February Black Business News

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Publisher’s Message

Earl “Skip” Cooper, II

Pubisher/Chief Executive Officer

A

s President Obama states in the proclamation shown on page 10, National African American History Month is a time to tell those stories of freedom won and honor the individuals who wrote them. The Black Business News is focused on the economic side of this continuing process of freedoms and access won.

We try, through the pages of our publications, to provide a window into the past and to honor those men and women who have slowly but steadily moved us ahead on the business frontier. The stories and efforts of the enterprising men and women, past and present, go hand-in-hand with those who struggled in other paths - education, military, science, politics and more. Working together, sharing resources and supporting efforts across genres we continue to move forward and achieve new heights of success.

As a people, we can now see and experience one of the most visible examples of the result of these years of struggle and take inspiration to continue to strive. President Barack Hussein Obama starting his second term of office as the leader of the USA and the free world is, by his occupation of that position, the seminal indicator of the distance we have come.

I invite you to take a look at the BBN’s Commemorative Issue honoring President Obama and reviewing his first term in office. The January 2013 edition is freely available on the website of the Black Business Association at www.bbala.org (select Black Business News from the options in the Menu). The stories, commentaries and images speak to our awareness of the over 200 years of struggle and amazing series of accomplishments of our people and our nation.

On behalf of all at the Black Business News, we hope the celebration of Black History Month followed by Women’s History Month serves to keep us on the path and true to the mission of freedom and equality for all. 

3  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net

About

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: •

• • •

•

Black Business News P.O. Box 43159, Los Angeles, CA 90043 323-291-7819 Fax: 323-298-5064 www.blackbusinessnews.net

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

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Sarah Harris

ENTREPRENEUR EDITOR

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

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

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

PRODUCTION MANAGER

balancing major public and private sector contracting methods with positive outcomes of black-owned and operated enterprises. gproviding an affirmative influence for emergn ing entrepreneurs sharing innovative design and creative cultural content that exposess d them to the history of black enterprises and excite them to participate in the USA’s future.. advocating and promoting on behalf off black-owned businesses by promoting the need for expanding an economic foundation that supports an unfettered and self-sustained urban society with USA job creation and economic opportunity, where blacks work, live and operate viable business enterprises.

WWW.BLACKBUSINESSNEWS.NET

Kim Anthony Belinda Foster Narishima Osei

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS LaSandra Stratton • Dean Jones • Linda Ware

GRAPHIC DESIGN Sarah Harris • Phallu Morgan

STORY EDITORS Wanda Flagg ▪ Jennifer Marie Hamilton

PHOTOGRAPHY Ian Foxx ▪ Sabir • Narishima Osei

CONTENT ADMINISTRATOR La Sandra 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.

Contents

FEBRUARY 2013 3

Publisher’s Message

GOVERNMENT… 10

Proclamation: Nationall African American History Month

14 18 21 22

Reducing Gun Violence Tax Deal - 411 MBDA - Opportunities in Health Care MBDA - Working with Exim Bank to Open Doors

ENTERTAINMENT… 76

28

Petrella, trailblasing Country Singing Star

32

E-Business Success Guide to Growing a Business

ENTREPRENEURSHIP… BUSINESS… 36 Tech Moguls to Watch and Follow 46 Path to Personal Branding Success 53-55 Venture Capital

PUBLIC INTEREST/COMMUNITY… 64 66 67

$100,000 Prize fo Media Challenge Walmart Announces Major Changes Let’s Move! - Better Nutrition in 2013

INTERNATIONAL… COLUMNS 61 - Take A Look!

87 - Black History Month Shopping Guide 108 - Books to Consider...

109 - Calendar ACTION ALERTS 2 - AEG Supplier Portal SPONSORS 06 - Black Business Association

70

Expand Your Business to Africa

71

On Africa’s Development in 2013

74

Zambia’s Been Robbed of Millions!

78

Monopoly Introduces a Lagos Edition

30

Cover image - Phallu Morgan

7  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

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,

Black Business Association P.O. Box 43159, Los Angeles, CA 90043 USA Tel: 323-291-9334 Fax: 323-857-4610

___ 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. 

Coming Events 2013 February 28th 39th Annual Awards Dinner March 30th Salute to Black Women • Call 323-291-9334 for information on sponsorship and participation •

mail@bbala.org www.bbala.org www.facebook.com 9  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

THE WHITE HOUSE

NATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH, 2013

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION In America, we share a dream that lies at the heart of our founding: that no matter who you are, no matter what you look like, no matter how modest your beginnings or the circumstances of your birth, you can make it if you try. Yet, for many and for much of our Nation’s history, that dream has gone unfulfilled. For African Americans, it was a dream denied until 150 years ago, when a great emancipator called for the end of slavery. It was a dream deferred less than 50 years ago, when a preacher spoke of justice and brotherhood from Lincoln’s memorial. This dream of equality and fairness has never come easily -- but it has always been sustained by the belief that in America, change is possible.

Today, because of that hope, coupled with the hard and painstaking labor of Americans sung and unsung, we live in a moment when the dream of equal opportunity is within reach for people of every color and creed. National African American History Month is a time to tell those stories of freedom won and honor the individuals who wrote them. We look back to the men and women who helped raise the pillars of democracy, even when the halls they built were not theirs to occupy. We trace generations of African Americans, free and slave, who risked everything to realize their God-given rights. We listen to the echoes of speeches and struggle that made our Nation stronger, and we hear again the thousands who sat in, stood up, and called out for equal treatment under the law. And we see yesterday’s visionaries in tomorrow’s leaders, reminding us that while we have yet to reach the mountaintop, we cannot stop climbing.

Today, Dr. King, President Lincoln, and other shapers of our American story proudly watch over our National Mall. But as we memorialize their extraordinary acts in statues and stone, let us not lose sight of the enduring truth that they were citizens first. They spoke and marched and toiled and bled shoulder-to-shoulder with ordinary people who burned with the same hope for a brighter day. That legacy is shared; that spirit is American. And just as it guided us forward 150 years ago and 50 years ago, it guides us forward today. So let us honor those who came before by striving toward their example, and let us follow in their footsteps toward the better future that is ours to claim.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim February 2013 as National African American History Month. I call upon public officials, educators, librarians, and all the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.

BARACK OBAMA

Honoring Rosa Parks on the 100th Anniversary of her Birth

by Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to the President

R

osa Louise McCauley Parks was born on February 4, 1913. Her life inspired millions of people and challenged the conscience of our Nation. Her refusal to give up her seat on a bus on December 1, 1955, inspired a civil rights movement that led

pursuit of happiness are achievable for everyone.

Their actions have profoundly affected not only African-Americans, but everyone who cares about equality, and the story of Rosa Parks continues to inspire many of us here at the White House, and

President Barack Obama sits on the famed Rosa Parks bus at the Henry Ford Museum following an event in Dearborn, Michigan.

April 18, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) to the passage of the Civil Rights Act on July 2, 1964. “When I made that decision,” she later said, “I knew that I had the strength of my ancestors with me.”

We stand on the shoulders of Rosa Parks, and so many other leaders who struggled and worked to ensure our country’s founding principles of life, liberty, and the

across the Administration, as we work daily to bring more fairness and equality to our fellow citizens around our country. After all, Rosa Parks, and so many others who fought and sacrificed for equality and justice of all, paved the way for the election and re-election of the first African-American president.

On today’s anniversary, President

Obama proclaims: “It has taken acts of courage from generations of fearless and hopeful Americans to make our country more just. As heirs to the progress won by those who came before us, let us pledge not only to honor their legacy, but also to take up their cause of perfecting our Union.”

The story of Rosa Parks continues to teach everyone—of all races, religions, and ages—the value of courage in the face of injustice.

Rosa Parks once said, “I would like to be known as a person who is concerned about freedom and equality and justice and prosperity for all people.”

Today, with the unveiling of the Rosa Park stamp on the 100th anniversary of her birthday, we honor her wish and celebrate her memory.

As thenSenator Obama said at Rosa Parks’ funeral in 2005, “The woman we honored today held no public office, she wasn’t a wealthy woman, didn’t appear in the society pages.

And yet when the history of this country is written, it is this small, quiet woman whose name will be remembered long after the names of senators and presidents have been forgotten.”

When we remember and honor Rosa Parks in our own actions every day, her legacy truly will live on forever.  www.whitehouse.gov/ blog/2013/02/04/rosa-parks-stamp

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Black History Month ~ February 2013 Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

AFRICA STRAIGHT UP

www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKUVfcXB14w Modern History Documentary from africa.com

2

1965 Dr. Martin Luther King and more than 200 others are arrested and jailed after a voting rights march in Selma, ,Alabama.

1866 Frederick Douglas and other black leaders meet with Andrew Johnson to advocate for black citizens’ voting rights.

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1966 Three South Carolina State University students killed during segregation protest in Orangeburg, SC.

1960 A bomb explodes at the home of Carlotta Walls, youngest of nine black students who integrated Central High School in Little Rock, AK.

16

4

5

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1956 Autherine Lucy, first black student admitted to University of Alabama, attends classes after white students and residents riot in protest.

1913 Mother of Civil Rights Movement, Rosa Parks born .

1934 Baseball player Hank Aaron born.

1867 Robert Tanner Jackson becomes first Black to receive degree in dentistry.

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1990 Nelson Mandela released from prison after 27 years in South Africa.

1901 After having rejected it in 1865, Delaware ratifies Thirteenth Amendment, which abolishes slavery.

1909 NAACP founded in NYC.

1909 Negro Baseball League established.

1867 Augusta Institute, later Morehouse College, opened in Atlanta.

1804 New Jersey passes gradual emancipation act, becoming the last northern state to abolish slavery.

17

18 President’s Day

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1902 Marion Anderson, internationally acclaimed opera singer born.

1965 Jimmie Lee Jackson, a 26-yearold black man, is shot by a white officer after police attack a peaceful civil rights protest in Marion, Alabama.

He dies 8 days later.

1909 Frederick Douglas dies.

1965 Malcolm X assassinated in New York.

24

25

26

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1865 Kentucky refuses to ratify Thirteenth abolishing slavery; does so in 1976.

1853 First Black YMCA organized in Washington, DC

2012 Trayvon Martin, 17-year-old black boy, is killed in Sanford, Florida; police arrest shooter George Zimmerman only after national outcry against Stand Your Ground law.

1988 Debi Thomas becomes first Black to win Olympic figure skating medal.

1942 Mob of more than 1000 white people riot outside Detroit public housing project to prevent black families from moving in.

1984 Michael Jack wins 8 Grammys.

2005 Tyler Perry’s first movie, Diary of a Mad Black Women released.

Sat

1

3

1963 Basketball legend Michael Jordan born.

7

Fri

23 1868 Dr. W.E.B. Dubois, activist scholar and author of The Souls of Black Folk, born.

1960 Alabama Governor John Patterson warns Alabama State University students that someone will likely be killed if student continue demonstrations against segregation.

Government

The President’s Plan to Reduce Gun Violence

O

ur nation has suffered too much at the hands of dangerous people who use guns to commit horrific acts of violence. As President Obama said following the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, “We won’t be able to stop every violent act, but if there is even one thing that we can do to prevent any of

there are common-sense steps we can take right now.

While no law or set of laws will end gun violence, it is clear that the American people want action. If even one child’s life can be saved, then we need to act. Now is the time to do the right thing for our children, our communities, and the country we love.

put forward a specific plan to protect out children and communities by reducing gun violence. The plan combines executive actions and calls for legislative action that would help keep guns out of the wrong hands, ban assault and high-capacity magazines, make our schools safer, and increase access to mental health services.

Require background checks for all gun sales

President Barack Obama attends a Sandy Hook interfaith vigil at Newtown High School in Newtown, Conn., Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) these events, we have a deep obligation, all of us, to try.”

Most gun owners are responsible and law-abiding, and they use their guns safely. The President strongly believes that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual right to bear arms. But to better protect our children and our communities from tragic mass shootings like those in Newtown, Aurora, Oak Creek, and Tucson,

Five days after the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary (December 14, 2012), President Obama announced that Vice President Biden would lead an effort to develop a set of concrete policy proposals for reducing gun violence, due no later than January.

On January 15, 2013, Vice President Biden delivered his policy proposals to President Obama.

On Januray 16, 2013, the President

The single most important thing we can do to prevent gun violence and mass shootings is to make sure those who would commit acts of violence cannot get access to guns. Right now, federally licensed firearms dealers are required to run background checks on those buying guns, but studies estimate that nearly 40 percent of all gun sales are made by private sellers who are exempt from this requirement.

A national survey of inmates found that only 12% of those who used a handgun in a crime acquired it from a retail store or pawn shop, where a background check should have been run.

Congress should pass legislation that goes beyond closing the “gun show loophole” to require background checks for all firearm sales, with limited, common-sense exceptions for cases like certain transfers between family members and temporary transfers for hunting and sporting purposes.

Strengthen the background check system for gun sales The background check system is highly efficient and effective; during its 14 years in existence, the see Reduce Gun Violence on page 15

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Government

Reduce Gun Violence from page 14

system has helped keep more than 1.5 million guns out of the wrong hands. But we must do a better job ensuring the background check system has access to complete data about potentially dangerous individuals.

For example, although the number of mental health records available to the system has increased by 800 percent since 2004, a recent report by the Government Accountability Office found that there are still 17 states that have made fewer than 10 mental health records available to the background check system.

We need to make sure states and federal agencies are making available reliable information on those prohibited from having guns to the background check system.

Pass a new, stronger ban on assault weapons The shooters in Aurora and Newtown used the type of semiautomatic rifles that were the target of the assault weapons ban that was in place from 1994 to 2004. That ban was an important step, but manufacturers were able to circumvent the prohibition with cosmetic modifications to their weapons. Congress must reinstate and strengthen the prohibition on assault weapons.

Limit ammunition magazines to 10 rounds The case for prohibiting highcapacity magazines has been proven over and over; the shooters at Virginia Tech, Tucson, Aurora, Oak Creek, and Newtown all used magazines holding more than 10 rounds, which would have been prohibited under the 1994 law.

These magazines enable any semiautomatic weapon to be used as an instrument of mass violence, yet they are once again legal and

now come standard with many handguns and rifles. Congress needs to reinstate the prohibition on magazines holding more than 10 rounds.

other research agencies to conduct research into the causes and prevention of gun violence, and the CDC is announcing that they will begin this research.

Finish the job of getting armorpiercing bullets off the streets

Make our schools safer with new resource officers and counselors, better emergency response plans, and more nurturing school climates

It is already illegal to manufacture and import armor-piercing ammunition except for military or law enforcement use. But it is generally still not illegal to possess or transfer this dangerous ammunition.

Congress should finish the job of protecting law enforcement and the public by banning the possession of armor-piercing ammunition by, and its transfer to, anyone other than the military and law enforcement.

Give law enforcement additional tools to prevent and prosecute gun crime In order to prevent and respond to gun violence, we must give law enforcement every tool they need to keep us safe. That includes passing stronger laws to stop those who would put guns into the hands of criminals, keeping 15,000 cops on the street, and eliminating restrictions that keep federal law enforcement from doing its job.

End the freeze on gun violence research There are approximately 30,000 firearm-related homicides and suicides a year, a number large enough to make clear this is a public health crisis. But for years, the Centers for Disease Control and other scientific agencies have been barred by Congress from using funds to “advocate or promote gun control,” and some members of Congress have claimed this prohibition also bans the CDC from conducting any research on the causes of gun violence. However, research on gun violence is not advocacy. The President is directing the CDC and

The Administration is calling on Congress to help schools hire up to 1,000 more school resource officers, school psychologists, social workers, and counselors, as well as make other investments in school safety. We also need to make sure every school has a comprehensive emergency management plan so they are prepared to respond to situations like mass shootings. In addition, the Administration is proposing to help 8,000 schools put in place proven strategies to prevent violence and improve school climate by reducing bullying, drug abuse, violence, and other problem behaviors.

Ensure quality coverage of mental health treatment, particularly for young people Though the vast majority of Americans with a mental illness are not violent, we need to do more to identify mental health issues early and help individuals get the treatment they need before dangerous situations develop. As President Obama has said, “We are going to need to work on making access to mental health care as easy as access to a gun.” The Administration is proposing steps to identify mental health issues early and help individuals get the treatment they need before these dangerous situations develop.  www.whitehouse.gov/issues/ preventing-gun-violence #NowIsTheTime Wh.gov/now-is-the-time

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R

epublicans and Democrats in the House of Representatives joined the Senate in passing the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. That means middle-class families won’t see an increase in their income tax rates.

We’ve avoided the fiscal cliff.

