration, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Breakfast & Program Cost: $25 (Hotel parking included) For more information: Contact Global Initiatives Manager Jasmin Sakai-Gonzalez at 213.580.7569 or jgonzalez@ lachamber.com Join us for a special briefing and panel discussion for small-and-medium sized enterprises interested in: exporting; increasing revenues and markets, learning about trade finance, financial management for exports; and legal and logistical issues in global markets. This event will feature Fred P. Hochberg, Chairman and President Ex-Im Bank as the keynote speaker. ***************************** Event: Business Opportunities in Norway and the Nordic Region Including Best Prospects for U.S. see Going Global on page 83

82  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Going Global from page 82

***************************** Event: Asia Business Association Presents Gateway to Growth: Exporting Location: Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, 350 S. Bixel St., Los Angeles, CA 90017 Date/Time: Thursday, April 26, 2012; 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM Register: http://www.aba-la.org/event_ calendar.asp The National Export Initiative (NEI) just celebrated its second anniver-

Returning to Africa?

African Repatriation is an invaluable online resource for any African national who is thinking about returning to Africa. Our industry articles and specialist editorials provide the latest sector information. Why not find out for yourself and become a part of our growing community today?

www.africanrepatriation.com

Career Opportunities in Africa Search and apply online for the latest vacancies in Africa with African Talent. We provide candidates and employers with the tools and resources needed in today’s competitive job market. For employers, we offer numerous options to feature your jobs in Africa and for candidates, reviewing the most recent job vacancies in Africa is a fast, easy process. Uploading your CV is simple and takes just a few moments.

www.africantalent.com sary and President Obama’s goal of doubling exports by the end of 2014 is on track. Exports increased almost 16% last year to $2.1 trillion. Exporting among Asian American businesses in Los Angeles is up more than 20%.

Through the Global Cities Initiative, LA city is the launching pad for a nationwide push for exporting. This ship is sailing and your business should be on it.

Over a hot breakfast, meet key individuals who will discuss: Government resources designed to assist exporters; Export licensing requirements and logistics; International markets and how to reach customers globally; Products in high demand and how to fill that need. For more information, contact the ABA at 213.628.1ABA.

***************************** Event: One-on-One Meeting with Commercial Officer Scott Pozil from Taipei, Taiwan Location: Commercial Service, Los Angeles (West) office; 11150 W. Olympic Blvd, Suite 975, Los Angeles, 90064 Date/Time: Friday, April 27; by appointment Cost: no charge Register: Contact Maura Kawai at Maura.Kawai@trade.gov and T: 310 235-7207 Commercial Officer Scott Pozil will be able to advise you on exporting your product and/or service to the Taiwanese market, as well as the Greater China region. U.S. best export prospects include: education, ICT, healthcare,

83  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

see Going Global on page 84

International

Exporters Location: Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce; 350 S. Bixel Street, Los Angeles, CA 90017 Date/Time: Wednesday, April 25, 2012; Registration/Networking 8:00 a.m.; Program 8:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

Cost: $25 Register: https://emenuapps.ita.doc. gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration. jsp?SmartCode=2Q6W Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland form one of the world’s most desirable export markets. Their 25 million people are among the world’s wealthiest. With a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) exceeding $1.4 trillion, they form the 5th largest market in Europe, behind only Germany, France, Italy and the UK. The U.S. Commercial Service, the District Export Council of Southern California, and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce are honored to invite you to a seminar with the U.S. Ambassador to Norway, Barry B. White.

Also participating in the seminar will be Ms. Britt Hestenes, Commercial Specialist with the U.S. Commercial Service, U.S.Embassy, Oslo.

Ms. Hestenes specializes in the healthcare technologies, franchising, and travel & tourism sectors and provides assistance to U.S. companies in finding distribution partners, representation and franchise arrangements. The program will be hosted by the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, please contact Julie Anne Hennessy at 310.235.7206 Julieanne.Hennessy@trade.gov.

Going Global from page 83

renewable energy, electronic components (semiconductors), safety and security equipment, publishing, and pet products. ***************************** Event: Foreign Trade Association presents “U.S. - Korea Free Trade Agreement” Location: Reef Restaurant; 880 Harbor Scenic Drive, Long Beach, CA 90802 Date/Time: Tuesday, May 1, 2012; 8:00 a.m. Registration and Continental Breakfast; 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Program Register: http://ftasc.org/index. php?option=com_events&task=view_ month&Itemid=62&year=2012&month =05&day=12 Join us for a look at the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement: New Opportunities for U.S. Exporters and Importers. On March 15 the U.S. entered into a Free Trade Agreement with Korea which means countless new opportunities for U.S. manufacturers, distributors, exporters, and importers to sell their products and/or services to Korean markets, and to U.S. markets alike. Based on the results of the economy-wide model simulations, U.S. exports to Korea are estimated to be $9.7 - $10.9 billion higher once the FTA is fully implemented, while at the same time U.S. imports from Korea are estimated to be $6.4 - $6.9 billion higher.

