Black Bus News November 2010

In This Issue...

President’s Message…page 3 High Speed Rail to Spur Economy…page 6 BBA Procurement Exchange Summit…page 13

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

2011 Promises to be Great!

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s we usher in the end of 2010, the Black Business Association (BBA) believes that we can safely observe that, for small business enterprises, the economic hemorrhaging has subdued. There was serious damage done from the financial fallout of 2008-2010, but thanks to public and private efforts, the healing process is definitely underway. Efforts notwithstanding, the hope and optimism with which many of us started the year remain guarded, and there are still significant strengths and weaknesses to be balanced within the African American business community in 2011.

Given a world replete with hidden agendas and media sound bites, the BBA recommends the following in order to make an immediate impact on the hilly landscape of the minority business community: (1) increase funding for the U.S. Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), and (2) establishment of a $1 billion emergency fund for small and minority business.

More specifically, the BBA advocates for increasing the fiscal budget of MBDA from $32.3 million to $200 million, primarily because for every $1 spent with MBDA, it generates approximately $100 in contract opportunities. With a roughly $30 million budget, MBDA facilitated $3.2 billion in contracts and capital to minority-owned firms, creating nearly 5,000 new jobs and saving tens of thousands of others. Further, it is the only federal agency created specifically to foster minority-owned businesses. It is difficult to appreciate the efforts of the Obama Administration with increasing the MBDA’s 2011 fiscal

budget to $32.3 million from $31.5 million, since during the Nixon and Carter Administrations this budget averaged $55 million per year, and generated outstanding results for black-owned and operated emerging firms.

To put things into a broader perspective, if we were to take MBDA’s annual budget and multiple it nine times, it still would not be enough to buy one B-1 fighter bomber plane. Yet, this relatively small agency has a national mission to promote the active growth and competitiveness of large, medium and small minority business enterprises.

MBDA dynamically coordinates and leverages public and private sector resources that facilitate strategic alliances in support of its mission, which in essence is to function as a public sector entrepreneurial organization to serve private sector entrepreneurs. Consequently, the substantial deliverables are insurmountable with the appropriate amount of funding.

MBDA provides funding for a network of minority business centers located throughout the country, with these centers then providing minority entrepreneurs one-on-one assistance in writing business plans, marketing, manage-

ment and technical assistance and financial planning to assure adequate financing for business ventures. Business specialists who have the knowledge and practical experience needed to run successful and profitable businesses staff the centers. Business referral services are provided free of charge.

There is, however, a negative trend that challenges BBA members and others: the MBDA network now proposes to charge fees to small business client for specific management and technical assistance. The tax dollars granted to these centers is presumably not enough to continue operations. To address the issue LA/MBOC has submited a proposal to MBDA to charge clients $250 for services as well as fees for city supplier contracts garnered from the consultations to help supplement the grossly deficient funding.

A governed agency under MBDA is the City of Los Angeles Minority Business Opportunity Center (MBOC) that has apparently not fully reviewed the ramifications of levying fees for such services. It is an obvious conflict of interest for a public servant to act es-

...BBA advocates for increasing the fiscal budget of the MBDA from $32.3 million to $200 million. Primarily because for every $1 spent with MBDA, it generates approximately $100 in contract opportunities...

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

see President’s Message on page 67

Over 40 years of service Founded 1970

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

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

PRODUCTION MANAGER Narishima Osei

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

NVA Financial Group, Inc. Kevin M. Caliup, Treasurer AIA/E-World Strategy Narishimah Osei, Parliamentarian Osei & Associates Gwen Moore, Director GEM Communications Candida Mobely-Wright, Director Voices, Inc. Angela Walton, Director Melador Technologies, Inc. Angela Reddock, Esq., Legal Counsel

W. Gladney ▪ C. Collins

CORPORATE PARTNERS

PHOTOGRAPHY

AEG  American Honda Motor Company AT&T Bank of America The Boeing Company California Lottery Citibank Coca-Cola Enterprises Comerica Bank Department of Water & Power Donald Sterling Corporation Fannie Mae  IBM Kaiser Permanente  LAEDC Los Angeles World Airports Northrop Grumman Corporation Raytheon Company

Ian Foxx ▪ Sabir • N. Osei

LAYOUT/TYPESETTING Lion Communications Copyright © 2010 by Black Business Association.

All Rights Reserved.

BBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ted Davis, Chairman IsComp Systems, Inc. Nathan Freeman, Vice Chairman Figueroa Media Group, Inc. Eugene Jones, Secretary

S.C.R.P.C. Sempra Energy Southern California Edison Swinerton Builders Toyota Motor Sales, Inc. Turner Construction Company Union Bank of California USBank  Verizon Walt Disney Company WellPoint  Wells Fargo Bank Lyceum Management Services, Ex Officio Hollis Smith, Ex Officio Paulette Williams, Ex Officio

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

2011 Events

February Black Business Awards Dinner - 38th Anniversary of the BBA March Salute to Black Women November Utilities Procurement Exchange Summit & Awards Luncheon • Call for information •

323-291-9334 U.S.-India Transactions

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see page 10

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:

In This Issue…

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President’s Message 2011 Promises to be Great!

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High-Speed Rail Education Technology Plan U.S.-India Transactions BBA Procurement Exchange Summit MBDA National Advisory Council $35 million Available from HUD

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California Recovery: •Governor’s Global Climate Summit 3 •New Protections for Small Business

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

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

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Let’s Move!