President Obama has signed the legislation.

The president describes the agreement as, “one step in the broader effort to strengthen our economy and broaden opportunity for everybody.”

“Under this law, more than 98% of Americans and 97% of small businesses will not see their income taxes go up,” he said. “Millions of families will continue to receive tax credits to help raise their kids and send them to college.

Companies will continue to receive tax credits for the research that they do, the investments they make, and the clean energy jobs that they create. And 2 million Americans who are out of work but out there looking, pounding the pavement every day, are going to continue to receive unemployment benefits as long as they’re actively looking for a job.”

We know that that a lot of people have questions about the deal, so we’ve pulled together some of the most important facts.

Shown at the left are the seven things you need to know.

To learn more about this agreement and what comes next, be sure to watch President Obama’s full remarks (www.youtube.com/ watch?v=JPRWugIbNlw) and check out our White Board chat (using the link below), explaining what the new agreement to extend tax cuts for the middle class means for the economy and how it met President Obama’s key economic priorities.  www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2013/01/02/seventhings-you-need-know-about-tax-deal 18  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Government

Assuring Consumers Have Access to Mortgages They can Trust

By Richard Cordray

I

n January, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued the Ability-toRepay rule. It’s designed to assure the reliability of mortgages – making sure that lenders offer mortgages that consumers can actually afford to pay back. This is a simple, obvious principle that needs to be cemented in the housing market.

In the run-up to the financial crisis, we had a housing market that was reckless about lending money. Lenders thought they could make money on a loan even if the consumer could not pay back that loan, either by banking on rising housing prices or by off-loading the mortgage into the secondary market.

This encouraged broad indifference to the ability of many consumers to repay loans, which dramatically increased mortgage delinquencies and rates of foreclosures.

CFPB heard from Henry, who was in the process of foreclosure.

He was desperate. A lender had sold him a mortgage valued at more than half a million dollars. This was far more than he could afford on his annual salary of less than $50,000.

He said he’d assumed that the lender knew what it was doing when he qualified for such a large loan.

He’s now worried not only about losing his home, but about losing his family’s entire future.

Henry is not alone. Unaffordable loans helped cause the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. People across the country were sold unsustainable mortgages. Some may have entered with their eyes open but many were led astray. For many borrowers, it appears that lenders

ignored the numbers to get the loan approved. This kind of reckless lending was an endemic problem.

To put it simply: lenders should not set up consumers to fail.

The 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act created broadbased changes to how creditors make loans including new abilityto-repay standards, which we are charged with implementing. Among the features of our new Ability-toRepay rule: • Potential borrowers have to supply financial information, and lenders must verify it; • To qualify for a particular loan, a consumer has to have sufficient assets or income to pay back the loan; and • Lenders will have to determine the consumer’s ability to repay both the principal and the interest over the long term − not just during an introductory period when the rate may be lower.

In addition to the Ability-to-Repay rule, CFPB has issued a proposal for potential adjustments: • First, a proposed exemption for designated non-profit creditors and homeownership stabilization programs, as well as certain Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Federal agency refinancing programs.

These programs generally appear to be already subject to their own specialized underwriting criteria, and they are designed to help consumers refinance into a more affordable home loan.

• Second, a proposed a new category for certain loans made and held in portfolio

by small creditors, such as small community banks and credit unions, called “Qualified Mortgages.”

Qualified Mortgages are a category of loans where borrowers would be the most protected. They, among other things, cannot have certain risky features like negativeamortization, where the amount owed actually increases for some period because the borrower does not even pay the interest and the unpaid interest gets added to the amount borrowed.

In the wake of the financial crisis, credit is achingly tight. Interest rates are low, but it is hard to qualify for a home mortgage. As the American mortgage market ebbs and flows, we have the duty to protect responsible lending in the housing market for borrowers, lenders, and everyone else who is engaged in the economic life of our country. We have been working hard to do just that.

Consumers should be able to trust the American dream of homeownership without worrying about losing the roofs over their heads and the shirts off their backs. The Ability-to-Repay rule will help ensure that lenders and consumers share the same basic financial incentives – that both of them win when borrowers can afford their loans. With this confidence, consumers can be active participants in the market and choose which of a wide variety of products they believe is best for them.  www.consumerfinance.gov/blog/ assuring-consumers-have-access-tomortgages-they-can-trust

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Government

T

he U.S. Commerce Department’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Healthcare Supplier Diversity Alliance (HSDA) that establishes guidelines for a working relationship aimed at opening doors to the healthcare industry for minority-owned firms.

The MOU, signed during the National Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week Conference on December 5-6, 2012, will increase access to healthcare procurement opportunities for minority-owned businesses that currently provide goods and services to treat patients, assemble medical equipment

MBDA Establishes Partnership with Alliance of Healthcare Stakeholders to Expand Opportunities for MinorityOwned Firms

that seek to enter the healthcare supply chain.

Some of the major provisions of the agreement include MBDA client participation in HSDA’s Executive Healthcare Certificate Program facilitated in partnership with Rutgers University’s Center for Management Development and Novation. MBDA clients will also be invited to attend the annual Owens & Minor Supplier D i v e r s i t y Symposium to network with healthcare supply chain executives and procurement (l to r) Kevin J. Price, HSDA Board Treasurer; Martin decision makers.

Ezemma, MBDA Business Development Specialist; “This partnership David A. Hinson, MBDA National Director. is an example of the commitment by the Obama Administration, the Commerce Department and MBDA to create greater access for minority-owned firms in emerging and high-growth The (l to r) Beverly Kuykendall, HSDA Board of Directors; sectors. medical sector is Kevin J. Price, HSDA Board Treasurer; David A. one of the world’s Hinson, MBDA National Director. largest and fastest and supplies, and manufacture growing industries that is leading the medicines and new biotechnologies. way in job creation,” said David A. The partnership will also create a Hinson, MBDA National Director.

The Healthcare Supplier Diversity pathway for minority-owned firms

Alliance was formally established in 2003 to improve supplier diversity in healthcare. HSDA is comprised of industry executives who promote diversity in the healthcare supply chain, implement best practices and partner with like-minded allies. “In the midst of our economic challenges, three industry sectors fared better than others – transportation, energy and healthcare,” states Kevin J. Price, HSDA Board Treasurer. “Supplier diversity is gaining visibility as a business imperative in the healthcare industry, particularly in highly competitive markets.

HSDA is a catalyst for encouraging diversity in the healthcare supply chain process and we are excited about furthering our efforts with the addition of our new relationship with MBDA.” Healthcare is a $2.5 trillion dollar industry that has steadily increased spending at an average annual rate of 4% since 1960. It also represents one of the top industry sectors for minority-owned businesses with over 13% of all minority firms concentrated in Healthcare and Social Assistance.

To learn more about HSDA and MBDA alliance, visit www.mbda. gov. 

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Government

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he U.S. Commerce Department’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and the ExportImport Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) announced a Global Outreach Alliance during the National Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week Conference on December 6, 2012.

Both agencies aim to leverage their collective capabilities and resources to promote global projects that increase the opportunities for minorityowned business (MBEs) to export U.S. goods and services and increase the participation of minority-owned businesses in Ex-Im Bank’s f i n a n c i n g programs.

The Global Outreach Alliance between MBDA and Ex-Im Bank will seek to increase access to capital for minority-owned firms and encourage the participation of minority-owned businesses in international commerce that ultimately will lead to job creation in America.

“For the clients of MBDA, this partnership means that our network of MBDA Business Centers will have a new portfolio of financial

MBDA and Ex-Im Bank Partner to Increase Export Financing for Minority-Owned Businesses

resources to support their expansion into global markets,” said David Hinson, MBDA National Director. “So worries like fulfilling export orders, getting paid, and even extending credit to buyers are alleviated. We look forward to working with Export-Import Bank and helping more minority-owned firms turn export opportunities into real sales that help to maintain and create U.S. jobs.”

percent this year – a new record.”

For decades, MBDA has supported expanded trade through minority-owned and operated businesses recognizing that minority-owned firms have the most favorable export attributes of any sector of the U.S. economy. With President Obama’s launch of the National Export Initiative (NEI), the focus on minority exporters and their ability to support domestic job growth has taken on added importance. As such, MBDA is ramping up its expertise, programs, services and network of partners to www.exim.gov unleash the export potential of this untapped sector.

More than “This important agreement 85% of Ex-Im Bank’s transactions formalizes our inter-agency in recent years have been made partnership for substantially available for the direct benefit of supporting minority entrepreneurs, U.S. small businesses.

During and helps undergird more jobs this past fiscal year, Ex-Im Bank for Americans,” said Ex-Im Bank authorized a historic high of $838 Chairman and President Fred P. million to support exports by 685 Hochberg. “Here at Ex-Im we work U.S. small and medium-sized especially hard to provide help to businesses owned by minorities or women- and minority-owned small women. business exporters, which is why To learn more about MBDA, ExI’m pleased to report that group is Im Bank and the Global Outreach one of our fastest growing market Alliance please visit www.mbda. segments, with loans up almost 17 gov and www.exim.gov. 

22  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Government

U.S. Department of Commerce Trade Show Announcements

COLLECTION PREMIERE MOSCOW (CPM) INTERNATIONAL FASHION TRADE SHOW www.cpm.moscow.com February 26 - March 1, 2013, Expocentre Moscow, Russia, Contact: kim-bang.nguyen@trade. gov Paris Book Fair, March 22-25, 2013 (Friday to Monday) We are offering three options: 1.

Exhibit at Paris Book Fair 2013, 2.

Exhibitor and Catalogue Show, 3.

Rights Center. During the show, we will have a partnership with a local bookstore. We will also organize roundtables with local associations & bookstore keepers as well as a get-together. Our role is to promote U.S. titles and publishers to the international audience that attends the Paris Book Fair.

If interested please contact Valerie Ferriere at Valerie.Ferriere@trade. gov.

Also contact: Bobby Hines, bobby.hines@trade.gov 213-894-4231 FAX: 213-894-8789 Cell: 213-276-3675 444 S. Flower St, 37th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90071

2013 Book World Prague The U.S. Commerce Department is pleased to offer an opportunity to exhibit titles in our second U.S. Pavilion at the Book World Prague event, which takes place May 16-19, 2013. The U.S. Commerce Department will help you gain exposure in the market and match your titles with interested publishers.

A nation of avid readers, the Czech Republic ranks among the world’s top countries in terms of the number of titles published annually per capita. Translations account to more than one third of the total Czech book production, and its share continues rising, ranking Czechs among the world’s top consumers of translated texts.

Best prospects for U.S. publishers in the Czech market include: Contemporary American literature Documentaries, arts and life style Comic books University presses Children’s book series for ages 9-11

Travel & tourism Social & human sciences Educational books Art and design Family & child rearing

We are offering this opportunity to exhibit at Book World Prague for as little as $100 but space is limited. Each publisher can showcase up to five titles, and we can only accept books from publishers, not authors. The deadline to register for this event is March 16 and our office must have the catalogs in hand by May 1. Preference will be given to titles in the genres previously stated. If you wish to showcase more than five titles, we will charge additional $20/title.

By exhibiting titles in the Prague Book Fair Catalog Show, you will receive: · Inclusion in the Prague Book Fair catalogue show · Targeted list of contacts · Online promotion through our U.S. Embassy website · Post-show follow-up and trade leads provided to U.S. participants

All titles are subject to prior review before acceptance to ensure that they will be the best fit for the market. After we have accepted your participation we will provide our mailing address.

You will be able to send the titles by APO mail at domestic shipping rates, which takes 2-3 weeks to get to Prague.

For more information or questions on the Book World Prague please contact Suzette Nickle, Senior International Trade Specialist, at Suzette.Nickle@trade.gov or 303-8446623x216 or Jana Ruckerova in Prague at Jana.Ruckerova@ trade.gov. We look forward to helping you increase sales in the Czech market!

To register: http://export.gov/czechrepublic/forms/ bookworldprague/index.asp Note: When registering, please list the five titles, including the author, name of the title and year published.

23  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Government

DOD to Quadruple Renewable Energy Installations By Kirsten Korosec

T

he U.S. Department of Defense is the largest single consumer of energy in the world, gobbling up 3.8 billion kilowatt hours of electricity and 120 million barrels of oil per year. It’s an expensive habit, costing the agency some $20 billion a year.

So, it makes sense that the DOD, which often has to buy fossil fuel from countries hostile to U.S. interests, would look to other sources for energy. Today, the U.S. military has about 80 megawatts of installed renewable energy capacity. That figure is forecast to grow more than four-fold to 3,200 MW by 2025, according to a report released recently by Pike Research (www.pikeresearch.com/

research/renewable-energy-formilitary-applications).

The DOD has particularly ambitious plans to increase its use of renewable energy. The Army, Navy and Air Force have each established targets of 1 gigawatt of installed renewable energy capacity by 2025 and the DOD has a goal for renewable energy to comprise 25 percent of all energy it produces or buys by 2025.

The research firm predicts U.S. military spending on renewable energy programs, including conversation measures, will reach almost $1.8 billion in 2025. It’s an effort that has the potential to not only transform the production.

consumption and transport of fuel and energy within the military, but to make the DOD one of the most important drivers of cleantech in the United States, said research analyst Dexter Gauntlett.

Pike Research, in fact, tackled the very subject of the U.S. military as a sort of cleantech savior more than a year ago (www. smartplanet.com/blog/intelligentenergy/cleantech-savior-usmilitary-to-spend-10b-annually-by2030/9593?tag=search-river).  www.smartplanet.com/blog/bulletin/ dod-to-quadruple-renewableenergy-installations/11481?tag=nl. e660&s_cid=e660

24  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Government

Astronaut-Transporting ‘Dream Chaser’ Spacecraft Preps for First Test Flights

By Jason Paur

T

he Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Dream Chaser spacecraft is being prepared for its first test flights as part of NASA’s commercial space program, and it’s a design that wouldn’t look out of place on a poster stuck to a 10-year-old’s wall.

The Dream Chaser is one of three vehicles competing for NASA contracts to replace the space shuttle orbiters for transporting astronauts to the International Space Station and elsewhere in low Earth orbit. Unlike its capsule competitors from Boeing and SpaceX, the Dream Chaser is a flying, lifting body design that could land on a runway, much closer in concept to the orbiters that were retired in 2011.

Sierra Nevada announced that it will be partnering with

were made. The company is no stranger to the current commercial space programs as it builds the Atlas V rocket (in a joint venture with Boeing) to be used by the Dream Chaser as well as Boeing’s CST-100 spacecraft.

Sierra Nevada says the first Dream Chaser spacecraft is currently bring prepared for transport at the company’s facility in Colorado. In the next few weeks SNC expects to transport the vehicle to Edwards Air Force Base in California’s Mojave Desert where flight testing will take place.

The Dream Chaser will be dropped from a helicopter at Image: Sierra Nevada Corporation 12,000 feet and and is expected to reach speeds of around 300 veteran space vehicle maker and knots (345 mph) before landing at aerospace juggernaut Lockheed a touchdown speed of around 180 Martin to build the second Dream knots (207 mph). For the initial Chaser vehicle. The two companies test flights, the Dream Chaser will will also collaborate on ongoing glide to the ground autonomously parts of NASA’s commercial crew without a pilot. The glide flights are program, which is currently in the scheduled to begin within the next Certification Products Contract two months and Sierra Nevada phase. Sierra Nevada, SpaceX and says the flight test vehicle will make Boeing are developing versions of just a few flights to gather the data their space vehicles that will meet necessary to further refine the flight NASA certification for safety and characteristics of the design. performance.

The second Dream Chaser – built “The SNC team is thrilled that

by Lockheed Martin – will be the Lockheed Martin will be joining vehicle used for sub-orbital flight our expanding world-class team of testing that the company hopes will partner organizations,” said Mark begin in the next two years. NASA Sirangelo, head of Sierra Nevada’s is expected announce at least two space system group. companies to fly astronauts to low Lockheed Martin will build the earth orbit by 2017. next Dream Chaser at the facility www.wired.com/autopia/2013/02/ in Michaud, Louisiana where the dream-chaser-spaceship external tanks for the space shuttles

25  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Choose to care.

Choose to celebrate.

Choose to dream.

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

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Entertainment

Country Soul Star Petrella Kicks off Black History Month “WORKIN’ IN THE USA”

By Linda Ware

S

he’s been called the Tina Turner of Country throughout her career.

She has managed to create her own identity with fans from all races packing her live appearances in awe of her multi talented gifts as a singer, songwriter, dancer, and downright

buzz amongst radio stations and fans across America. Petrella has officially released her latest hit single “WORKIN’ IN THE USA”, a hot country rock track that lyrically celebrates the power of the working class in America , the land of opportunity. Top industry producers

Nominated Country Videographer, KC Amos. The single is currently launched to kick off Black History Month .