Come listen and ask questions from our panel of experts including representatives from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and industry leaders discuss the benefits and the responsibilities for both Korean companies who want to export to the U.S., and for U.S. companies wanting to export to Korea. Learn some of the legal requirements – rules of origin, required data elements, special terminology, recordkeeping, audit/enforcement procedures, and post entry claims. For more information, please contact the FTA at 818.352.6753.

***************************** Event: 2012 ASIAN BUSINESS SUMMIT - (19th Annual Inland Empire World Trade Conference) Location: Ontario Hilton Hotel, Ontario, CA Date/Time: May 3-5, 2012 Cost: $180.00 (included three day package: reception, breakfast, lunch) Register: www.worldtradeweek2012. com In recent years, the global economy has suffered from financing turmoil.

Corporations are facing new challenges in an unprecedented international economic situation. The Business Summit serves the following three types of enterprises, giving priority to small and medium businesses: U.S. business enterprises in pursuit of business opportunities internationally; Enterprises interested in making investments and purchases in the United States and, enterprises in pursuit of business opportunities in the United States. ***************************** Event: 86th Annual World Trade Week Kickoff Breakfast Location: Omni Los Angeles Hotel, Los Angeles, CA Date/Time: Friday, May 4, 2012; 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Cost: $65 Register: http://www.lachamber.com/ index.php?src=directory&view=webpa gedir&srctype=detail&refno=1121&cat egory=global_initiatives Join more that 500 executives and members of the diplomatic corps at the Omni Los Angeles Hotel at the California Plaza to kick off a month-long celebration of world trade in Southern California. This year’s kick off breakfast will feature a keynote address from Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program Senior Fellow, Co-Director and CoFounder Amy Liu. Ms. Liu is a frequent speaker on ideas to advance U.S. economic competitiveness by building a next economy with state, federal, and private sector partners. She also serves as a co-author of select Brookings publications, including ‘Delivering the Next Economy; The States Step Up.” ***************************** Event: Focus on Bulgaria: Ambassadors Business Road Show

Location: Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce; 350 S. Bixel Street, Los Angeles, CA 90017 Date/Time: Tuesday, May 15, 2012; 8:30 a.m. Registration/Networking; 9:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. Program Cost: $30 Register: https://emenuapps.ita.doc. gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration. jsp?SmartCode=2Q7W The goal of the Ambassadors Business Road Show is to promote trade and investment between the United States and Bulgaria. For LA companies, there are large potential opportunities in Bulgaria even though it is a small country.

The European Union will spend billions of Euro by the end of 2013 to support the development of Bulgaria’s infrastructure and the modernization of its healthcare and education systems. Following 2013, Bulgaria will remain a target for resources under the 2014-2020 program Connecting Europe Facility to upgrade Europe’s transportation, energy, and digitial infrastructure. One of the major opportunities to highlight is a project to build a new 50 million Euro tech park/business incubator in Sofia.

For more information, please contact Julie Anne Hennessy at julieanne.hennessy@trade.gov and 310.235.7206 or Yuri Arthur at yuri.arthur@trade.gov and 310.235.7271. ***************************** Event: Afghanistan Opportunities for U.S. Businesses Location: Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, 350 S. Bixel Street, Los Angeles, CA 90017 Date/Time: Thursday, May 17, 2012; 8:30 Registration/Networking ; 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. ; One-on-one meetings with SCO Koenig 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Register: https://emenuapps.ita.doc. gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration. jsp?SmartCode=2Q81 This one day outreach program will provide participants with a general overview of market opportunities and investment targets. It will also give information on the services the U.S. Government, specifically the U.S. Commercial Service and the Iraq & Afghanistan Investment & Reconstruction Task force, can provide to compa-

84  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

see Going Global on page 85

Going Global from page 84

nies to facilitate business opportunities and market entry. Other topics to be covered include financing options and GoIRA investment laws and regulations. There will be discussion of private sector success stories and service providers that will offer the audience a non-government perspective on doing business in Afghanistan. This event is also aimed at creating interest in attending our investment conference to be held in Heart this coming September.

The target audience is companies in any sector but with special emphasis in energy, women entrepreneurs, food packaging and processing, and light manufacturing.