The high energy multicultural music video for the single was recently produced on location in Los Angeles, California and directed by

Country Western Performer Petrella.

gifted entertainer. Country Music Star, Petrella, is celebrating the kick off of Black History Month in a major way that is truly creating

are uniting around her in support of the new country release including Michael Jackson’s Music Director, Kevin Dorsey and Grammy

Grammy nominated country music videographer KC Amos, the son of TV/Film Star, John Amos, with

28  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

see Petrella on page 29

Entertainment

Petrella

America. From a milkman to an accountant to a group of cheering from page 28 students, “WORKIN’ IN THE USA” is a musical/visual testament that celebrity cameos including Boyz celebrates the prosperity and II Men’s Producer, Elgin Zerick, hope of living the American dream and a host of celebrated actors through freedom of choice in the portraying characters that represent land of opportunity. the careers of the working class of As the queen of Country Soul,

Petrella has proven herself to be a true trailblazer in country music with her first album nominated for Album of the Year by the Nashville tracker magazine and her single “Blues Stay Away” soaring to the #1 position in rank by Cashbox magazine. 

www.usps.com/ship/express-mail.htm

29  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Entrepreneurs

New Book Reveals Simple Secrets for E-Business Success

by Kanya Stewart, publicist

A

s e-commerce continues to outgrow all other U.S. economic activity (the U.S. Census Bureau), threetime author and IT expert, K.L. Graham is providing business owners with a simple, and lessstressful, solution for attaining and maintaining e-business success with the release of her acclaimed book: “E-Business Success: Using Technology to Take Your Business to the Next Level.”

“With the rapid changes in technology we all need a guide.

Graham’s book will help you sort through the critical issues and offer you a road map for success. Don’t just read the book use it!”

K. L. Graham said awardwinning, smallbusiness coach Andrew Morrison, president/CEO of the Small Business Camp.

“E-Business Success” features something for every type of business owner. Through providing basic principles, best practices, tips to remember and real-world examples, Graham’s words enable readers to create an e-business structure that operates effectively and efficiently 24/7.

In layman’s terms, Graham uses her 15 years of experience as a certified webmaster and a small business owner to teach

proprietors how to improve the profitability of their e-businesses from A to Z. Featured topics include: streamlining business processes, delegating responsibility, search engine optimization and e-marketing strategies.

The book also teaches business owners how to avoid failed mobile sites, select the right domain names and webmasters, and how to go green by creating a paperless office.

“Your e-business is not going to work itself; you have to make it work for you. It’s not just about creating an effectual website, but it is also about what you are going to do when you achieve the desired traffic for your business,” Graham said.

“E-business Success” also provides instruction on building a website on a shoestring-budget, how to make your website “sticky,” and how to win a potential customer’s attention in just three clicks of a mouse.

According to Graham, the 106page book is being offered at an affordable $10.99 to ensure all business owners, and those aspiring to delve into e-business, can obtain access to the wealth of knowledge presented in the book.

“E-business Success” is available at Amazon.com, createspace. com and ebusinesssuccessbook. com. It will debut in e-book format on Kindle in 2013 and is already receiving raved reviews from business owners around the country.

“This book has a great balance between both the technical and

the people side of running a small business. I found many helpful tidbits that were practical and easy to understand. I’d recommend this guide for anyone wanting to find affordable ways to use technology to start a new business or enhance an existing one,” said Jacquetta Cook, MBA, freelance consultant.

Over the course of her career in information technology, Graham has helped hundreds of business owners successfully setup and maintain their company’s web presence. In the book, she reveals strategies that have brought success to her own business and have impacted her clients beyond the virtual realm. These include: work-family balance, how to keep personal space separate from business space when working from home, and business ethics.

“Most importantly, do not get so caught up in your business that life not only passes you by, but you do not take time to relax and do things you enjoy.

For more information visit: www. ebusinesssuccessbook.com. 

32  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

You are invited to the following event: Opportunity Summit: Diversity & Fairness in the Financial Services Sector

Tuesday, March 5, 2013 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM (EST) The National Press Club 529 14th St NW Washington, DC 20045 Join us for this exciting summit with leaders in the private and public sectors to share successful strategies and identify persistent challenges to increase both workforce and supplier diversity. We hope you can make it!

Sincerely, The Greenlining Institute www.eventbrite.com/org/3151485046 

BLACK MEETINGS & TOURISM DIGITAL MAGAZINE

City of Los Angeles Business Inclusion Program The City of Los Angeles is striving to increase the participation of small, emerging, veteran, women and minorityowned 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

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 African-American travel market. 

35  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Entrepreneurs

10 Tech Moguls to Watch in 2013

by Lauren DeLisa Coleman

M

yth-busting has never been TheGrio highlights the top an easy task, particularly 10 Blacks in technology, so when it seems that the keep an eye out for these latest game in business is feigning tech execs throughout the that excellent people of color do year: not exist in a particular industry.

Malik S. Ducard is the Director of Content Partnerships at Google where he is in charge of premium film, TV and new media partnerships for YouTube. Prior to joining YouTube, he served as senior vice president of digital distribution for the Americas at Paramount Pictures and oversaw the distribution of films to online, mobile and digital platforms including iTunes, XBox, Netflix, and a range of mobile, online and device technology partners. A native of the Bronx, N.Y., Malik earned his B.A. in Film and African-American Studies in 1995 from Columbia University and his MBA in 2000 from the University of California, Los Angeles, Anderson School of Management.

The resulting excuse for their absence is that, therefore, they cannot be included. Is this belief a very convenient way to guard the ranks in order to generate greater prosperity for the insiders — or just a sad side effect of the all-too-small social circles of the business elite?

Regardless of its origins, we must begin to move quickly past this prevalent phenomenon, particularly in the area of technology, because in that sector diversity truly offers the very best advantage in the form of ideas and creativity.

This is important to the very growth of the technology industry’s development, which is critical to the economic expansion of our country.

There are many interesting and intelligent people of color contributing in a number of ways within the tech space, although to look at most magazine articles and industry panels, one would not know it.

A prime example is a

Will Lucas is one of the few young African-American TEDx organizers in the United States, running TEDxToledo. As founder and CEO of Classbag, an online lifestyle resource directory, his passion for curating his own TEDx event developed out of a desire to help inspire his midwestern town, renowned for its manufacturing and automotive industries, to take advantage of the rapid growth in STEM-based opportunities. recent selection of panelists for an important conference that started out with an all-male line up of 22 speakers — none black, by the way — at an upcoming tech-related super-event called the Edge Conference. The event is sponsored by FinancialTimes Labs, Google and Facebook. A firestorm of commentary quickly developed in the tech world see 10 Tech Moguls on page 37

36  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Entrepreneurs

10 Tech Moguls from page 36

Glennette Clark is the founder Smarter Experiences, an event partnership company.

Smarter Experiences produces the always sold-out UXCamp and MobileUX Camp in Washington, D.C. She uses her years of experience in the user experience and web design realms to help other professionals connect, collaborate and share through the Camps. She is an unwavering advocate for increasing the number of minorities in tech startups and has appeared on stage at the prestigious SXSW festival. Biggest achievement to date? “Knowing that an UXCamper met someone at the event who offered him a job. He took the job and now he is a UX (user experience) Director at one of the hottest tech companies in the world,” exclaimed Clark.

Passionate about emerging technology and diversity, Erin Horne Montgomery serves as the president and executive director of the National Association of Multicultural D i g i t a l Entrepreneurs (NAMDE). She is also a graduate researcher at Howard University studying the participation of women and minority entrepreneurs in the innovation economy. Mrs. Horne Montgomery has nearly two decades of non-profit management, telecommunications policy, and marketing communications experience as an award-winning professional in various areas of the media industry.

Jill Ford is a San Francisco Bay Area-based business development executive and angel investor who is transforming a variety of industries with strategies forged in mobile gaming. As Good Technology’s new VP, Jill is spearheading the next generation of Good Technology’s consumer business.

Her experience includes heading Disney Mobile’s worldwide distribution to mobile manufacturers and running Motorola’s global games usage. Jill has guided the gaming experiences of over 100 million consumers and continues to be the mastermind behind the launch of compelling mobile experiences. A global citizen, Jill ran a company in Ghana that discovered, developed, and funded new entrepreneurs in Accra and has traveled to more than 15 countries as a business woman, adventurer, or swing dancer. Jill combines a Wharton MBA in Finance and Entrepreneurial Management with a technical background through work as a technology consultant and architect for Trilogy. She has a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Harvard University.

between those who believe the organizers are completely oblivious to the importance of including diverse perspectives and those that feel that the organizers are well within their rights to pick who they see as “the best.”

Criticizing the methodology used in selecting the speakers rather than promoting quotas, a blog post by tech developer and designer Aral Balkan was a particularly important and a thoughtful part of the analysis simmering over the issue. He urged his fellow white male technology insiders not to see diversity as a burden, but as a tool of perspective expansion.

Yet, no matter how well-meaning some input on the controversy has been, perhaps the most unfortunate part of the Edge embroilment is that most of the discussion has taken place between white males. It might strike some as ironic that they are actually deciding if diversity matters see 10 Tech Moguls on page 38

37  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Entrepreneurs

10 Tech Moguls from page 37

among themselves. Therein lies the crux of the problem today. This situation demonstrates the social hierarchy of ethnicity currently in place in the tech sector, because it is still white men deciding who get to determine what is valid and why.

In addition, the Edge conference has caused outrage among many women (and their supporters) who are also facing the issue of being As cofounder and the C h i e f Strategic Officer at Roscoe L a b s , Katrina M i l e s lives a fast-paced day, every day. Roscoe.tv is a mobile television news app designed to bring casual and professional reporters together, on the same platform, to report and distribute local news. Leveraging the low ratings that traditional televised news programs are experiencing, Miles is making certain that additional perspectives are offered. “Ultimately, I believe Roscoe.tv will cause us to redefine what it means to be a casual or professional journalist, and hopefully, change the way we communicate and use technology,” stated Miles. excluded from playing in the digital sandbox.

All too often either type of “outsider” can be eclipsed by a sandstorm of discouragement, get elbowed out of the way, or simply be ignored while hearing that there is no need for you on the playground, when in

Having played a large part in contributing to the global growth of hip-hop culture as “Play” of the beloved rap duo Kid ‘N Play, Chris Martin is on the come up as a formidable content producer in the digital space. Martin uses technology to provide and bring attention to important information and positive news that he feels is under-represented. “I really want to champion the education community and continue to be an advocate for higher learning through the best of both worlds — positive hip-hop and advanced technology,” he explained. “I present news and documentaries with Brand Newz… on AllHipHop.com.” reality you just are not seen. This to diversity. Unfortunately, many creates a dangerous new “invisible conferences and events are locked man” (and/or woman) effect, to steal in before the organizers notice a phrase from African-American it is lacking women and Africannovelist Ralph Ellison who first American speakers. I can’t tell chronicled the pain of the minority you how many times conference experience.

Why do Shaun Evans is leaders in the CEO of OMBO which is the tech Apps, becoming one of sector and hottest in the press Atlanta’s companies continue to tech ready to take on the say “they mobile industry.

His can’t find any” of us start-up company cuttingwhen the time develops edge mobile comes for showcasing a p p l i c a t i o n s the b l e e d i n g targeting African-American edge thinkers and doers market. Shaun is a with visibility? game changer with “ F i r s t , one hit already under his belt, Urban Gossip FREE, o r g a n i z e r s the No. 1 black celebrity news app for iPhone and of these tech Android mobile devices. OMBO aims to disrupt the events need app ecosystem by creating an app network targeting to consider African-American consumers, who are leading the diversity while mobile revolution. planning their speaker schedules,” Sibyl Edwards, president of D.C. Web Women, explained to theGrio. “Planning ahead will give them time to find and secure people of color for key speaking slots and panels — and not only those panels pertaining

organizers reached out to me just days before the conference asking for a recommendation for a woman or African-American to speak at their event. Diversity is treated as an afterthought. see Entrepreneur of the Year on page 39

38  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Entrepreneurs

10 Tech Moguls from page 38

“Another problem: in an attempt at diversity, event [and] conference organizers keep drawing from the same well,” she continued. “That is why you see the same small

American inclusion. We agree with Edwards — this must change.

Potential industry rock stars need visibility as a vital part of the equation that drives their brand.

Having a voice is key, particularly at tech industry events and in the press. Still, in 2013, is the “M.I.A.”

Jon Gosier is a tech entrepreneur and the founder of big-data startup MetaLayer, which provides corporate data-analysis and visualization solutions. He is also the founder of Appfrica, a technology consultancy based in East Africa. In 2012 MetaLayer was honored by winning the Audience Choice Award for best start-up at Strata, the world’s preeminent data conference, where he also gave a keynote speech.

Jon has been invited to speak at TED conferences many times about his work in Africa, and will be speaking at the upcoming TEDxOrlando. Not content with his own successes, Jon also hosts a weekly podcast that offers advice to first-time minority entrepreneurs, GosTalk.tv. handful of African-American techies speaking at various events over and over and over again. There is no attempt at finding fresher voices. A huge part of the problem is the fact that many of the thought leaders in the tech community are not in contact with many AfricanAmericans in tech. Whether that is by choice or due to external factors is up for debate, but I have attended a number of tech events, and I will say that most of them have few people of color in attendance. This simply needs to change.”

Indeed, Edwards’ observations about tech sector events could easily be applied to radio and television appearances, print articles and more regarding African-

factor for people of color in tech — whether it is participating on panels or attending conferences — is a big issue. Let’s begin to change this disparity right now with this article, which will help out the next time the women and people of color need to fuel diversity can be found.

Here are 10 people to watch in the digital space that we bet the mainstream tech community has overlooked. Hip, bright, innovative, provocative – and now made even more visible. Yes, there are cutting edge people of color and women in tech. Spread the word… 

Khisaun Ferguson is a real estate exe- turned-tech founder of the software company Dwllr (dweller). Dwllr is a “tech cocktail” of Google, Amazon, and Salesforce which help consumers and real estate professionals buy and sell real estate online. Dwllr was selected as one of the seven companies to participate in the NewMe Accelerator, a residential tech accelerator for minority-led start-ups presented by Google, Andreessen Horowitz, Tagged and other corporate sponsors. convergence of Gen X, Y with hip tech platforms, and the author of the new e-book, Rise of the Smart Power Class. Follow her on Twitter at @mediaempress. www.blackenterprise.com/ technology/tech-moguls-towatch-2013

Lauren DeLisa Coleman is part of the new technorati-to-watch.

She is a mobile strategy specialist and analyst specializing in the

39  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Business

Intel, GE Upgrade Remote Healthcare Offerings

By Andrew Nusca

Technology upgrades may lead to new business opportunities.

The relatively new joint venture, Intel-GE Care Innovations, has announced a few new updates to its work in remote healthcare management.

The first is the introduction of an informative website — it calls it a “briefing center” (www. remotecarebriefingcenter.com)— intended to help health plan representatives learn about remote care management and how it can benefit them. It was developed

in partnership with Healthcare Payer News and seeks to guide people through the process of implementing remote care.

The second is an upgrade to its Innovations Guide (www. careinnovations.com/products/ guide-disease-management) remote care management platform that includes improved response time, video conferencing, set up for home installations and decommissioning for when patients leave the remote care program.

With healthcare costs growing to ever-dizzying heights in the U.S., remote care management is seen as

one solution to relieve the financial pressure. It’s also seen as a better alternative for chronic disease treatment and care for elderly patients who need observation but perhaps don’t need to make the trip to a specialized health facility on a regular basis.

With technology (that’s the Intel part of the partnership), the companies hope to provide more care for less cost.  www.smartplanet.com/blog/bulletin/ intel-ge-upgrade-remote-healthcareofferings/11649?tag=nl.e660&s_ cid=e660

Innovations Guide can be installed on a wide range of devices running Microsoft Windows* 7

43  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Business

Apple’s Siri Heading to Honda Accord, Acura

By Kirsten Korosec

H

onda will add Apple’s Siri Eyes Free Mode into its 2013 Accord, Acura RDX and Acura ILX, becoming the second automaker behind General Motors to integrate the voiceassistant software to its vehicles.

Siri Eyes Free–which allows drivers to interact with their iPhone while keeping their focus on the road, where it should be–will be a dealer installed option in the models, Honda said. The automaker has engineered its software to integrate Siri Eyes Free Mode into its Bluetooth Hands Free Link

via the onboard microphone and speakers.