Senior Commercial Officer Walt Koenig in Kabul will be a presenter and will also be available for 20-minute one-onone meetings in the afternoon. Those interested in meeting with SCO Koenig, can indicate their interest and preferred time on the registration form. For more information, please contact Julie Anne Hennessy at julieanne.hennessy@ trade.gov and 310.235.7206 and Rachid Sayoty at rachid.sayouty@trade. gov and 213.894.4022. ***************************** Event: MexPort Location: 8863 Siempre Viva Rd., San Diego, CA 92154 Date/Time: May 17, 2012 Register: http://www.mexport.org MEXPORT Trade show organized by the Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce is a vehicle for U.S. companies wishing to tap into the Baja California, Mexico marketplace by supplying the maquiladora (assembly plants) or providing general services and products to the Mexican market. International Trade Specialists from the U.S. Commercial Service, San Diego office will be at the show counseling companies on site and assisting with matchmaking as needed. For more information, please contact the Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce at 619.661.6111 and mexport@otaymesa.org. *****************************

Event: The 86th Annual World Trade Week & International Trade Delegates Luncheon and Trade Fair Location: The Westin Bonaventure, 404 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071 Date/Time: Tuesday, May 22, 2012; Trade Fair: 11:00 a.m. Luncheon: 12:00 Noon Cost: $60 Register: http://ftasc.org/index. php?option=com_events&task=view_ month&Itemid=62&year=2012&month =05&day=09 Keynote Speaker Peter A. Friedmann will discuss “Amazing things can happen in this Election Year: How each member of the Southern California International Trade Community can benefit (or not).” Mr. Friedman is a “A real Washington DC insider” [The Journal of Commerce]; “It’s no surprise that Peter A. Friedmann’s email address is “OurManInDC.” “That handily sums up the role he plays on behalf of industry associations, individual companies, and local government agencies that depend on transportation and international trade”. [DC Velocity, Feb. 2011] In addition to his work on behalf of the trade community, Peter sits on the finance committees of several Senators and Congresspersons, and as Treasurer of several Political Action Committees, providing the closest possible view of the political process during this election year. He serves as Counsel to the Pacific Coast Council of Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders and is Executive Director of the Agriculture Transportation Coalition, the principle voice of agriculture exporters in US transportation policy.

Mr. Friedman’s remarks will be followed by the presentation of the Marjorie M. Shostak Distinguished Service Award **************************** Commercial News USA Offers Buy 2, Get 1 Free Promotion

Commercial News USA, the official export promotion magazine of the U.S. Department of Commerce, offers exporters an affordable way to promote their products and services in 178 countries worldwide. Commercial News USA, the official export promotion magazine of the U.S. Department of Commerce, offers exporters an inexpensive way to promote their products and services in 178 countries worldwide. In addition to free Portuguese translation, you can take advantage of a special offer: Buy two ads and get the third ad for free (Based on one-time rates. This does not include the Showcase section). Commercial News USA reaches more than a quarter million buyers worldwide. Reserve your space in the next issue today. For more information, contact your U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist, or call 1-800581-8533 x 822, or visit http://www. thinkglobal.us/499, or send e-mail to advertise@thinkglobal.us ********************************** Read the New Online Edition of Commercial News USA Commercial News USA, the official export promotion magazine of the U.S. Department of Commerce, has launched a new interactive PDF edition. The new edition is available for free at http:// cnusa.thinkglobal.us Commercial News USA offers exporters an affordable way to promote their products and services in 178 countries worldwide. Commercial News USA reaches more than a quartermillion buyers worldwide. Reserve your space in the next issue today. For more information, call 1-800-581-8533 x 822, visit http://www.thinkglobal.us, or e-mail advertise@thinkglobal.us

********************************** The U.S. Commercial Service - Your Global Business Partner. With offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration uses its global Network and international resources to connect U.S companies with international buyers worldwide. If you have any questions about these initiatives, please contact your local U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist. To find the trade specialist nearest you please visit http://export.gov/ california/ca/socal/index.asp. 

85  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

International

Tana-High Level Forum On Security in Africa The Tana-High Level Forum on Security in Africa which took place in Bahr Dar, Ethiopia from 14-15 April 2012, brought together leaderships from all sectors to work for the Africanled security agenda.

In a news conference conducted prior to the Forum, the Former Nigerian President, Olsengun Obasanjo and Prof. Andrias Eshete, who initiated the Forum, said the objective is to provide both a platform and room to work towards effective Africanled solutions to the continent’s most pressing security challenges.

The Forum focus is on two themes, namely, state fragility and the prospects of peace in Africa managing diversity to promote peace stability focusing on the African Peer Review Mechanism and diversity governance structural prevention.

The Forum is intended to promote pro-active management of Africa peace and security and to aim at contributing to the building of stronger ownership and a larger constituency for these solutions.

The Forum brought together Africa’s top leaders from state and government, private sector, civil society in a response to the call by African Heads of State and Government for the elaboration of “African-centered solutions.”

During the Forum, Uganda’s President, Yoweri Museveni, criticised African leaders who by rejecting diversity cause insecurity pointing to Sudan as a prime example of how failing to manage political, religious and ethnic differences can result in conflict.

Sudan has been at war with itself for most of its independence after colonial power Britain left the country politically and economically in the hands of a small elite in Khartoum. Since 1956 various governments of differing ideologies have neglected the country’s peripheral areas causing conflicts in South Sudan, Darfur and other areas.

Museveni said that the attempt by

a ruling class in Khartoum to declare the whole of what was Africa’s largest country an Arab and Islamic state was illustration of how not to foster peace.

In July last year South Sudan separated from the rest of Sudan after a six year peace deal failed to convince South Sudanese voters in a referendum that they would be better off ruled by Khartoum.

Since South Sudan seceded Sudan’s president Omar al-Bashir has indicted that he wants the country’s new constitution to have a stronger link to strict Islamic Shari’a Law and insisted in a speech last year there will be no space for cultural and religious diversity.

Although other issues have played major roles in Sudan’s conflicts, identity has been a key issue for rebels who have fought the government in the western Darfur region since 2003 and in the southern border states of South Kordofan and Blue Nile since last year.

Identity was also one of the main factors behind Sudan’s north-south conflicts, which ultimately resulted in the country’s partition.

Museveni said: “If the African leaders and those who love the continent do not address ways of ensuring economic prosperity of the continent and her people and only engage in the African people’s diversity, ethnicity and all forms of their social and religious differences and regard these as the main cause of insecurity to the continent, then they either don’t know the continent well or they are enemies of the African people.”

The Ugandan president argued that issues of ethnicity should only be addressed in cases where fanatical patriotism occurs or at times when the leading political class exercises sectarianism, as he says Khartoum’s government’s have in the case of Sudan.

Forum chairperson, H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo, in his address said that there had been a decline of conflicts

in Africa and called for more collective efforts to build a united continent.

“For many years the African continent has been ravaged by wars and conflicts. In recent years, however, extended thanks to the efforts of the African Union, regional economic communities, member states and partners, we have seen the number of conflicts decline, even though there continues to be flare ups in different parts of the continent.”

The last month has not been a good one for security and peace in Africa: • Sudan and South Sudan are moving dangerous close to all-out war as fighting continues along their contested-oil-rich border; • A coup in Guinea-Bissau has brought a military junta to power; • Mogadishu was rocked by a suicide bomber at an event attended by senior officials from Somalia’s transitional government; • And in Mali Tuareg rebels wanting an independent state are now in control of the north of the country.

In his key note, Obasanjo said diversity was a source of conflict in Africa because “leaders fail to identify those diversities, accept them and attend to them in their form”. He called on African leaders to ensure recognition and respect all forms of diversity in order to promote peace and stability.

Ethiopian Prime Minister, Meles Zenawi, said at the occasion that Africa’s 54 nations should firmly exercise a political system that entertains diversity of ethnicity, languages, religion and culture equally.

He stressed the need for political will and committed leadership to avert security challenges in Africa and also to realise prosperity and development.

The Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS) of Addis Ababa University organized the Forum which will be an annual event.

IPSS is a premier institute of higher education for peace and security studies in the region. 

86  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

http://allafrica.com/ stories/201203300488.html www.sudantribune.com

BRICS Africa Export Import Forum

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agencies, Councils and Authorities, BRICS and Africa country Chambers of Commerce, BRICS country and African communications companies and media, banking and trade finance services, credit guarantee services, customs, clearing, verification and audit services, technology providers, training companies, packaging, security, and materials handling companies, relocation services, and companies facilitating the transit of freight and intermodal logistics including forwarders, terminals, shipping lines, rail networks, air cargo and road transport agents and operators and courier companies.

The Forum, in addition, comprises a Programme of educational workshops, a Programme of BRICS country Opportunity Presentations and a VIP Cocktail networking function.

South African Trade Promotions (SATP), together with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry –

Johannesburg (JCCI) have been extended generous encouragement and support from the Brazilian, Chinese and Russian Embassies as well as the Indian High Commission. In addition the event is also endorsed and supported by the Tripartite of regional economic communities (26 African Countries) and numerous BRIC countries, regional and local Associations.

I am happy to discuss how to best leverage your corporate participation and look forward to this opportunity.  Yours sincerely Saki Magoxo

BRICS Africa Portfolio South African Trade Promotions (Pty) Ltd

Tel: +27 (0) 11 783 7250 Cell: +27 (0) 83 735 7213 Fax: +27 (0) 11 783 7269

www.bricsafricab2b.com

87  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

International

he BRICS Africa Export Import Forum has recently been globally announced. The Forum will be co-located with Africa’s most visited trade events, the Southern African International Trade Exhibition (SAITEX) and Africa’s Big Seven (AB7) at the Gallagher Convention Centre July 15-17 this year.

The Forum, in support of intra BRIC Africa trade and investment promotion and engagement, is an event that shares the same Visitor profile as SAITEX and AB7. These are exporters, importers, retail buyers, traders, distributers and service buyers and decision-makers from South Africa, BRIC and African countries.

The co-location of the BRICS Africa Export Import Forum with SAITEX and AB7 will benefit all participants. With 785 exhibitors and 14,659 visitors from over 50 countries to the combined events in 2011, these well-proven international trade shows provide a solid basis for growth of the services sector.

The Forum now offers a dedicated exhibition platform and opportunity for facility owners and service suppliers to engage this market to be significantly expanded given R1.2 million in Media Support for the Forum.