GM was the first automaker to announce plans to add Siri to some of its cars. The company plans to integrate Siri into two of its new smaller, budget Chevrolet models– the Spark and Sonic.

Other automakers are preparing to follow suit. At the World Wide Developers Conference in June, Apple said Siri would be installed (www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/wwdc-sirigets-smarter-with-ipad-facebookcar-integration/79715) in cars made

by Toyota, GM, Merecedes, BMW, Honda, Audi, Chrysler, Land Rover and Jaguar.  www.smartplanet.com/blog/ bulletin/apples-siri-heading-tohonda-accord-acura/11752?tag=nl. e660&s_cid=e660

45  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Business

A NineStep Path to Personal Branding [Infographic]

by Verónica Maria Jarski

T

he term “personal brand” gets tossed around a lot, but what does it actually mean?

Your personal brand is how you

market yourself. In a matter of speaking, you are the product.

For example, say you’re trying to establish yourself as a highpowered motivational speaker, an analytics-savvy marketer, or a master problem solver.

A major way you’d pitch yourself to your audience is your personal branding.

Establishing a personal brand requires brainstorming, taking into consideration who you are, how you want to be known, and what your target audience needs.

To give you a basic tour of what it takes to create a personal brand strategy, Sestyle (www.sestyle.it) put together an infographic (Jorgen

Sundberg translated it from Italian to English) outlining nine steps: • Who are you?

• How are you perceived?

• What do you want to achieve?

• Create your brand.

• Create your ecosystem.

• Create your network.

• Create original content.

• Get involved and share.

• Listen and monitor.

Check out the infographic for a breakdown of each step:  www.marketingprofs.com/ chirp/2013/10010/theway-to-personal-brandinginfographic?adref=nlt020413

46  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

BUILD YOUR PERS ONAL BRAND • Who are you?

• Perceived as?

• Achievement go als?

• Create your bra nd.

• Build an ecosys tem.

• Build a network .

• Create content.

• Share/exchang e.

• Listen/monitor 47  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net blac bl ackb kbbu busi sine ness ssne news ws.n .net et  11-32 1-323-291-7819 3233-29 2911-78 7819 19

GRANTS.GOV LISTINGS The following grant opportunity postings may be found on the Grants.gov Find Opportunities service: DOS Department of State Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs U.S. Embassy Islamabad PAS Grants Program, Modification 8 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=114273 USAID Agency for International Development Afghanistan USAID-Kabul Public Private Innovative Development Initiative, Modification 3 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=129593 USAID Agency for International Development Kazakhstan USAID-Almaty Development Through Regional Cooperation, Modification 5 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=172393 DOT Department of Transportation DOT/Office of Small & Disadvantaged Utilization Notice of Funding Availability for the Small Business Transportation Resource Center Program, Modification 3 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=177273 HHS Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Immunization and Vaccines for Children Program, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178334 DOI Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service

Assessing Management Needs to Enhance Recovery for the Eastern Massasauga, year four Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178353 HHS Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health Population Architecture Using Genomics and Epidemiology (PAGE), Phase II Study Investigators (U01), Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178354 HHS Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health Population Architecture Using Genomics and Epidemiology (PAGE), Phase II, Coordinating Center (U01), Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178355 HHS Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Cooperative Agreement for the Development, Operation, and Evaluation of an Entertainment Education Program, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178356 DOI Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management BLM CA Lassen Land and Trails Trust LLTT Modoc Line, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178357 ED Department of Education Upward Bound Math and Science Program - CFDA 84.047M, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178373

ED Department of Education National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)-Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program-RERCs--Recreational Technologies Exercise Physiology Benefiting Individuals Disabilities, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178393 NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA Headquarters E.2 Leading Edge Aeronautics Research for NASA (LEARN), Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178394 ED Department of Education National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)-Disability Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program-Disability, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178413 USDOT Department of the Treasury Community Development Financial Institutions FY 2012 Bank Enterprise Award Program, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178433 DOI Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service University of California, Davis Species Project, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178453 NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA Headquarters COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT ON ASTROPHYSICS EXPLORER MISSIONS OF OPPORTUNITY, Grant

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GRANTS.GOV LISTINGS from page 48

www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178473 DOI Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management BLM NV Nevada Ecological Site Descriptions State and Transition Models Development, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178474 DOI Department of the Interior National Park Service Estimating grizzly bear use of large ungulate carcasses with GPS telemetry data, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178493 DOD Department of Defense Air Force Academy STEM Outreach to K-12 Schools in Southern Colorado, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178494 DOI Department of the Interior National Park Service Developing Chesapeake Youth Corps Network, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178496 DOI Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management BLM WY 2012 Challenge Cost Share Program, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178497 DOI Department of the Interior National Park Service Signage and Related Interpretive Media Along the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail in Metro DC, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178513

DOI Department of the Interior National Park Service Heritage Partnerships Program 3D Digital Documentation, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178514 DOI Department of the Interior National Park Service War of 1812 in Southern Maryland: Traveling Exhibit and Traveling Trunks, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178515 DOI Department of the Interior National Park Service Assisting in Development of Potomac River Segment of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake and Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trails, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178516 DOI Department of the Interior National Park Service Interns CLI/LCS, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178517 DOI Department of the Interior National Park Service Development of LandScope Chesapeake, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178533

Irrigation Water Delivery Metering Project, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178573 DOI Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Mark Processing, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178574 DOI Department of the Interior National Park Service Technology Enhanced Interpretation Development, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178593 DOS Department of State Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Middle East Partnership Initiative Tomorrow’s Leaders Scholarship, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178594 DOI Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service DURHAM DAM, Modification 1 www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178613 DOI Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Chumstick Barrier Removal Phase 4, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178633 

DOI Department of the Interior National Park Service Cooperative Agreement for the identification of sites and structures significant in Hispanic heritage, Grant www07.grants.gov/search/search. do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=178553 DOI Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation - Pacific Northwest Region

49  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Diana Price and Associates is a consulting firm that works with companies to transform relationships with their customers by developing customized programs that deliver exceptional, sustainable and referable customer service experiences.

Who We Are • We teach companies how to treat and serve others • We make customer service relevant at every level of the organization • We show companies and their employees how to learn to love the next customer interaction • We elevate service, making it mission critical to the functioning of the business

Our Focus • Exceptional service experiences have the power to transform not only the relationship between you and your customers, but also the strategic relationship between customer service and the success of your business.

Our Approach • We work with companies to bring a sustainable customer service promise to life by making it relevant at every level of their organizations.

• We make sure customer service is treated as a corporate mandate, a business imperative and, ultimately, a profit strategy that is a reference point in everything the company does.

• People at every customer touch point – direct and indirect - are empowered and trained to deliver on that customer promise.

The Result • We teach companies how to make serving their customers central to their corporate cultures, and

in turn have that central focus also serve them as a successful and profitable business strategy.

Diana Price & Associates provides a refreshing approach to creating exceptional customer experiences, operational assessments, human resources training, communication strategy, team retreats, culture and vision planning and customized consulting. Explore how we can help you get your customer interactions and employee engagement right and keep you moving forward.

Converting Business Pressure Points into Sustainable Customer Solutions • Service Leadership and Communication Strategy (coaching, training) • Customer Service Culture Sculpting and Vision Planning • Human Resources Training & Consulting • Career Development • Community Relations • Certifications • Keynote Speaking

www.dianapriceassociates.com 1507 7th Street Suite 686, Santa Monica CA 90401 T: 866.631.7500 • F: 888.920.2110

52  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Business

Venture Capital Dollars Continue to Rebound, Pass $20 Billion in 2012

I

s the venture capital industry back? The latest report from Thomson Reuters and the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) shows that U.S. VC firms raised $20.6 billion from 182 funds during 2012. After being nearly cut in half from 2008 ($25.6 billion) to 2010 ($13.7 billion), it marks a second straight year of growth despite the number of funds dropping slightly (187 in 2011 to 182 in 2012).

“The venture capital fundraising environment has settled into a ‘new normal’ which is characterized by a barbell structure of larger funds which are stage and industry agnostic on one end, and smaller, early stage, industry or region specific funds on the other,” said

Mark Heesen, president of NVCA. “It is on these two ends of the spectrum where capital is concentrating and successful firms are raising followon funds. Simultaneously, new funds continue to enter the asset class, almost exclusively at the smaller end of the spectrum. This structure, coupled with increasingly discerning limited partners, has kept the overall size of the venture industry below $25 billion each year since 2009, a size that many believe to be optimal for successful investing and maximizing returns.”

The totals seemed poised to go even higher, but the fourth quarter was considerably weaker than it was in 2011—perhaps partly due to widespread concern over the potential fiscal cliff that was

(somewhat predictably) avoided with a last-minute compromise.  www.entrepreneurship.org/en/ Blogs/Policy-Forum-Blog/2013/ January/VC-Dollars-ContinueRebound-Pass-20-Billion-in-2012. aspx

53  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Business

National Minority Angel Network

T

he National Minority Angel Network (NMAN) is a unique financing model based on the good of Capitalism when targeted to specific business and community goals. NMAN targets minority entrepreneurs who have excelled academically or professionally but are 1st time entrepreneurs. We seek to link them with successful, high-net-worth Americans who share NMAN’s desire to diversify the business community and broaden prospects for long term wealth creation.

America is graying – fast! This means less tax dollars which equals fewer services to all communities and neighborhoods.

Poorer schools and a stagnant economy with even fewer available jobs are often the result. For many of us this picture has already hit home. If this picture seems scary, it doesn’t have to be. NMAN builds, improves, and sustains business growth. In America there are millions of ordinary citizens who see themselves as entrepreneurs and are ready to take the risks necessary to be the next great company. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), small businesses account

for 52% of all U.S. jobs.

NMAN Structure NMAN is structured into two main bodies: NMAN Corporate which comprises the executive functions and professional services and NMAN Regional Groups which is comprised of local offices around the Country where meetings are held. A third division called NMAN University, an online educational subscription service for entrepreneurs, will be launched in the future.

1. NMAN Corporate – NMAN corporate is focused on creating deal flow, monitoring the investment portfolio, mentoring 1st time entrepreneurs, developing educational workshops, developing the NMAN Regions, partnering with other angel groups, corporations and organizations, creating industry events/trade shows, and performing administrative tasks.

2. NMAN Regional Groups (Regional Groups) – Regional Groups are comprised of local Members and will provide angel funding to qualified high-growth start-ups. Members will also be able to introduce deals and have access to deal flow across all Regional Groups.

• Regional Group membership – Membership is open to individuals, corporations, or organizations.

Individuals should meet the IRS definition for an accredited investor (speak with your Accountant or go to www.IRS.gov to find out more information). Current members are partners of law firms, current/ former CEOs of Fortune/midsize companies, entrepreneurs, Physicians, etc. Each Member pays annual dues.

• Regional Groups will pursue start-ups or early stage companies that are high-growth, information technology (IT), bio-science (bio), or physical science focused that are led or majority owned by minorities.

NMAN has been endorsed by the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and through their Regional Operating Centers, NMAN has formed a strategic relationship that calls for referral of deals, cosponsorship of events, the use of space for meetings, and sharing of performance metrics. NMAN currently operates out of NYC with expansion offices to Washington, DC and Houston, TX. NMAN expects to operate in regions where there is a thriving entrepreneurial community, where there is strong

54  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Business

NMAN from page 54

member interest, and up and coming regions where the business community and political forces want to focus on job creation and wealth diversification strategies.

NMAN Process

Monthly Meetings: NMAN meets once (1) a month at one of NMAN’s regional sites.

• NMAN will work with each Regional Group in vetting no more than 3 companies at each meeting.

• Each pre-selected Company will have 15 minutes to present and 15 minutes of questions and answers.

• If there is interest in a presenting Company, NMAN will work with its Members in responding back to the presenting company.

2. The deal is rejected but NMAN wants to track it.

3. The deal is accepted and presented to Members for their approval to be seen at a scheduled meeting.

If a deal is presented and Members want to invest, a small due diligence team led by NMAN is formed to further investigate the Company. A typical due diligence process is deployed – research, meetings, review of financials/ business plan, and follow-up discussions with with their management team.

The investment can be in the form of (preferred) equity or convertible notes with interest payable or deferred. NMAN is responsible for drafting the paper and charges each company invested an annual monitoring fee and warrants in the company.

Once a investment is made, that deal is loaded on GUST a deal tracking and sourcing platform

to measure investment dollars, job impact, growth, follow-on investment rounds and who are the investors.

Members are not required to invest if they are not personally interested.

Sponsors • National Community Reinsurace Coalition • Defined Clarity • Schnadar Attorneys at Law • 100UE • Startup America • Incubate NYC! • DreamIT • Gust • Black Founders • America21 Project • New U Entrepreneurship Fellowship • Minority Business Development Agency.

Contact Information Corporate Office: 50 West Skippack Pike, Ambler, PA 19002, USA Regional Office: 114 W. 47th Street, 19th Floor, Manhattan, NY Phone: +1.888.442.2739 Email: info@nmanetwork.com Web: nmanetwork.com. 

Also see AngelList https://angel.co

Investment Process: NMAN Corporate or Regional Groups may source deals from 3rd parties or in within their own networks.

Deals may be startups, early stage, or expansion opportunities. NMAN’s structure is flexible and allows Members to view deals that fit their particular appetite and level of financing.

Once a deal is received, NMAN Corporate and/or Group Members review the deal on paper and may arrange a brief call with their management. One of three things can happen:

Quote of Note...

“This dream of equality and fairness has never come easily -- but it has always been sustained by the belief that in America, change is possible.”

President Barack H. Obama

1. The deal is rejected.

55  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Business

Tech Tools: MediaTec Publishing

and INXPO Launch Human Capital Media Television

M

ediaTec Publishing Inc. (www.mediatecpub. com), publisher of Chief Learning Officer, Diversity Executive, Talent Management and Workforce Management magazines, recently announced the launch of an innovative

communications platform to deliver the industry-leading content of its Human Capital Media Group (HCM) portfolio. The company is partnering with INXPO (www.inxpo.com), the top provider of privately branded, video-based online environments, to produce Human Capital Media Television (HCM-TV).

“The most dynamic new hub of innovative programming exclusively for human capital professionals, HCM-TV is designed to be more than just a platform for online events,” said Norm Kamikow, MediaTec’s president and editorin-chief. “It will deliver high-quality professional education and events, unprecedented access to industry thought leaders and a whole new

level of social engagement.

“Human capital professionals who tune in to HCM-TV can interact, explore and share ideas, without ever leaving their desks or spending money on travel,” Kamikow continued. “Plus, its exceptional visibility and connectedness makes it easier for everyone to converse, collaborate and take an active role.”

The first program slated for broadcast on HCM-TV is Talent Strategies 2013:

Talent Acquisition, part of HCM’s newest virtual-only event series offering thought leadership on the key pillars of talent management.

The program, “Tailor-Made Talent: Acquisition’s New Era,” airs Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013. It will focus on the cycle of processes involved in sourcing, screening, assessing and recruiting the right talent, as well as on-boarding practices and employee branding initiatives.

In addition to keynote presentations from human capital experts, the online event will feature workshops and exhibits demonstrating innovative systems,

services and tools being deployed to increase the efficiency and efficacy of talent acquisition efforts.

Capitalizing on the powerful interactivity of HCM-TV, attendees will be able to navigate to different locations, engage with presenters and vendors and network with peers who share similar interests and objectives.

They also will get a first look at the easy-to-navigate virtual environment created by INXPO for HCM-TV. The new platform features dedicated channels for each Human Capital Media Group publication — programmed and hosted by the editors — offering online events, professional development opportunities and webinars on today’s hottest human capital management topics. A convenient program guide lists current, upcoming and archived events, while older programming is accessible via the Media Vault, an all-inclusive media library of Human Capital Media content.

“We’re very pleased to partner with MediaTec as they curate and make available content so vital to their audiences,” said Scott Kellner, chief marketing officer at INXPO. “The combination of timely information, social interaction and use of video will make for an intuitive and convenient experience for busy professionals.”

Readers who are interested in being among the first to have access to this new network are encouraged to register today at no cost at https://vts.inxpo.com/ scripts/Server.nxp. 

56  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Business

Tech Tools:

The Workspace of the Future The Biggest Trends in Business for 2013

By Matt Villano

W

ondering about the office of the future? It might take more imagination than you think. “Who says there’ll be an office at all?” asks Tom Austin, vice president at Gartner, a Stamford,

says CEO Mike Masnick, “and they don’t exist in physical space.”

Several developments have facilitated the rise of a virtual workplace.