Exhibitors invited span the services supply chain and include export / import consulting services, export promotion agencies, investment

International

PANAMA GASTRONOMICA

2012 August 30 - September 2 International Gastronomy Fair

www.panamagastronomica.com 88  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbusinessnews.net

Africa Agri-Business Initiative

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he National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) is looking for people and companies with expertise in agriculture (farming) willing to apply those skills to nations on the African continent.

A major focus is on cotton as we center on overcoming the great obstacles put in place through the Third Country Fabric Exemption (AGOA) which has allowed exploitation of African cotton farmers to the benefit of Chinese and Indian cotton. Much of this cotton may very well be “conflict cotton” via Chinese prisoners performing slave labor. Most cotton farmers in Africa are now out of business and we want to resurrect this important sector.

People interested in the initiative should contact Charles DeBow at cdebow@nationalbcc.org. 

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

Degnan Boulevard

We are pleased to inform you that

Gathers Strategies, Inc. has expanded to new offices.

Effective Monday, April 2, 2012 our new location will be in the heart of Downtown LA at

City National Plaza.

Our address will be:

Gathers Strategies, Inc. 515 South Flower Street, 36th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90071 USA Phone: 213-236-3554 Fax: 213-236-3501 Please stay in touch! www.gathersstrategies.com Follow us on Twitter @gathersstrat

We appreciate your friendship and support and look forward to our continued association with you.

Shop, Eat, Relax in

Little Ethiopia

Lagos Black Heritage Festival 2012 April 2-9, 2012 Lagos-Badagry www.lagosblackheritagefestival.com/2012

Experience Africa in America

Culture, Retail, Entertainment Fairfax Boulevard

between Pico & Olympic, Los Angeles

89  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbusinessnews.net

International

between Crenshaw & Leimert Blvds.

43rd Street-43rd Place, Los Angeles

The African Network (TAN)

6th Annual Entrepreneurship Conference May 18-19, 2012 Hilton Hotel, San Jose, CA

International

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he 6th Annual Entrepreneurship Conference hosted by The African Network (TAN) will promote technology and entrepreneurship among African and American entrepreneurs doing business in Africa and the USA. The conference will be held Friday, May 18 and Saturday, May 19, 2012 at the Hilton Hotel, San Jose, California.

TANCon 2012 (www.tanconf.org) early bird registration will last untill April 1, 2012.

TANCon 2012 will showcase leading African and US investment experts, entrepreneurs, global innovators and policymakers such as biotech entrepreneur Daniel Laser, CEO of Wave 80 Biosciences; Teresa Clarke, former MD of Goldman Sachs and now Chairman and Founder of Africa. com; Niall O’Cathasaigh, Partner, Manocap Private Equity Company based in Sierra Leone; Bridgette Sexton, Manager of the Google Global Entrepreneurship group; social entrepreneur Chid Liberty of Liberty and Justice, Liberia and Teresa Cox of the USA Department of Trade and Commerce.

There will be several panel discussions, including an “Investment Policy in Africa” panel, where information, expertise, experiences and international opportunities will be shared with attendees.

According to TAN President and CEO, Dr. Paschal Iwuh, “the main difference between the 2012 conference and previous years will be the addition of

Entrepreneurship Workshops. These workshops, which are described on the conference website (www.tanconf.org), will aim to provide tangible benefits to conference attendees, particularly start-up and existing entrepreneurs”.

The TAN Entrepreneurship Conference workshops will include a session on evaluation of 1-page business plans towards attracting funding, as well as a session on professional mentorship for start-up and existing entrepreneurs. TANCon 2012 has confirmed notable venture capitalists, angel investors and social entrepreneurs (incubators) who will be judges as well as mentors at these workshops. Michael Wray of the

Santa Clara University GSBI Program, Ken Brown, Managing Director of Lionchase Venture Capital firm, Naeem Zafar of University of California Lester Center for Entrepreneurship, Berkeley HAAS School of Business, and Tara Lynn-Gray of Yadari Enterprises will be some of the participants at these workshops.

The workshops and discussion panels are aimed at providing more value to attendees of TANCon 2012.

For more detailed inforamation contact the TANCon 2012 Organizing Committee by email at events@ theafricannetwork.org or visit the website at www.tanconf.org. 

90  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Continental Africa Chamber of Commerce USA in Collaboration with U.S. Department of Commerce Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (Office of Trade and Investment) Cook County Planning and Development Department City of Chicago and Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce

Cordially invite you to the 7th US-Africa Trade & Investment Forum, Conference and Exposition

Africa - The Next World Market May 16-18, 2012, Chicago, IL This historic event will take place during the NATO Summit to be hosted in Chicago May 2012, where four African Presidents will be in attendance.

Africa offers great potential for American businesses and investors.

The Forum will provide a dynamic platform that:

This Forum provides an important opportunity for US companies to understand and engage business interests across the vast and diverse markets of a new Africa.