Nearly 6 million Americans work from home, according to the U.S. C e n s u s B u r e a u .

C l o u d computing enables data b a c k u p s and remote collaboration in real time.

And group video chat--

Conn.-based technology research firm. “Already we work from Starbucks, in the car and at our kids’ softball games.”

Sure, experts like Austin have predicted the obsolescence of the workplace for years, but as technology empowers people to work from any place with an internet connection, it’s starting to look like more small- and medium-size businesses could very well decide to go without on the physical office front.

Take, for instance, Floor64. The media and consulting company maintains a brick-and-mortar space in Sunnyvale, CA, but also runs a bunch of Skype-powered chat rooms for remote workers--many of which are buzzing for most of the day.

“These [chat rooms], more than anything else, represent our ‘office,’”

videoconferencing 2.0, if you will-has become dirt cheap (or, in the case of Google Hangouts, free).

Even traditional back-office departments are moving toward virtualization. Recently a number of third-party companies have popped up to provide services such as h u m a n resources, payroll and benefits.

S o m e of these providers, including Algentis and Insperity, offer customizable online portals for each employee.

Of course many companies--big ones, especially--won’t give up on

physical offices entirely. But experts say that in order to succeed, these firms should completely rethink their layouts, creating work environments that provide employees with a range of options.

Gartner’s Austin predicts that rather than the cube farms and conference rooms of yore, workspaces will come to evoke areas of the typical home--open floor plans with couches and soft rugs; cozy, kitchen-like spaces with waist-high countertops; and covered outdoor patios with chaise longues.

Or, says Kevin Kuske--chief brand advocate and general manager for Turnstone, an office-furniture company in Grand Rapids, MI.-office planners will start to think more like city planners, clumping purpose-built spaces into distinct portions of a building. “Urban centers have entertainment zones, dining zones, even residential zones,” Kuske notes. “For an

office to work it needs to take this approach, too.”  www.entrepreneur.com/ article/224977-4

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Business

C

ompanies should be taking steps to achieve greater prosperity in 2013. To make your own resolutions about growing your business, consider these 10 steps as part of a successful 2013 action plan.

MOVE FORWARD EVEN IN UNCERTAIN TIMES. Over the next 12 months, companies will need to deal with health-care reform, changing regulations and still volatile economic times, but they can’t let those uncertainties paralyze them, says Jeffrey Fox, www.foxandcompany.com.

Even in the worst economic times, some businesses thrive, says Mark Stevens, founder of MSCO, a marketing advisory firm in Rye Brook, NY. He advises companies to aggressively investigate potential new markets, invest in marketing, and test new ways of promoting themselves to bring in new customers and revenue.

TAP YOUR EMPLOYEES. Your employees are a tremendous resource for new ideas, says Ken Blanchard, co-author of best-selling classic The One Minute Manager (William Morrow, 1982) and founder of the Ken Blanchard Leadership Training companies based in Escondido, CA. For example, he notes that a Southwest Airlines employee proposed the idea that led to Business Select, which allows passengers to pay extra for such perks as priority boarding. “That one idea has made the business millions of dollars,” Blanchard says.

RECONNECT WITH YOUR PURPOSE. When you started your business, you had a vision for what you wanted to create. Find ways to rekindle that fire in your belly, Blanchard says. Whether it’s sales, finance or product development, spend more time working in the areas of your business that excite you, he suggests. “If you don’t love what you’re doing, you’re never

How to Take Your Business to the Next Level in 2013

By Gwen Moran going to work hard enough to be one of the best.”

DIVERSIFY YOUR INCOME OPPORTUNITIES. Look for ways you can sell more to your customers and prospects. If you sell products, you can add complementary items, bundle offerings or add service packages.

Service providers can often add products to boost the bottom line. For example, when Blanchard and his wife Marjorie started their company in 1980, they conducted business seminars. Soon, they realized their income was limited by just offering seminars. After they branched into selling such products as books and diagnostic tools, their business grew to more than 300 employees.

ADOPT VALUE PRICING. Fox doesn’t believe that all products and services have to compete on price. Retailers may sell similar brands, but you can add value based on location, customer service, convenience, cleanliness and other factors that are important to customers. Manufacturers can differentiate based on innovative new products, quality, on-time delivery record and exceptional salespeople. “Even salt has been differentiated—sea salt, kosher salt, salt that comes in shakers,” Fox says.

HIRE RAINMAKERS. One of your best investments is an employee who can bring in new business, keep customers happy, and sell based on factors other than price, Fox says.

When you’re interviewing potential rainmakers, look for people who are engaged, politely persistent and well prepared for the interview. Fox

says these coveted employees are able to speak specifically about past successes, whether a significant personal accomplishment or the amount of business they landed for their latest employer.

SET AGGRESSIVE GROWTH GOALS. Since he launched MSCO in 1995, Stevens has worked at doubling his business every 18 months. He advises setting a goal that makes you slightly uncomfortable and then determining what it’s going to take to get there. Analyze how you landed your best customers, the length of your sales cycle and the ratio of prospects to customers to get a better understanding of what’s working in your sales and marketing efforts, he says. Then, focus on the most effective methods.

MEASURE EVERY MARKETING ACTIVITY. If you can’t measure it, don’t spend money on it, Stevens says. It’s often easiest to track online marketing, but other types of promotions can be measured as well, such as special offerings with a unique response telephone number, coded coupons or response cards, unique landing pages, and free white paper or information downloads. “When you combine see Next Level on page 59

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Business

As you plan for 2013 please consider these upcoming events that will take place in January and February.

Please note the Senior Commercial Officer conferences that are taking place throughout the country during the first half of the year. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to meet with our senior diplomats serving in countries that are strategically important to your company. We hope you can join us as we continue to support the exports of U.S. products and services around the world.

To find out more about these events, please visit our website at www.export.gov/ california/ca/socal/monthlynewsletter/ jan2013newsletter056564 Best Regards, Richard Swanson Network Director, Pacific South Network U.S. Department of Commerce – U.S. Commercial Service • • • •

Global Market Intelligence Webinar: Turkey, January 16, 2013 Intellectual Property Rights Protection Seminar, January 23, 2013 Meet with Cambodia Commercial Specialist for Market-Entry Counseling, January 31-February 1, 2013 Save-the-Date: Business Opportunities in Qatar Related to 2022 World Cup and Beyond, February 18, 2013 • VITA Networking Breakfast: U.S. – Korea Free Trade Agreement, February 27, 2013 UPCOMING SENIOR COMMERCIAL OFFICER CONFERENCES • Asia Pacific Business Outlook 2013, Access 18 Asia Pacific Markets Including Brazil, Russia, and India in 2 days! New in 2013 - Myanmar! - Los Angeles, CA, April 8-9, 2013 • Access the Western Hemisphere International Trade Conference - Minneapolis, MN, April 23-24,2013 • ACCESS 2013 International Trade Forum – Africa, Middle East, South Asia - San Diego, CA, May 1-2, 2013 • Gateway to Europe International Trade Conference - Minneapolis, MN, June 4-5, 2013

Next Level from page 58

tools in this way, you can track marketing effectiveness that some people say are unmeasurable, like outdoor advertising and public relations,” Stevens says.

PAY ATTENTION TO THE EXPERIENCE. Consider what it’s like for customers to do business with your company. How is their experience with the receptionist or sales team? Is the store or office

environment pleasant? Do orders arrive on time? Is the customer service team responsive? Even small glitches or a perceived slight can cost you a customer, Fox says.

“I know a bookstore owner who has signs all over ‘No shoes, no shirt, no service. No cell phones. No food.’ No one wants to be scolded like that.”

TRY DOING WHAT YOU TEND TO AVOID. For years, Stevens thought radio advertising would be

a poor medium for promoting his marketing firm. Finally in 2008, an employee persuaded him to spend $10,000 on radio ads. The return on the investment has proven so strong that this year, the company spent roughly $1.25 million on radio.

Whether it’s an assumption about a new market, marketing technique or management technique, Stevens advises you to challenge your belief that a new approach won’t work.  www.entrepreneur.com/ article/225373

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Business

Technology:

Take a Look!

http://turboscanapp.com Paper documents are still around, but with iOS apps (Android version also) like TurboScan,

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

WizIQ’s e-Learning software helps you to set up your online tutoring business. You don’t need IT professionals or programing teams to set it up. Multiple teachers can log in, schedule, and deliver online classes in real time to unlimited number of students across the world, on your personalized e-learning space supported

by WizIQ. Universities and colleges tap WizIQ technology to schedule after-office hours, arrange flipped classrooms and use a range of innovations in the domain of education & training. We have recently announced a free virtual classroom membership offer for educators of K12, colleges, and universities. Learn more about the benefits of this offer.

WizIQ’s e-learning solutions can help organizations save time, travel and infrastructure costs.

With our e-Learning platform you can train your employees or customers, online.

If you are an online corporate training consultant, WizIQ’s elearning software comes with a complete solution, which is affordable and suitable for trainers at all levels.

you’ll find it easier to go paperless.

The app launches ready for action with simple controls at the top to take pictures or start scanning.

With the Camera option, you snap a picture and that app will guide you to the editing phase, just like any other scanner. The SureScan 3x option takes three pictures and combines them into one single document.

After you have named your document -- a handy addition as you can search through your document names -- you can e-mail it to yourself or send it to your Evernote or Box.net account, or to another recipient as a JPEG or PDF file. If you have an AirPrintenabled printer, you can print your scanned docs, too. The app is set to scan in black and white by default, but there is a Color option.

TurboScan works well and with a price just under $2, it’s an inexpensive way to add scanning functionality to your iOS device.

www.spreaker.com Spreaker allows you to host a Live Internet Radio Show, anywhere, anytime, with just a couple of clicks! It’s the easiest way to create and share Audio Online. Spreaker provides you with a user-friendly console to manage voice, special effects, and your music library.

■Spreaker is an online application for creating and sharing live audio content across the Internet.

■With Spreaker, users become Radio DJs and host personal radio shows that can be streamed live and listened through a widget which supports all the major social media and mobile platforms.

■It’s very easy to create any kind of radio show - from music to talk - since everything can be made on-line thanks to a unique DJ cons o l e which allows real-time mixing of voice, m u sic and sound effects.

■On the other hand, listeners are able to discover interesting niche content which would not be found on traditional FM radios.

Embed Spreaker in your blog or website. Spreaker is the perfect platform for casual podcasting. You can add a new episode of your podcast from everywhere and it becomes immediately accessible to your audience (they can listen to you live or play the recording afterwards).  Submitted by LaSandra Stratton, Chief Content Administrator of the Black Business News.

61  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

International Edition

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.

Black Business News View the International Edition at www.bbala.org

62  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Community/Public Interest

Digital Media Challenge Offers $100,000 in Prizes for Fresh Ideas on Democracy lookingatdemocracy.org

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new digital media challenge has been launched seeking to start a national conversation on ideas and solutions to improve American democracy, with cash prizes for the most fresh and creative submissions.

Looking@Democracy is a national competition offering a total of $100,000 in prize money for short, provocative media submissions designed to spark a national conversation about why government is important to our lives, or how individuals and communities can come together to strengthen American democracy. Launched, February 4, 2013, the challenge will award $25,000 for First Place along with significant prizes for 2nd and 3rd place as well as categories and awards for People’s Choice and Emerging Artists.

Examples of welcome submissions would be addressing a critical topic that is absent from the national debate, looking at data and exploring the stories behind them, or highlighting an aspect about democracy taking place on a local level. By making submissions in any digital format welcome, the challenge hopes to engage with independent media makers, investigative reporters, students, graphic designers and artists anyone with creative ideas to help

engage Americans and shift the political discussion in a fresh and engaging way.

Looking@Democracy is a project of the Illinois Humanities Council (IHC), with support from the MacArthur Foundation. Through new initiatives and past work, the two organizations have shown their commitment in providing platforms for more people to understand and participate in the democratic system through creative means. “...MacArthur seeks to stimulate discussion about the future of the Republic and invests in promising ideas to help enhance democratic ideals, institutions, and practices. „ “Given our perception that the political system has failed to adequately address major issues confronting the nation, MacArthur seeks to stimulate discussion about the future of the Republic and invests in promising ideas to help enhance democratic ideals, institutions, and practices,” said MacArthur President Robert Gallucci. “This new public competition is all about engaging citizens and encouraging them to apply their creative talents and offer their ideas to strengthen American democracy.”

“So much of our information today is shared electronically, whether it be through videos, podcasts,

graphic art, or even through mobile phone apps,” said Kristina Valaitis, Executive Director of the Illinois Humanities Council. “With Looking@Democracy, we hope to harness the potential of digital media to welcome new voices and

Looking@Democracy: A national contest for creative media pieces about strengthening American democracy. t t conversations ti b t real,l start about reasonable ways to improve our nation, our communities, and our lives.”

A panel of expert judges from media and non-profits will judge the submissions, which include Maria Hinojosa of Public Radio’s Latino USA, Filmmaker Byron Hurt (HipHop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes) and Ian Inaba, film director (American Blackout) and Executive Director of the Citizen Engagement Laboratory.

Submissions will be accepted through April 30, 2013.

View full challenge rules and sumbission information (http:// lookingatdemocracy.org). 

64  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Community/Public Interest

FCC to Roll Out Text-to-911 Service in 2013

By Yannique Benitez

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n the heels of text messaging’s 20th birthday, the FCC has announced its plan to allow users on the country’s four largest mobile carriers to text 911. AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile have signed on to the “text-to-911″ plan, which will begin in 2013 and be fully operational nationwide by May 15, 2014.

The “Next Generation 9-1-1” program aims to provide people with additional ways to contact emergency officials. The program will prove to be advantageous for

The nation’s four largest carriers have okayed the plan to allow users to text 911 those who have hearing or speech disabilities, as well as individuals who find themselves in situations where they are unable to vocalize

the need for help.

The FCC has been working on the project for the last two years and believes it will align with the changing technology. In a press release, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said “access to 911 must catch up with how consumers communicate in the 21st century – and today, we are one step closer towards that vital goal.”

There will also be a “bounce back” feature that will send a text message to notify smartphone users to call 911 if their attempt to reach the emergency line via text message was unsuccessful due to unavailability in their area.

If the new system is not abused, it will help those in need receive speedy and efficient relief. The FCC seems to be moving in the right direction and, as Genochowski assures the nation, is moving with the times.  www.blackenterprise.com/ technology/fcc-to-roll-out-text-to911-service

65  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Community/Public Interest

WalMart Announces Action for Veterans, Supplier Sourcing, and Associates

By Javier Angulo

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am pleased to share with you that this morning, January 15, 2013, Walmart U.S. President and CEO Bill Simon announced three bold initiatives in his speech at the National Retailers Federation’s annual gathering in New York. These initiatives are as follow:

Hiring Veterans Beginning Memorial Day, Walmart will offer a job to any honorably discharged veteran in his or her first 12 months off active duty. Most of these jobs will be in Walmart stores and clubs, and some will be in distribution centers and the Home Office.

In comments following the speech, First Lady Michelle Obama said, “As our wars come to an end and our troops continue to come home, it’s more important than ever that all of us - not just government, but our businesses and nonprofits as well - do our part to serve those who have served us so bravely. So today, my challenge is simple: for every business in America to follow Walmart’s lead by finding innovative solutions that both make sense for their workplaces and make a difference for our veterans and their families. Given what we’ve seen from Walmart and so many other companies over the past two years, we know that they will.”

by increasing what it already buys here – in categories like sporting goods, apparel basics, storage products, games, and paper products, and by helping to onshore U.S. production in high potential areas like textiles, furniture and higher-end appliances.

Associates Walmart will make sure part-time associates have full visibility into full-time job openings in their stores and nearby stores, and that they always have first shot at those jobs. Walmart will also bring more transparency to its scheduling system so part-time workers can choose more hours for themselves.

Follow-up To learn more about these exciting developments or to read Mr. Simon’s speech, please visit: http://news. walmart.com/executive-viewpoints/a-job-to-do-retailsrole-in-an-american-renewal As always, if you have any questions or would like more information about Walmart, please let me know.

Sincerely, Javier C. Angulo Director of Community Affairs, Public Affairs & Government Relations (o) (213) 612-0627 (f) (213) 612-4916 Domestic Sourcing javier.angulo@wal-mart.com Walmart and Sam’s Club will buy an additional $50 PO Box 13459 billion in U.S. products over the next 10 years. The Los Angeles, CA 90013 company will grow U.S. manufacturing on two fronts: http://www.walmartla.com

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Community/Public Interest

A Healthy Idea for 2013 Posted by Marissa Duswalt

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f a healthier lifestyle is one of your New Year’s resolutions for 2013, there is a free tool available that can help you make the most nutritious and active choices for your lifestyle.