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he Republic of South Sudan joined the International Monetary Fund (IMF) when Finance and Economic Planning Minister Kosti Manibe Ngai signed the IMF’s Articles of Agreement at a ceremony in Washington D.C. “I am happy to welcome the Republic of South Sudan, which today becomes our 188th member,” IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde said.

“South Sudan faces enormous challenges, and the IMF will do its best to assist the country in setting up the foundations for economic stability and growth in the period ahead,” Ms. Lagarde underscored.

South Sudan applied for membership of the IMF in April 2011. The Republic of South Sudan became an independent country in July 2011, and the IMF Board of Governors subsequently offered it IMF membership.

Since then, the Fund has been stepping up the provision of technical assistance and training and engaging in a policy dialogue with the authorities in the areas of tax and customs administration, public financial management, oil revenue management, exchange rate policy, central banking, and macroeconomic statistics. The Fund is coordinating with donors and technical assistance providers to support South Sudan through a dedicated trust fund for capacity-building of about US$11 million over the next four years, and

to which the European Union plans to come on board as a lead donor.

South Sudan’s initial quota in the IMF is SDR 123.0 million (about US$189.3 million). With the inclusion of South Sudan, IMF members’ quotas amount to SDR 238.12 billion (about US$ 366.53 billion).

A member’s quota in the IMF determines its capital subscription, its voting power, its access to IMF financing, and its allocation of SDRs (Special Drawing Rights).  www.sudantribune.com/Republic-ofSouth-Sudan-becomes,42305

Join us!

For more information, please contact us at: www.continentalacc.org Email: info@continentalacc.org 1-312-987-1892 tel 1-312-987-1893 fax 28 E. Jackson Boulevard Suite #600, Chicago, IL 60604 91  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

International

 Presents to American corporate and public-policy makers a wide array of investment opportunities in Africa;  Discusses the ways in which these opportunities can be realized;  Meets participants’ strategic interests by creating networking opportunities and an avenue for the development of bilateral investment possibilities;  Provides one-on-one negotiation opportunities;  Encourages American companies to exhibit their products and services; and  Invites African businesses to exhibit their products under AGOA

Republic of South Sudan Becomes IMF’s 188th Member

Thursday Blues at

Uncle Darrow‛s High Noon-2pm Every Thursday

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

2560 S. Lincoln Blvd.

Marina del Rey North East corner of Washington & Lincoln

“LA Times Magazine favorite cajun food”

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

92  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

One Africa:

Tell the US Government that North Africa is Africa Too!

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oin with and support the United Africa Organization’s campaign to petition the U.S. Department of State to include the whole African continent under its Bureau of African Affairs.

Why? The State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs, led by Assistant Secretary Johnnie Carson, currently excludes Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia and Western Sahara from its agenda.

Instead, the aforementioned countries are grouped with the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, together with Iran, Iraq, Israel and others.

This artificial distinction between North Africa and the rest of Africa

negatively impacts US foreign policy relations throughout the entire continent of Africa.

We unequivocally reject the argument that North African countries are outside the scope of African affairs.

North Africa is geographically and historically part of the African continent, and all fifty-three (53) independent African states, including North African countries, are represented in the African Union (AU).

It would be far more productive for the State Department to engage with the entire continent of Africa, including North Africa, under its Bureau of African Affairs.

We are one Africa, from the Cape to Cairo, indivisible and bound together!

Therefore, no square inch of African

land should be excluded from African affairs.

Sign The Petition!!!

Go to www.change.org/petitions/ one-africa-tell-us-state-departmentthat-north-africa-is-part-of-africa and sign the online petition to support this important proposition. Next tell everyone you know to sign.  www.uniteafricans.org

International

93  May 2012  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

94  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbusinessnews.net

From-Jamaal Wilkes Financial Advisors, LLC:

Gold and Financial Preparedness

By Mark Motive

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here is a growing number of people in America hoping for the best... but preparing for the worst. These people - often called “preppers” - believe in self-sustainability, in terms of health, wealth, and liberty. As a former Boy Scout, I can certainly appreciate the desire to be prepared for any eventuality.

Many preppers buy physical gold to protect from some form of economic collapse: the collapse of currencies, the collapse of financial systems, the collapse of governments, or the collapse of society. Even if you don’t think there’s a high probability of collapse, investors need to prepare for a range of possibilities, and protecting from collapse isn’t as simple as buying a few shares of SPDR Gold Trust.

Among the preppers, there is a raging debate on the utility of gold. Let’s examine the arguments on both sides and see if they are useful for our own preparedness decisions.

targets would be those with a cache of food, arable land, or other assets that are difficult to hide and transport.

Frankly, in a Mad Max world, brute force will always win. But for those of us without a private army to defend ourselves, having an easily-concealed form of wealth like gold still seems preferable to a stockpile of canned tuna.

Fortunately, I think a catastrophe of this magnitude is the stuff of Hollywood.