Making plans and sticking to them can be a challenge, especially when it comes to selecting nutritious foods and getting enough physical activity. Food choices can be confusing, and it’s not always easy to determine the amount of physical activity that’s right for you and your goals.

The new Supertracker (www. supertracker.usda.gov/default. aspx) can help you learn about your food and activity level. The Supertracker provides you with a personal account to track what you eat and what you do, helping you make healthy decisions and better

understand the choices you make.

It also can help you learn skills that make healthy living easier, like controlling portions, managing and losing weight, and making and keeping your healthy lifestyle goals.

A popular option since its launch, the Supertracker just celebrated its first birthday with 1.6 million users.

Try it out for free!

For more information about healthy eating, check out ChooseMyPlate. gov (www.choosemyplate.gov).  www.letsmove.gov/blog/2013/01/16/ healthy-idea-2013

President Obbama, Vice President Biden with First Lady Michelle Obama

67  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

STIMULATING OUR ECONOMY...

WELCOMING TOURISTS & CONVENTIONS...

CREATING JOBS FOR OUR WORKERS...

FARMERSFIELD.COM

International

SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY, EXPAND TO AFRICA www.export.gov

MCC Compact Procurements The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) lists procurement solicitations for goods, works and services to be awarded and administered by “accountable entities” from countries with signed Compacts.

Countries with signed MCC Compacts solicit, award, and administer procurements for goods,

rks and services based on the works programs designed in their Compact.

These procurements are awarded and administered by the country through an “accountable entity” (also known as an “MCA Entity”) the organization established by the country to manage the programs identified in their Compact. MCC is not a party to these contracts.

Recipient countries are required to post procurement notices at official websites: • United Nations Development Business • dgMarket Each procurement notice includes a point of contact for any questions.

MCC makes payments via The

Common Payment System directly to vendors contracted with partner-country MCA entities to implement activities under the MCC-funded compacts.

For example: Millenium Challenge Account Senegal (MCA-SENEGAL) General Procurement Notice (GPN) (October 2012 to March 2013, revised on December 2012)

The Government of the Republic of Senegal has received a grant to the amount of US$540,000,000 under the financial agreement of 16 September 2009 (Compact), signed between the Republic of Senegal and the United States Government, through the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). These agreements allow the Government of Senegal to implement the program and achieve the objectives of MCC Grants.

The Government of Senegal intends to use one part of these funds for payments on contracts for goods, works and services.

The procurement program for the period going from October 2012 to March 2013, revised on December 2012, is presented as follows: see details at - http:// mcc.dgmarket.com/tenders/npnotice.do~8963034.

The contracts for goods, works and services financed under the program will be implemented in accordance with the principles, rules and procedures contained in the Millennium Challenge Compact and the MCC Procurement Guidelines, version of October 23, 2009 (in force

since November 1, 2009) revised on September 27, 2010 and May 2, 2011.

The tenders invitations are open to all eligible bidders as defined in MCC Procurement Guidelines which can be downloaded at: www.mcc.gov, www.mcasenegal. org Specific procurement notices for contracts to be tendered under the procedures of tendering and selection of consultants will be published on the following websites: MCA-Senegal http:// www.mcasenegal.org; UNDB (http://www.devbusiness.com); Development Gateway Market (dgMarket: http://www.dgmarket. com) and in local newspapers and other media as necessary.

Real-time open and planned contract opportunities, available for free at http://mcc.dgMarket.com (also available for a fee at http:// www.devbusiness.com).

Get the Facts In June 2012, President Obama issued the “U.S. Strategy Toward Sub-Saharan Africa,” (www. whitehouse.gov/sites/default/ files/docs/africa_strategy_2.pdf) committing the United States to elevate our efforts to spur economic growth, trade, and investment in subSaharan Africa. Read the “Doing Business in Africa” Campaign Fact Sheet at http://export.gov/africa/ eg_main_055226.asp. 

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International

Key Perspectives on Africa’s Development in 2013

by Farai Gundan

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he Brookings Africa Growth Initiative 2013 Foresight Africa (www.brookings.edu/ blogs/up-front/posts/2013/01/08africa-development-kimenyi) report highlights some of the key issues and events that are likely to impact on Africa’s development in 2013.

As we look forward to the some of the key priorities for the continent in 2013, it is also appropriate look at the various themes and perspectives that dominated discussions on Africa’s development in 2012, many of which we can expect to remain priorities in 2013. Below are some of themes and my perspectives on how they will continue to be relevant this year:

Inclusive Growth

earned Africa praise, growth that is not shared by a larger proportion of the population has the potential to create political instability and it is ultimately also not sustainable.

How to achieve inclusive growth will remain important in the future and the priority should be to implement

One of the most common themes in Africa’s development in 2012 was inclusive growth. Although most of the African countries have experienced decent growth rates for over a decade, the benefits of this growth have not been widely shared and have instead been concentrated among just a few members of the population. As a result, the continent has experienced increasing disparity of incomes and overall human development.

Thus while the high African Women’s growth rates have Decade 2010-2020

workable strategies that have been identified in discussions and policy documents.

Regional Integration

Accelerating the pace of regional integration was another common theme at various policy forums and conferences on Africa and in several publications in 2012. The importance of regional integration to Africa’s development was highlighted at the African Heads of State Summit held early last year during which country leaders committed to accelerate the pace of continental integration with the goal of reaching a continental free trade area by 2013. Regional integration is key to achieving sustained growth in Africa especially through the facilitation of intra-Africa Trade.

While there has been significant progress in removing trade barriers, much more needs to be done. The see Africa’s Development on page 72

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International

Africa’s Development from page 71

process of regional integration is at a tipping point and this is an issue demanding political will on the part of African leadership and also support from the international community.

Probably the most daunting challenge to regional integration is Africa’s huge infrastructure deficit.

Yet the infrastructure deficit is a great opportunity for international investors. For meaningful regional integration to be achieved in the continent, African leaders must seek to put in place modalities to attract infrastructure investment.

Youth and Jobs

Joblessness especially among the youth was yet another theme that

featured prominently in discussions on African development. Today, Africa has the youngest population in the world and this could be either a blessing or a curse. Unfortunately, most of Africa’s youth population is low skilled and unemployed.

Dealing with the issue of youth and jobs will remain a key challenge for Africa and must remain a top priority for African governments.

This topic is appropriately covered in the Foresight Africa 2013 (www.brookings.edu/research/ reports/2013/01/foresightafrica-2013) report.

Mobile Technologies

Another important theme in Africa’s development last year was on the application of mobile technologies to deal with various

African Stock Exchanges • Bolsa de Valores of Cape Verde - www.bvc.cv (in Portuguese) • Bond Exchange of South Africa - www.bondexchange. co.za • Botswana Stock Exchange www.bse.co.bw • Bourse Regionale des Valeurs Mobilieres - UEMOA (Abidjan, Ivory Coast) - www.brvm.org • Casablanca Stock Exchange (Morocco) - www.casablancabourse.com/bourseweb/index. aspx • Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (Tanzania) - www. dse.co.tz • Douala Stock Exchange (Cameroon) - www.douala-stockexchange.com/index_us.php • The Egyptian Exchange - www. egx.com.eg/English/homepage. aspx • Ethiopia Commodity Exchange - www.ecx.com.et

• Ghana Stock Exchange - www. gse.com.gh • Johannesburg Stock Exchange (South Africa) www.jse.co.za/ Home.aspx • Khartoum Stock Exchange (Sudan, in Arabic) - www.kse. com.sd • Libyan Stock Market - www. lsm.ly/_layouts/membership/ login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fEnglis h%2fPages%2fdefault.aspx • Lusaka Stock Exchange (Zambia) - www.luse.co.zm • Nairobi Stock Exchange (Kenya) - www.luse.co.zm • Malawi Stock Exchange - www. mse.co.mw • Mozambique Stock Exchange (in Portuguese) - www. bolsadevalores.co.mz • Namibian Stock Exchange -

development problems and challenges. Mobile technologies have provided great opportunities for development in Africa over the last decade. Most important has been the adoption of mobile phone financial services as well as using mobiles to communicate information on various services, including health, market prices, etc. In some countries, the application of mobile technologies has revolutionized ways of doing business and has been responsible for a sizeable share of the gross national product.

However, the success of the use of these technologies varies widely and many questions still remain.

Mobile technologies provide great opportunities for African countries to leapfrog development and see Africa’s Development on page 73

www.nsx.com.na • Nigerian Stock Exchange www.nse.com.ng/Pages/default.

aspx • Stock Exchange of Mauritius www.stockexchangeofmauritius. com • Swaziland Stock Exchange www.ssx.org.sz • Tunisia Stock Exchange - www. bvmt.com.tn • Uganda Securities Exchange www.use.or.ug Read the last issue of The Exchange Magazine www.nse.co.ke/media-center/ecommunique/exchange-magazine/ category/50-free-version.html)

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International

Africa’s Development from page 72

their development and application will continue to be critical in 2013 and beyond.

Governance of Natural Resources

Natural resources continue to dominate discussions on Africa’s development and much has been written about it. In 2012, several conferences and policy forums focused on the issue of natural resources and specifically on the governance of these resources. Unfortunately it is all too well known that natural resources in Africa have turned out to be more of a curse than a blessing. The most natural resource-endowed countries are also some of the poorest. They are also often characterized by high levels of civil conflict and corruption. In recent years, many African countries have discovered more and new resources especially natural gas and oil. This means that natural resources will continue to be very important to Africa’s development but only if appropriate institutions for their governance are in place.

Improving Service Delivery Finally, a crucial theme for Africa’s development last year was in the efficient and effective delivery of services—education, health, water and sanitation. To an extent, the heightened interest in service delivery is motivated by

Regional Intergration Map the realization that most African countries are not on track to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Even where there has been impressive performance such as in the case of primary school enrollments, the reality is that children are going to school but the quality of learning is very poor. For a long time, the problem of poor access to quality services was attributed to low resources devoted to the provision of these critical services. However, evidence shows that the poor quality of service delivery in Africa has less to

do with resources and much more to the poor governance and weak accountability; for example, often teachers and medical personnel do not show up for work and, when they do, they are not accountable if they do not perform well. In other cases, resources meant to provide the services never end up reaching the intended beneficiaries. Therefore, in order to meet the MDGs in 2015, a strong focus should be placed on the governance of delivering services and increasing accountability. 

73  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

International

Report Shows - Billions Illegally Taken out of Zambia over Past Decade, from Guardian Reporter

Zambia’s President Michael Sata. (AFP)

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he US-based group Global Financial Integrity (GFI) blamed “crime, corruption and tax evasion” for the loss of $8.8-billion from the resource-rich country.

The lost money, most of which can be traced to multinational copper mining operations, is equivalent to almost half of Zambia’s GDP. Dev Kar, an economist and coauthor of the report, said: “They [big global mining companies] are robbing the opportunities for the countries to advance, it [the money]

could have been used to build hospitals and schools, and lift the economy out of poverty.”

Kar said it was difficult to track where the money goes, but said most of it ends up in “offshore banks and tax havens”.

•Read the report here.

Sarah Freitas, the other author of the report, said $4.9-billion of Zambia’s lost funds between 2000 and 2010 could be traced to trade misinvoicing, in which importers pretend to pay more to foreign companies than they actually do,

with the remainder slipped into offshore bank accounts. “This is a very serious problem,” she said.

“Zambia’s GDP was $19.3-billion in 2011. Its per capita GDP was $1 413. Its government collected a total of $4.3-billion revenue. It can’t afford to be haemorrhaging illicit capital in such staggering amounts.”

Zambia’s deputy finance minister, Miles Sampa, said the report highlighted “what we have always been saying with regard to tax see Billions Lost on page 75

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International

Billions Lost from page 74

avoidance and income leakages in general”.

Tax Avoidance and Transfer Pricing Sampa has accused multinational mining companies of using legal tax avoiding measures to escape $2-billion a year in taxes. He said only one or two mining operations declare they are making profits from Zambian copper mines, which hold 6% of the world’s known copper reserves.

“The other mines for one reason or another, some genuine, some not, are always making losses,” he said. “Most of it is due to transfer pricing or tax avoidance. We’re looking at developing a law that will criminalise false reporting.”

He said closing the loopholes could generate Zambia at least an extra $1.5-billion a year. “How many hospitals can that build? How many roads can that help us to develop?”

The UK government has

investigated allegations surrounding Zambia’s lost tax revenues from foreign-owned mines, including claims that Glencore avoided paying up to £76-million a year in tax on its Mopani mine in the countrty.

Glencore denies the allegations.

Zambia is currently investigating its justice minister, Wynter Kabimba, over claims he took bribes from multinational trading company Trafigura. Both Kabima and Trafigura deny the claims.

The GFI report said “illicit capital flight” has cost developing countries $859-million in 2010, the last year for which IMF figures are available.

“Astronomical sums of dirty money continue to flow out of the developing world and into offshore tax havens and developed country banks,” Raymond Baker, the GFI’s director, said.

“Regardless of the methodology, it’s clear: developing economies are haemorrhaging more and more money at a time when rich and

poor nations alike are struggling to spur economic growth. This report should be a wake-up call to world leaders that more must be done to address these harmful outflows.”  Find the full report Illicit Financial Flows From Developing Countries: 2001-2010 at: www.gfintegrity.org/storage/gfip/ documents/reports/IFF2012/ embargoed-illicit_financial_flows_ from_developing_countries_20012010-web.pdf http://mg.co.za/article/2012-12-185bn-illegally-taken-out-of-zambiaover-past-decade-report

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RESOURCES FOR GOING GLOBAL Dear International Executive,

I

f 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/usoffices/ index.asp. And, remember to use these outreach tools to grow your international business: Sell Worldwide in the USA Product Showcase; Commercial News USA: Buy 2, Get 1 Free; and Read the Digital Edition of America’s Export Promotion Magazine.

Happy Exporting! ************************* Event: 3C Trade Mission to India and Sri Lanka Location: Chennai, Cochin (India) and Colombo (Sri Lanka) Date/Time: February 3-8, 2013 Learn More/Register: http://export. gov/india/tradeevents/eg_in_052159. asp South India and Sri Lanka offer booming opportunities for U.S. companies in the architecture, infrastructure, hospitality, healthcare, environment and IT sectors.

Join the Multi-Sector “3C” Trade Mission to Chennai, Cochin and Colombo to conduct one-on-one meetings with prescreened potential business partners, participate in networking events and briefings and gain first-hand knowledge from site visits. Learn how to succeed in markets that are growing at 6.5% (India) and 7.2% (Sri Lanka) and make contacts to land business deals.

For more information or to apply for this trade mission, the first-ever U.S. Department of Commerce joint mission to India and Sri Lanka, please contact aileen.nandi@trade.gov.

Event: Automated Export System

Conference in English and Spanish Venue: Ft. Lauderdale, FL Spanish Conference: March 5, 6 2013 English Conference: March 7,8 2013 Learn more/register English: http:// www.export.gov/florida/aes Learn more/register Spanish: http:// www.export.gov/florida/aesespanol The U.S. Commercial Service in South Florida is partnering with the Census Bureau, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) and port officers from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to offer two engaging days of learning. Census Bureau experts will cover the filing requirements of the FTR, how to classify your commodities by providing an understanding of the Schedule B classification requirements, as well as provide a thorough overview of the AES. The CBP experts will cover port requirements and efforts against terrorism and international narcotics trafficking. Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) officers will highlight export control requirements. The Conference will be offered in English and Spanish, for more information please contact Leandro Solorzano at leandro.solorzano@trade.gov or by phone at 954-356-6647 or Martina Echevarria at martina.echevarria@ trade.gov or by phone at 305-5267425 x 26.

Event: 7th Annual Hot Market Watch Conference: Selling to India, Indonesia, Russia & South Korea Location: Cincinnati, OH Date/Time: April 4, 2013 (Networking Reception April 3) Learn More/Register: http://www.

HotMarketWatch.com Cost: Early Bird Rate $70 until December 14 (after: $90) RFPs: Accepting presenter proposals until November 30, 2012 The “Hot Market Watch” Conference is an annual event organized by the U.S. Commercial Service in Cincinnati. This

year’s conference will focus on the “hot markets” of India, Indonesia, Russia & South Korea, and will provide market updates, tools, & resources for U.S. companies interested in selling to or expanding further into these countries & regions. There will also be an evening networking reception the night before (April 3) and is included with conference registration. Presenters will include our U.S. Department of Commerce Senior Commercial Officers from the U.S Commercial Service: David Gossack (Indonesia); Judy Reinke (India); John McCaslin (Russia); and Jim Sullivan (South Korea). In addition to plenary sessions, there will be several break-out sessions to choose from! Selected topics for each country/region include: market overviews; corporate perspectives; economic outlooks; customs, tariffs & logistics; financial considerations; legal considerations; taxation/accounting; and more. Now accepting “Requests for Proposals (RFPs)” for our selected topics – Fillable form on event website.