The Universal Language of Commerce Even if we did degenerate into a Mad Max world, in all likelihood it wouldn’t last for long. North America can produce more than enough food for domestic demand, and its citizens would presumably work to restore democracy and order. Society would work to rebuild the economic and

Guns and Butter Many people believe that in a collapse scenario, it is more important to own guns and butter (i.e. the means to protect and sustain oneself).

If society truly collapsed to the point where people were starving because industrial food production and distribution broke down, the ultimate tools for survival would be grub and guns.

Think about it this way: to a starving person, food is the most valuable thing in the world. How much would you give up to feed your famished family for a month... a week... a day?

In such a scenario, those that control the post-collapse food supply control the wealth - no amount of gold is worth watching your first-born starve. Anyone able to sell surplus food would quickly mop up the gold held by the population.

And anyone who owned gold would readily trade it for overpriced food.

However, this scenario would not last long. When people are hungry, they become desperate - especially after they’ve already traded their worldly possessions for a few days’ supply of food. Hunger feeds revolutions - and the first

financial system lost through the collapse, simply because these systems provide lubrication for a functioning society.

For example, if the dollar were destroyed by hyperinflation, a new currency would eventually be formed because the barter system is extremely inefficient. (The need for coincidence of wants creates a very high hurdle for the barter system.) Because they are fungible, divisible, portable, and non-perishable, currencies significantly improve societal wealth by reducing transaction costs, enabling lending,

95  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

see Stay Long Gold on page 97

96  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbusinessnews.net

Financial Preparedness from page 95

storing surpluses, etc.

Because it is the universal language of commerce, gold could be the new currency, but eventually a more flexible paper-based system would once again arise. Here’s the critical idea: whether or not that system is convertible into gold, gold could be used to transition wealth from the old currency system to the new. As a store of wealth, gold serves as a way to transition assets from one monetary regime to another.

Throughout history, gold has been used as a means to manage these types of transitions. During times of distress, people have converted their wealth into compact chunks of gold to take with them as they escaped a dictatorship or endured a failing currency. Gold is universally accepted as a store of wealth, meaning that it can endure what other stores of wealth (stocks, bonds, paper money... even land) cannot. This is why gold can help preserve wealth across economic transitions. Arable land, and the food that it produces, may not have the same benefits.

The problem with land - even arable land - as a store of wealth and a resource is that title is registered with the government. Collapsing governments throughout history have gone after land owners by taxing them at extraordinarily high rates and even expropriating their property. In some cases, tax rates became so oppressive that land owners simply walked away from their land with whatever possessions they could carry (gold anyone?).

Here’s the caveat: gold can be expropriated too, by decree or by contract dissolution. First, by the sweep of a pen, the government can make gold ownership illegal and force citizens to accept whatever paper they shove down their throats. Despite this, history has shown that attempts at outlawing gold only drove gold underground and underscored its true value. Second, contracts that provide

the right to own gold could dissolve if the counterparty goes bust. A contract is only as good as the faith and credit of the signatories, and the viability of the enforcement mechanism (like our collapsed government).

Investors must distinguish between physical gold ownership and a contract that facilitates gold ownership.

If you feel confused at this point, you’re getting the message: there is no single, simple answer for protecting wealth and preserving life during an economic collapse. But an

important component of any plan is to own and store physical precious metals outside of the mainstream banking system. 

97  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Books to Consider...

The New Soul Food Cookbook

by Wilbert Jones

W

ilbert Jones is the president of Healthy Concepts, a Chicago based food product development and marketing company; founded in 1993. Chef Jones attended to Ecole de Gastronomic Francasie Ritz-Escoffier in Paris, France. He has authored three award winning see Books to Consider on page 99

Give the Gifts of Knowledge, Inspiration, Entertainment.

Commemorate! Shop the

Black Book Stores!

Eso Won Books African American Books 4327 Degnan Boulevard Leimert Park, Los Angeles Check out our unsurpassed collection of books, music, video, children’s books, and games!

Give the Gift of Reading 323-294-0324 www.esowonbookstore.com //esowon.booksense.com for Calendar of Events

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

98  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

Books to Consider from page 98

cookbooks and was the host of the PBS television series, Healthy Heritage Kitchen in 2008. Since 1998, he has been a contributing editor for Prepared Foods Magazine and a Freelance Special Features and Lifestyle writer for BET.com (Black Entertainment Television). In 2002, he was inducted into the Les Amis d’Escoffier Society of Chicago. Chef Jones is currently working on a television series, A Taste of Africa: Culture and Cuisine from Casablanca to Cape Town. Scheduled to air in the Fall of 2011.

Chef Jones’ books include: The New Soul Food Cookbook (Healthier Recipes For Traditional Favorites), Mama’s Tea Wilbert Jones Cakes (101 Delicious Soul Food Desserts), and Smothered Southern Foods (the simple art of

“smothering”).  www.thewilbertjonescompany.com

The Coming African Hour: Dialectics of Opportunities and Constraints Edited by Luc Sindjoun

T

his volume is about the reality of development in Africa; it is part of the current African debates around development visions. The papers selected for this book were presented during the 14th biennial congress of the Africa Association of Political Science (AAPS) in June 2003 in Durban, South Africa.

The result of that scientific gathering is a book that synthesizes and renews the reflections on development. What is at stake is not to be pessimistic or optimistic about Africa. The epistemological challenge is to understand what is going on. By focusing on converging African realities, on issues of the state, A civil society, gender and development strategies, the authors of the book show under which conditions the

African Hour is coming. At that level, the commitment for political science meets the commitment for Africa.

The main success of this book is to overcome the preconceived ideas and self-fulfilling prophecies about Africa. Here, the analysis avoids the trap of indulgence; then hope is based on truth. Consequently the Coming African Hour is not inescapable: it is a possibility that its achievement depends on institutional, human, political, social and economic factors.  www.amazon.com

www.usps.com/ship/express-mail.htm

99  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbusinessnews.net

BLACK MEETINGS & TOURISM DIGITAL MAGAZINE

T

he digital version of Black Meetings & Tourism magazine is 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. The 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 AfricanAmerican travel market. 

Tuesday, June 12th

“For everyone interested in doing business with Metro”

Watch & Support the Africa Channel!

Time Warner • Comcast Don’t have the Africa Channel in your area? Call Time Warner at: 1-888-892-2253 and ask that the Africa Channel be broadcast to ALL regions of your state.

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

International Edition

Black Business News View the International Edition at www.bbala.org and www.blackbusinessnews.net

100  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

U.S. Sm

Reach Thousands of the Nation’s Most Influential African Americans

all Bus

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ess Adm 2007 A inistra tion WARD W “Journ alist of INNER! the Yea r”

YOUR LINK TO AFRICAN AMERICAN BUSINESS ENTERPRISE The Black Business Association, SBA 2007 Journalist of the Year, is pleased to invite you to be an integral part of our publication. Black Business News - Your Link to African American Business Enterprise throughout the nation. The Black Business News is the ofÀcial voice through which public and private entities advertise contract opportunities available to black business enterprise. Gain access to a highly afÁuent target market via 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!

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In Th vember 2008 is Iss ue…

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Calendar May 2012…

16th-18th Africa - The Next World Market This 7th US-Africa Trade & Investment Forum, Conference and Exposition provides an important opportunity for US companies to understand and engage business interests across the vast and diverse markets of a new Africa. Get information and register at www.continentalacc.org.

June…

2nd Small Business “Prep for Primes” Forum Sessions will cover sub-contracting qualifications, minority and small business certifications, financial and service resources and more. The Forum will be held at West Los Angeles College Fine Arts Complex from 10am to 1pm. For information call 213-7456656 or send an e-mail to SenatorPrice@sen.ca.gov.

10th 2012 AMAC Business Diversity Matchmaker Held as a component of the AMAC conference in St. Louis, MO, Matchmaker offers the perfect setting giving major organizations (corporate, airport, concessionaires, franchisors) and small businesses (A/E/C, consulting, professional services, concessions, and franchisees) the opportunity to meet and establish meaningful relationships. For information go to www.AMAC.MarketGate.com.

11th 18th-19th The African Network Entrepreneur Conference This conference promoting technology and entrepreneurship among African and American entrepreneurs doing business in Africa and the USA will be held in San Jose, CA. Get information and register at www.tanconf.org.

California Small Business Day Features dialogue with legislative leaders, luncheon with keynote address, awards to deserving small businesses, exhibits by state agencies and event sponsors. For information call 1-800350-2722.

August…

30th - 09/2nd Panama Gastronomic 2012 Market your gastronomic products and services at this international fair. For information visit www.panamagastronomica.com.

October…

23rd-24th Kaufmann Maker’s Faire Union Station, Kansas City, Kansas.

For detailed information on this entrepreneur creativity event go to www. makerfairekc.com/information.

July…

15th-17th •Southern African International Trade Exhibition (SAITEX)

20th-22nd

•Africa’s Big Seven (AB7) •BRICS Africa Export Import Forum The co-location of these three sector trade shows in Johannesberg’s Gallagher Convention Centre benefits all participants. More than 785 exhibitors and 14,000 visitors from over 50 countries are expected to attend the combined events. For information contact: www.exhibitionsafrica.com or www. bricsafricab2b.com.

TBD Procurement Exchange Summit For detailed information on this business growth opportunity go to www. bbala.org. 

National Small Business Week A series of award ceremonies, small business events and educational forums will mark the 59th anniversary of the agency and the 49th annual proclamation of National Small Business Week. Register at www. nationalsmallbusinessweek.com.

104  May 2012  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

News Black Business ion

International Edit

l African Economic

Serving the Globa

Community

Fall 2008 USD$5.00

Contents g: EOY charitable housCorporate Givin health, education, opportunities in ing, and more.

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Tourism: Investm is evident active, vital and ism industry is ent. all across the contin

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 Charitable Inves

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

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