For more information, please contact: M a r c i a . B r a n d s t a d t @ t r a d e . g o v, telephone: 513-684-2944.

Event: USA Investment Center at Hannover Fair 2013 Venue: Hannover, Germany Date: April 8-12, 2013 Learn more/register: http://www. hannovermesse.de/home http://export. gov/germany/TradeShowsEvents/ FeaturedGermanTradeShows/index. asp The Hannover Fair is the world’s largest and leading industrial technology event.

The Commercial Service/SelectUSA’s “USA Investment Center” offers U.S. Economic Development Organizations (EDOs) an opportunity to share a supported turnkey inward investment pavillion and in the joint promotion of the United States as the world’s most see Going Global on page 77

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International

Going Global from page 76

attractive business location to over 6,000 industry exhibitors and 200,000 trade visitors by the U.S. Commercial Service in key international markets.

Participation in the USA Investment Center at Hannover Fair provides a unique way for U.S. EDOs to attract business and make connections with industry representatives from as many as 90 countries worldwide. For more information, EDOs should contact: Ed.Fantasia@trade.gov.

Sell Worldwide in the USA Product Showcase for Just $499 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. Now, you can advertise in the USA Product Showcase section of the magazine for just $499.

Commercial News USA reaches more than a quarter-million buyers worldwide in print and 23,000 per month online.

Reserve your space in the next issue today. For more information, call 1-800-581-8533 x 822, go online to http://www.thinkglobal.us, or send e-mail to export@thinkglobal.us.

Follow Commercial News USA on LinkedIn and Twitter @comnewsusa Commercial News USA: Buy 2, Get 1 Free 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. Does not include Showcase section). Commercial News USA reaches more than a quarter

million buyers worldwide. Reserve your space in the next issue today. For more information, call 1-800-581-8533 x 822, go online to http://www.thinkglobal. us, or send e-mail to advertise@ thinkglobal.us. Follow Commercial News USA on LinkedIn and Twitter @ comnewsusa.

Read the Digital 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. Now, you can take advantage of a special offer: Buy two ads and get the third ad for free (Based on one-time rates. Does not include Showcase section). Moreover, you will receive a free online listing in Portuguese. 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, call 1-800-581-8533 x 822, go online to http://www.thinkglobal.us, or send e-mail to 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/usoffices/index.asp.

Your privacy is important to us.

Please note that we do not share our lists with parties outside of the U.S. Department of Commerce. You may review our privacy policy at http://www. commerce.gov/Privacy/index.htm **************************** Interested in a Career in International Affairs, Foreign Relations, Trade Promotion and Commercial Diplomacy?

The U.S. Commercial Service is looking for dedicated professionals to add to its complement of nearly 250 Foreign Service Officers serving in Embassies and Consulates around the globe.

The U.S. Commercial Service will take applications for Foreign Service Officers starting August 2012 and will hold the Foreign Service Officer Assessment in Winter 2012/2013. To read a detailed description of the position and application process, express your interest and sign up to receive alerts, please visit http:// simplesend.com/simple/t.asp?S=221& ID=55171&NL=5996&N=69348&SI=2 676111&URL=http://www.trade.gov/cs/ employment.asp or e-mail CSCareers@ trade.gov.

www.zambiausachamber.org

77  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

International

Monopoly Moves to Africa with Lagos Edition

By Vladimir Duthiers and Teo Kermeliotis

S

ome 80 years after its first launch, the iconic board game of Monopoly has finally released its first African city edition.

A Lagos-themed version of the

mansions and manicured lawns, was revealed as the game’s most expensive property, joining Boardwalk in the standard U.S. edition and Mayfair in the London version.

popular real estate game was unveiled in December 2012, making Nigeria’s bustling economic capital the first city in the continent to have a dedicated Monopoly edition.

“Lagos is special, it’s a megacity, one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa,” says Nimi Akinkugbe, head of Bestman Games which is distributing the Lagos edition.

“But apart from that, Lagos also holds a very special place for Nigerians all over the world. There are about 15 million Nigerians in the diaspora who are very nostalgic about Lagos; it’s not just for Lagosians but for people all over the world,” she adds.

The affluent Banana Island, a man-made waterfront community boasting multi-million dollar

Many of the squares for the game’s upmarket locations feature sponsorship from banks, radio stations and shopping centers. In contrast, the square dedicated to the floating shantytown of Makoko, which is the cheapest piece of real estate in the Lagos edition of the game, was left unsponsored.

Local officials were heavily involved in bringing Monopoly to the sprawling metropolis of some 15 million people. Their goal was partly to promote the city’s rich history and landmark sites but also to encourage responsible behavior and inform citizens about laws that are often overlooked.

“You’ve been caught driving against traffic. Report for psychiatric evaluation,” is the message on one

Chance card, which issues a fine -- in line with the laws introduced recently by the local government to deal with the city’s major traffic problem.

Another card reads: “For using the overhead pedestrian bridge on Worodu Road, move forward three spaces.” Akinkugbe explains that many lives have been lost as people tend to cross the express highway by running across the road.

“By rewarding the person that uses the overhead bridge by moving forwards three spaces, slowly it begins to sink in,” she says.

And there are also references to Nigeria’s corruption problem: “For attempting to bribe a law enforcement agent, pay a fine,” says another card “This gives us an opportunity to educate the public about those things,” says Akinkugbe. “[It’s about] penalizing negative behavior and rewarding good behavior but in a fun and enjoyable way. We all know that learning through play is one of the most powerful forms of learning because it is not forced but is done in a relaxed, easy way.”

Akinkugbe says that two other African countries -- South Africa and Morocco -- have a version of Monopoly, but Lagos is the only city in the continent to have its own edition. She says that the Lagos game was sold out within 24 hours of its release, as about 4,000 people got their hands on it.

The first patented version of Monopoly was launched in the United States in 1935 at the height of Great Depression. It has since become arguably the most popular board game in the world, with several localized editions released over the years.  http://edition.cnn.com/2012/12/14/world/ africa/lagos-monopoly/index.html

78  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

You are invited to the U.S. Export-Import Opportunities for African Consumable Products 2013 Trade Show in Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America, for a four day international trade event designed to promote business between Africa and the Americas through AGOA and to attract Foreign Direct Investors through Bureau of African Affairs.

4-Day Buyers-Sellers Meeting U.S. Export-Import Opportunities for African Consumable Products 2013 Trade Show will provide you with up-to-day market intelligence and assist you to develop international trading practice strategies for exporting your products and services into new markets around the globe. You will also have the opportunity to meeting directly with buyers and sellers from Central America, Canada, South America, Europe and the Middle East. www. useximafricaevents.com/buyers-sellers-registration-form.

3-Day Conference & 4-Day Exhibition The event will feature international business leaders from the private sectors, African countries commercial service diplomats posted at their embassies in the United States and high ranking government officials from both continents.

Professional and well-experienced Trade Finance, Banks, African Union member countries, Trade Promotion organizations, buyers and sellers, equipment manufacturers, customs, agricultural and food products processors, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, agricultural and food products Quality Assurance organizations will keep you informed on latest and future developments that will impact where-and how-to develop new business opportunities and export strategies abroad. This event will also provide unlimited opportunities to network with industry experts in international business, government officials and other international buyers and sellers.

Exhibiting at the U.S. Export-Import Opportunities for African Consumable Products 2013 event will help your company earn Priority and profitable Investment that determine the order in which booth and hotel reservations are made for the U.S. Export-Import Opportunities for African Consumable Products expo marketplace. www.useximafricaevents.com/exhibitorregistration.

Exhibitor Registration Save time and money by registering in advance! Exhibit attendance is FREE for U.S residents through June12, 2013. Beginning June 13, 2013 the cost to attend the exhibits is $20 per day if you register online. On-site registration will be $50 per day.

3 WAYS TO REGISTER: 1.ONLINE: Select the appropriate link below to access your online registration form. 2.FAX: Download registration form and fax to: +1.410.383.9978. 3.MAIL: Download registration form and mail to: ATTENTION: NIKKI ROBAK, Navigroup, Inc., U.S. Export – Import Opportunities for African Consumable Products 2013, 1721 Pennsylvania Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21217 For all details or assistance please contact us through our Contact Us page or through the “Live Chat” window on start menu task on the bottom right corner of your screen while you are on our website.

79  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

International

NEW JOURNAL: The Journal of West African History (JWAH)

T

he Journal of West African History (JWAH) is a new interdisciplinary peerreviewed research journal that will publish the highest quality articles on West African history.

Located at the cutting edge of new scholarship on the social, cultural, economic, and political history of West Africa, JWAH will fill a representational gap by providing a forum for serious scholarship and debate on women and gender, sexuality, slavery, oral history, popular and public culture,

and religion. The editorial board encourages authors to explore a wide range of topical, theoretical, methodological, and empirical perspectives in new and exciting ways. The journal is committed to rigorous thinking and analysis; is international in scope; and offers a critical intervention a b o u t knowledge production.

Scholarly reviews of current books in the field will appear in every issue.

And the publication will be in both English and French; an abstract in the other language will be provided of each. Michigan State University Press publishes the JWAH in collaboration with the MSU African Studies Center, and the History Department.

The debut issue of JWAH will appear in Spring 2014. To this end, the editorial board invites scholars to submit original article-

length manuscripts (not exceeding 10,000 words including endnotes, 35 pages in length) accompanied by an abstract that summarizes the argument and significance of the work (not exceeding 150 words); please see submission guidelines for detailed expectations. Review essays (not exceeding 1,000 words) should engage the interpretation, meaning, or importance of an author’s argument for a wider scholarly audience. A list of books available for review can be found on our website; please contact our book review editor at hodamtten@ scu.edu for more information.

Beginning November 23, 2012, manuscripts submitted to the Journal of West African History should be submitted online at http:// jwah.msu.edu/ or jwahsubs@msu. edu. The deadline for submissions is March 15, 2013.

We recognize that access to the internet is not universal; therefore we will accommodate those who are unable to submit their manuscripts electronically. Please contact the editorial staff at: JWAH, 141 B & C History Hall (Old Horticulture), 506 E. Circle Drive, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824; Phone: 1-517-884-4593, Fax: 1-517-884-4594, or jwah@jwah. msu.edu for further instructions.

The editor-in-chief can be reached directly using achebe@jwah.msu. edu. 

80  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

2ND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AFRICAN WOMEN DEVELOPMENT, PARIS FRANCE 20 - 23 March 2013 We warmly invite you to Paris - the City of Light, as we welcome women leaders, key stakeholders, policy leaders, female professionals, business executives and community leaders form Africa and the rest of the world, for the 2013 International Conference on African Women Development holding from 20 - 23 March 2013. The theme of this conference, Women and SMEs Development in Africa: Key to Unlocking Africa’s Growth Potentials seeks to emphasize the business capabilities of women and the need to incorporate women as key economic actors in growing Africa’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The Conference is an annual high-level meeting aimed at advancing and accelerating efforts towards the development of the African Woman. As part of the activities for the conference, a World Stage, leveraged from this platform will be set to shine the spotlight on the top 20 Government bodies, professionals, civil society, faith leaders, organizations whose exemplary and consistent efforts have substantially improved the lives of a group of the world’s poorest people- Women; through CELD’s Top 20 Champions of African Women Development Awards 2013. Past CELD Awards Recipients include: Her Excellency, President Joyce Banda Of Malawi; First Lady Patience Goodluck Jonathan Of Nigeria; Vice President Aja Isatou Njei Of The Gambia; Vice President Joice Mujuru Of Zimbabwe; Ecobank Transnational Inc.; Her Excellency Ida Odinga, Wife Of The Prime Minister Of Kenya; Rt. Hon. Rebbeca Kadaga, Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda; Female Business Leader Wendy Luhabe Of South Africa; and Nigerian States First ladies of Rivers, Benue, Cross River, Bauchi, and Adamawa.

To participate in this conference, please contact Mrs. Furo Giami. on +234 803 909 5696 or by email on info@celdng.org. Limited speaking opportunities are also available. Interested speakers should contact us. You can visit our website at www.celdng.org.

Key Facts It is estimated that Women in Africa represent 52% of the total population, contribute approximately 75% of the agricultural work, and are responsible for 6080% of the food production. Yet, they earn only 10% of African incomes and own just 1 per cent of the continent’s assets. 76.8 per cent of the adult females are unbanked, poor and vulnerable.These figures clearly identify the work that still needs to be done across Africa in terms of women and business but they also highlight the enormous potential of women as key participants in emerging economies. This gap must be closed if Africa is to tap into the economic capacities of women. For Africa to ultimately succeed in the next decade, be competitive in the global economy, and reach the growth rates required to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, it needs to develop the SME sector and women will play a key part in achieving that goal.

For Whom This conference is open to all lovers of African women development, critical stakeholders, African Heads of Government; Female Heads & Deputy Heads of Government; First Ladies of African Countries and regions/ states; Heads of Govt. from various Nations; female professionals and business leaders; Women in the Private & Public Sectors; Female legislators; Wives of Parliamentarians, Female Academics and Researchers in the field of Gender issues, Female Traditional Rulers; Civil Society; Female Ministers in Africa, etc.

We look forward to welcoming you to Paris, France - the City of Light!

The Team, Centre for Economic & Leadership Development (CELD)

81  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

The Africa America International Business Forum 14 - 16 March 2013, Atlanta GA, USA

The Africa - America International Business Forum is holding between 14-16 March 2013 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Atlanta Georgia, USA. The forum with the theme Harnessing Africa - The New Economic Frontier, shall attract front line business and policy leaders from Africa and the Americas, and highlight the need for a fully diversified American investment strategy in African Economies. The event brings together investors, buyers, suppliers, policy makers and analysts within the African and American Investment community. The event which features an Awards/Gala Night to honour best practices, investments and outstanding achievements of businesses, core stakeholders and policy makers that have sustained economic cooperation between the Americas and Africa is expected to have HE President Joyce Banda of Malawi; Governor Nathan Deal of the State of Georgia USA; Governor Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari of Zamfara State Nigeria; Dr. Joyce Aryee, Immediate past CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines; Intels Nigeria Limited, the First Bank Group and a lot of other African and American Business and Policy leaders in attendance. Already, there are participation confirmations and endorsements from the Pan African American Chamber of Commerce, South African American Chamber of Commerce; The Association of Kenyan Professionals in Georgia, The Ghanaian Business Community; among others.

For sponsorship and speaking opportunities, participation in the event, nominating an individual or organization for an award, or for general enquiries, please contact Kingsley Okeke on +234 703 682 7724, and kingsley@africanleadershipmagazine.com; or Titus Olowokere on +1 404 939 4030 and tolowok@ crystalorbit.com.

One Africa:

Tell the US Government that North Africa is Africa Too! www.uniteafricans.org

82  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

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

83  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Leimert Park Village

Shop, Eat, Relax

An African American Cultural, Retail, Foods & Entertainment Center.

Degnan Boulevard

Little Ethiopia

between Crenshaw & Leimert Blvds.

43rd Street-43rd Place, Los Angeles

www.sazacc.com

in

Experience Africa in America

Culture, Retail, Entertainment

Fairfax Boulevard between Pico & Olympic Boulevard Los Angeles

International

One Africa:

Tell the US Government that North Africa is Africa Too!

J

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

HBS AFRICA BUSINESS CONFERENCE 15th Annual Africa Business Conference February 15-17, 2013 www.hbsafricaconference.com Harvard Business School hosted by the

Africa Business Club Theme:

Re-defining Africa: The Emergence of a New African Story As Africa evolves, so too must the World’s perception of Her. The aim of this Conference is to showcase those who continue to shape and influence the African story through business and enterprise, and to create an environment for like-minded individuals to meet, exchange ideas and spur one another on to action.

Gathers Strategies, Inc. is in the heart of Downtown LA at

City National Plaza.

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.

85  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Black Business News Black History Month Shopping Section

Beaded Necklace from Kenya 87  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Cultural Interiors West &

Cordially Invited Cultural Interiors West 5573 West Pico Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90019 Experience our exciting array of products from Cards to Cupcakes, African Masks, Asian Teacups, Healthy Herbal Teas, Gourd Purses, Candles, to Furniture Hope to see you soon!!!

In the meantime visit us on Facebook www.facebook.com/pages/CulturalInteriors-West/140688362658236

Gallery Guichard Art That Touches The Soul 3521 S. King Drive Chicago, IL. 60653 Hours of Operation:

By Appointment Only Andre Guichard andreguichardgallery@gmail.com 773-791-7003 88  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

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

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

JendayiCollection.com 323.898.7468 877.898.7468 Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, First Floor 89  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

95  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Thursday Blues at Uncle Darrow‛s High Noon-2pm Every Thursday

Come by for lunch and relax to blues & 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

Eso Won Books

African American Books 4327 Degnan Boulevard, Leimert Park, Los Angeles

Give the Gifts that Keep on Giving!

Come see our unsurpassed collection of books, music, videos, children’s books, and games!

323-294-0324

www.esowonbookstore.com //esowon.booksense.com for Calendar of Events

AMERICAN GROWN by First Lady Michelle Obama

Available in your local bookstores now

The Soul of a New Cuisine

What Would

Michelle

A Discovery of the Foods and Flavors of Africa

Do?

by Allison Samuels

by Chef Marcus Samuelsson Allison Samuels

97  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

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

Degnan Boulevard between Crenshaw & Leimert Blvds.

43rd Street-43rd Place, Los Angeles

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

Shop, Eat, Relax in

Little Ethiopia Experience Africa in America

Culture, Retail, Entertainment Fairfax Boulevard, Los Angeles between Pico & Olympic,

Artwear Handpainted Handbags Skirts Tees Accessories Calendars Wall Hangings & 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

99  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

“Images of America Leimert Park” Chronicles Los Angeles Past and Present

Event Producer and local historian Cynthia E. Exum has released a new book that chronicles the diverse history of one of Los Angeles’ most iconic areas. Exum co-authored Images of America Leimert Park with Maty Guiza-Leimert, wife of Walter H. Leimert III, whose grandfather Walter H. Leimert, Sr. purchased 231 acres in what was then the central part of Los Angeles for $2 million in 1927. Leimert Sr. commissioned the Olmstead Brothers, sons of Frederick Law Olmsted Sr., the master planner of New York City’s Central Park, to design and develop what would become one of the first comprehensively planned communities in Southern California.

Over 200 vintage and current images take readers on a unique journey into Los Angeles history. Many of the photographs in Images of America Leimert Park are part of the private collection of Walter H. Leimert and have never before been published. “Our hope in sharing our archival photographs and contributing to this book was to provide a historical perspective of Leimert Park’s origins for those that lived it and to document it for future generations,” commented co-author Maty Guiza-Liemert.

Exum views the publication of Images of America Leimert Park from a national and local perspective. “The story of Leimert Park is the story of communities all over America,” said Exum, who also produces an annual book fair in Leimert Park Village. “Leimert Park started out as a planned community for what was at the time the burgeoning middle-class. Over the span of eight decades lots of things happened, including the internment of many of Leimert Park’s Japanese residents following WWII, restrictive covenants that kept African Americans from purchasing homes, the civil unrests of 1965 and 1992 and the resurgence that Leimert Park is currently experiencing. It’s an American story, but it’s also the story of our community. I’m proud to have been able to work with Maty Guiza-Leimert to document and preserve such an important part of our history.”

Images of America Leimert Park was published by Arcadia Publishing, the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States. The book is available through Arcadia Publishing (888) 313-2665 or visit http://www.arcadiapublishing.com. It is also available at Eso Won Books in Leimert Park and online booksellers.

100  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

The 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

How to Do Business with Metro - Monthly Workshop DECEMBER 2012 9:30am – 12:00 pm MARCH 12, 11, 2013

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102  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

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

www.TheArtofBidding.com is dedicated to the art and science of moving goods and services to market. This web site is useful to business managers responsible for their companies’ supply chain activities. This information is sponsored by the Southland Partnership Corporation that serves a wide range of supply chain management issues for large and small enterprises.

Southland is in place to enhance supplier inclusion through the increased flow of goods and services by providing current information from initial sourcing all the way through to delivery to public and private sector endusers. Southland shares vital information of purchasing opportunities from production planning, order processing and fulfillment, inventory management, transportation, distribution, and professional service requirements.

For some, this information on proposal estimating will be a refresher on how to submit an effective pricing plan, however, for other companies this may be just the information to create that winning response. All buyers seek to make the best investment when selecting outside resources. The supplier selection results from demonstrating efficiencies and generating the highest level of customer satisfaction at the most responsible lowest cost. In general all major buying entities look at the strategic, tactical, and operational functions of prospective suppliers.

Business Development

Building Your Business for Success: The Importance of Ownership

O

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

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

Tax Deductions

Added Value To Business

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

105  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

From-Jamaal Wilkes Financial Advisors, LLC:

A Change is Coming – 2013 & Onwards By: Julian D. W. Phillips, Gold/Silver Forecaster - Global Watch

A

s we look forward to 2013 and beyond. Hopes and dreams must always be tempered by the stark spotlight of today’s realities. Nothing can happen unless it is based on today’s present world structures, events and leaders in politics, and money. The first major point we have to recognize is the structures we see around us, within which everything is bound together, together with the current leaders and their will for the future – these things will shape the years ahead.

Much as we might hunger for reform in so many areas, we must be pragmatic in looking forward. The world is not pure –far from it— so it is realistic to look at what is here today that will shape tomorrow. Looking at the future through these leader’s eyes gives us a clear perspective.

Underlying the developed world society is the state of the family, which underpins the state of the nation.

This in turn describes the state of national and global cohesion within world structures. For instance, by contrasting the progress of China’s economy with that of the developed world, we get a focused picture of the economic and monetary capabilities of civilization in the two blocs.

If you doubt what we have said, look back to the start of the credit crunch in 2007 and see that it has been over five years since it began. The problems that exploded on us then –have they been resolved? Has the political system been reformed? Is the developed world showing a clear direction forward or is it a mélange of contradicting power bases, in dispute with one another. Has the financial system been reformed?

Or is it reliant on a series of rescue operations attempting to hold together structures that have failed so far to provide what we are looking for in our future?

Are the fundamental structures of government and finance working cohesively to provide solutions that will lead the developed world to a growing future? It does seem that political parties keep promising a solution to our problems (with little to no details) and manage to avoid letting us see that the problems we face are

a consequence of past actions by the same dominant structures.

Do we have a strong workable monetary system to take us into the future? No we don’t. Are the powerless ordinary people more confident in their future? No they are not. What we see is a growing discontent among the bulk of mankind that their future is so uncertain.

That discontent breeds instability and uncertainty, a state that has not lessened in the last seven years. As the developed world points down to more economic underperformance, this rising tide of discontent threatens to worsen substantially. It is against this backdrop that we look at the future.

United States We still have the political gridlock that has rendered the leaders of the U.S. powerless to lead, let alone reform over the last few years. No attempts to really promote growth and jobs have come out of Washington.

The emphasis in the political and financial world has been to save the buckling banking and monetary system from spiralling down into a Depression. Hats off to the Fed because they have succeeded in doing that, but little more! The hopes inside the U.S. have been to see no further decline and to hope that the tenacity and resolve of the consumer will lift the U.S. out of its doldrums. Perhaps one should ask, “Are politicians qualified to provide economic growth or simply lessen the burden government puts on the productive facet of a nation?” The last five years –when growth has been so badly needed—has not seen that happen. What convinces us that next year thing will change for the better? And reality demands specifics, not just vague, hopeful generalities.

The use of quantitative easing has boosted the money supply enormously and will keep on doing so until growth takes off, growth that is not just wellestablished but sustainable. If this does not happen and growth remains below inflation and population growth, then the bloated money supply will turn back on the system and create monetary inflation while the see 2013 & Onwards on page 107

106  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

2013 & Onwards from page 106

economy is shrinking. Combine that with shrinking confidence at that time and the mercurial impact of the two factors joining each other, and this may well go beyond a simple recession and lead to a massive drop in the dollar’s buying power.

It could easily then swing out of control.

A failure to resolve the ‘debtceiling’ crisis and the ‘fiscal cliff’ could ignite that state of affairs. So we enter 2013 with that economic backdrop. Political gridlock, which will last until the election of Congress and the House of Representatives, will continue to render government inadequate to handle the current crises. The consequences could be dire. It’s well-known that the leading institutions of the U.S. are going through planning for a possible dollar collapse, the possible scenario of having to withdraw military personnel from outside the U.S., and the pay of government employees being insufficient to provide for their families. These are very real scenarios for the future that must be addressed ahead of them happening.

So 2013 appears to promise more of the same as the last five years in the U.S. and its economy except that conditions have become more fragile. The economy appears to have a small element of growth and by way of hope, does not seem to be headed into a slump. This is contingent on the politicians not mucking it up at the start of 2013.

But there’s a major change coming in the next four years within the economic structure of the States that could may help it survive and maybe even prosper despite these handicaps. This will be discussed in Part II.

Eurozone The inadequacy of the political

structure of the Eurozone has been evident for all to see in the last few years when the ‘credit crunch’ morphed into the Eurozone Sovereign Debt crisis. It has been with us for far longer than anybody expected and has succeeded in highlighting the weakness of the bloc’s diverse national bases. The leadership performance of the Eurozone’s politicians has been underwhelming and continues to place partisan interests over those of the E.U. We see no reason why that should change. But the reinforcing of that failure in 2013 and beyond is against a disenchanted population that is increasingly inclined to social unrest as their financial and employment situation worsens.

We believe that the recession now underway in the Eurozone will feed on itself and worsen in 2013.

The situation in the Mediterranean nations of the south side of the Eurozone seems to be worsening and removing hope in the process: • We expect Greece will leave the Eurozone in the next 12 months.

• The weaknesses being seen in Spain are not going away and will worsen in line with the ongoing recession there too. Spain is expected to find requests for a further bailout irresistible.

• Italy is beginning to spiral down to potentially need help too. This would bring the entire E.U. into question.

Once this happens the contagion effect will worsen for other members, including Germany, which relies on the Eurozone for 40% of its exports.

How will the euro fare under these conditions? Undoubtedly it will fare poorly. As a currency passing its twelfth year in existence, never has it looked more tenuous as it does now.

Are the Eurozone’s leaders up to the task of turning the Eurozone economies around? A look at their

performance over the last few years does not point to this. Expect that as the recession bites, the value of the euro will decline and what faces the U.S. will happen in the Eurozone, only to a greater degree.

Asia/China & the Arrival of the Global Yuan The controlled nature of China and its people’s love of regimentation and cooperation has been the prime cause of China’s rapid development. Its reliance on cheap labor to date developed not only its export markets but its own expertise in all facets of economic life. The target of double digit growth remains plausible there, but the threat of social unrest at the uneven distribution of wealth as it develops is a worry to the government. This is particularly true when the financial playing fields were relatively flat two decades ago. Its population of 1.3 billion people in itself is a huge number. Even if 1 billion people do well out of its growth, then that leave 300 million still waiting for an exit from poverty. This is the same as the population of the entire U.S. But even China must see its economy reach a self-sustainable, internalized dependency level, before it can be confident of its future. To achieve that it has to become less reliant on its export markets and outside investments, unless they support the needs of its structure. The thought that it will contribute to the developed world’s growth is somewhat fatuous when we see it manufacturing goods cheaper, but of the same quality and slowly removing its reliance on imported goods, except of a basic nature. Given time, it will be manufacturing everything as well as and cheaper than the developed world can. This makes the shift of wealth from the West to the East a long-term facet of the global economy.  www.GoldForecaster.com

107  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Books to Consider...

Vernon Can Read: A Memoir

by Vernon E. Jordan, Jr. While on summer break in 1955 from DePauw University, Jordan worked as a chauffeur for Robert Maddox, the racist president of

h Fi ti l Bank B k off Atlanta.

Atl t the Firstt N National Maddox was dumbfounded to discover that Jordan could do more than drive that “Vernon can read.” Jordan, an informal adviser to President Clinton, presents an engaging memoir of his arduous yet successful struggle to claim the African American dream. The most

entertaining chapters discuss a childhood m o l d e d by church, s c h o o l , and family, especially his mother and “greatest friend,” Mary Jordan. The chapters on

his rising civil rights career, which include being a young attorney for the NAACP during the University of Georgia desegregation, serving as head of the United Negro College Fund, and following the legendary Whitney Young as chief executive of the National Urban League, are sprinkled with insights. Jordan means to “bridge the gap” between the years AfricanAmericans were forced to move to the back of the bus and the time when “a young black girl [Vernon’s daughter Vickee] could be so confident in her humanity that she found it unfathomable that anyone could try and take it away from her.”

The bridge, of course, is Jordan himself, and he tells his s u c c e s s story with a concentration and devotion that gives it all the fervor and logic of a good long speech. The power of this biography derives from Jordan’s honesty and the simple elegance of his writing. 

Make It Plain:

Standing Up and Speaking Out

by Vernon E. Jordan, Jr. The long and storied career of Vernon E. Jordan, Jr. one of the nation’s finest speakers, has carried him from work on the civil rights front lines in the South to the National Urban League to positions of influence at the highest level of business and politics. Vernon Jordan has never forgotten the men and women, from Wiley Branton to Martin Luther King, from Fannie Lou Hamer to Whitney Young to Primus King, whose oratorical skill in service to social justice deeply influenced him. Their examples, and voices, mixed with Vernon’s own make this book both a history and an embodiment of black speech at its finest, full of emotion, controlled force, righteous indignation, love of country, and awe in front of the challenges ahead. www.amazon.com

108  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Calendar February…

will be held on the campus of Howard University, Washington, DC. For more information: www.ascac. org

30th

7th-18th

Pan African Film Festival PAFF will take place at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza (ArtFest, Select Special Events) and Rave Cinemas Baldwin Hills 15 (All Screenings, Except Opening Night). Details on submission of film, participation in the ArtFest and attending the showings and events are available at www.paff.org.

Black Business Association 2013 Salute to Black Women Business Conference, Vendor Fair & Awards Luncheon The annual conference and awards event is held in celebration of the achievements of African American women and in celebration of National Women’s History Month. Details are available at www.bbala.org and 1-323-291-9334.

27th - March 2nd

April…

4th-5th

Ex-Im Bank Annual Conference 2013 Register now for the international finance conference to learn about programs especially for minorityowned businesses: www.exim.gov.

8th-9th

2013 Asia Pacific Business Outlook Conference SAVE THE DATE: Asia Pacific Business Outlook Conference 2013 at USC Davidson Center, Los Angeles, CA. For more information: www.apboconference.com

20th

Africare’s Bishop Walker Memorial Dinner Gala Help to continue the great work that is carried out by Africare by supporting the annual dinner. For more information go to //http:africare.org 

8th Annual Women of Power Summit Hosted by Black Enterprise magazine and State Farm Insurance.

Held at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Orlando, Florida. Find detailed information and registration form at www.blackenterprise.com/events/ women-of-power-summit.

28th

Black Business Association Annual Awards Dinner Details are available at www.bbala. org.

March…

14th-17th

30th Annual Ancient Kemetic Studies Conference This information packed conference 109  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Resources Media Africa Interactive Multimedia Press/Content Agency in Africa www.africa-interactive.com

CauseCast www.causecast.com www.causecastfornonprofits.com

Africa World Press Books www.africaworldpressbooks.com

Continental African Chamber of Commerce www.continentalacc.org

African American Film Festival Releasing Movement (AFFRM) www.affrm.com

The German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) www.gmfus.org

African American Performance Magazine www.africanamericanperformancemagazine.com African Vibes Magazine www.africanvibes.com The African World www.theafricanworld.tv Africast TV

International Society of Black Latinos www.blacklatinos.org Pan African Film Festival www.paff.org United African Organization http://uniteafricans.org

Investment/Development Investment in Zambia www.zambiausachamber.org

www.africast.tv AllAfrica http://allafrica.com American Urban Radio Networks www.aurn.com Black Wall Street Times http://bwstimes.com Black Business News Group www.blackbusinessnews.net BridesNoir www.bridesnoir.com CuisineNoir www.cuisinenoirmag.com DiasporaVoice www.blogtalkradio.com/diasporavoice Jewel www.jewelmagonline.com

Organizations

Africa Reports www.africareports.com The Exchange Magazine www.nse.co.ke

U.S. Government Commerce Department www.doc.gov Minority Business Development Agency www.mbda.gov Small Business Administration www.sba.gov Recovery Act www.recovery.gov State Department www.dos.gov White House www.whitehouse.gov

The African Union www.au.int/en Black Business Association www.bbala.org California Black Chamber of Commerce http://calbcc.org

111  February 2013  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

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