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

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Africa Focus

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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;

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Providing training for entrepreneurial professional development;

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

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

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

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

Tanzania’s President Re-Elected Kenya Poised for Business Tourism

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Tax Relief: Charitable Giving Time

63

SBA News New export support tool for small businesses

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Calendar

Columns 37 - Take A Look!

41 - Business Tools / The Vallue of Face Time 57 - Books to Consider...

BBA Action Alert 2 - AEG Supplier Portal 25 - Help for Haiti 48 - 10,000 Small Businesses Initiative Launch Cover image - Sarah Harris

U.S. Small Business Administration

2007 - Journalist of the Year Award LA/Minority Business Opportunity Center

2010 - Media Firm of the Year

DOT Awards $2.4 Billion to Continue Developing 21st Century High-speed Passenger Rail Corridors

by Secretary Ray LaHood, U.S. Department of Transportation

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he Obama Administration and the Department of Transportation (www.dot.gov) are awarding $2.4 billion for planning and construction of intercity passenger rail service.

With these 54 projects in 23 states, we’re moving full-speed ahead toward a nationwide high-speed rail system.

President Obama signed the Recovery Act to build bridges between the Americans who needed jobs and the infrastructure jobs that needed doing. One of those jobs was creating a 21st century rail system in the United States.

The $8 billion in the Recovery Act for high-speed rail (http://fastlane.dot. gov/2010/05/first-round-of-high-speedrail-funds-flowing-to-states.html) was step one, a down payment on a national network that, within 25 years, will give 80% of Americans the choice of

traveling from downtown to downtown by high speed passenger train.

With these awards, we take a second step toward that future. A future that envisions riding from downtown Los Angeles to downtown San Francisco in two hours and forty minutes. Or Chicago to St. Louis in two hours. Or Tampa to Orlando in 55 minutes.

The intense demand for high-speed rail dollars demonstrates just how important this historic initiative is. We received 132 applications for $8.8 billion, more than three times the funding Congress made available. Across the country, states are seeing the future and clamoring for passenger rail routes.

That’s why we’ve already expanded to include a route from Iowa City to Chicago--running through the Quad Cities-and a route in Michigan connecting Detroit to Chicago via Kalamazoo.

States understand that high-speed rail represents a unique opportunity to revitalize our manufacturing base, spur economic development, and create jobs.

Workers will be needed to lay track and manufacture rail cars. And more than 30 rail manufacturers and suppliers, both domestic and foreign, have agreed to establish or expand bases of operations in the US if they are hired to build America’s next generation highspeed lines. The Obama Administration secured this commitment to ensure that new jobs are created here at home.

And, because proximity to rail stations will be increasingly valuable, growing rail lines will also stimulate economic development.

There are other benefits beyond jobs, economic growth, and greater mobility.

Rail routes will alleviate congestion on

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crowded highways and allow freight to flow more freely by truck. Train passengers will forego crowded airports often located more than an hour outside of a city’s central business district.

And all of these intercity routes will be cleaner and greener than our current options, easing our reliance on imported oil and mitigating carbon emissions on our environment.

Every vision this nation ever realized began with a few courageous steps.

If we put off high-speed rail by saying it will take too long to build, then it will never happen. President Eisenhower took a step forward at the birth of the US Interstate Highway network in the 1950s, and today that system is the life-blood of American commerce and mobility.

Now it’s time for another bold step. The America I grew up in didn’t just happen. Our nation’s progress was only made possible through the imagination, investment, and hard work of those who came before.

And I’m proud that, today, we’re adding to that legacy with President Obama’s commitment to high speed rail. 

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

National Recovery:

U.S. Department of Education Releases Finalized National Education Technology Plan Administration Sets Target of 2015 to Reach Five Key Goals

U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan

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.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan has announced release of the U.S. Department of Education's plan for transforming American education through technology, a process that would create an engaging state-of-the-art, cradle-to-college school system nationwide.

"We have an unprecedented opportunity to reform our schools," Duncan said during the recent State Educational Technology Directors Association Education Forum. "With this technology plan, we have laid out a comprehensive vision for how teachers working with technology can transform student learning in classrooms across America.

We must dramatically improve teaching and learning, personalize instruction and ensure that the educational environments we offer to all students keep pace with the 21st century."

The National Education Technology Plan (NETP) was written and refined over 18 months by leading education researchers, with input from the public, industry officials, and thousands of educators and students from across the country. Development of the NETP was led by the department's Office of Educational Technology and involved the most rigorous and inclusive process ever undertaken for a national educa-

tion technology plan. It is a crucial component of the administration's effort to have America lead the world in college completion by 2020 and help close the achievement gap so that all students graduate from high school ready to succeed in college and careers.

The plan, titled "Transforming American Education: Learning Powered by Technology," presents a model with key goals in five areas: learning, assessment, teaching, infrastructure and productivity. Each core section outlines concepts for using technology to holistically transform education, with the aim to achieve each goal by 2015.

Learning: Change the learning process so it's more engaging and tailored to students' needs and interests.

Assessment: Measure student progress on the full range of college and career ready standards and use

real time data for continuous improvement.

Teaching: Connect teachers to the tools, resources, experts and peers they need to be highly effective and supported.

Infrastructure: Provide broadband connectivity for all students, everywhere—in schools, throughout communities and in students' homes.

Productivity: Use technology to help schools become more productive and accelerate student achievement while managing costs.

"Our nation's schools have yet to unleash technology's full potential to transform learning," Duncan said.

"We're at an important transition point.

We need to leverage technology's promise to improve learning."

Overall, the plan addresses technology trends that could transform education, such as mobility and accessibility, the rise of digital content, and the rise of online social networks for information, collaboration and learning. Importantly, it stresses that technology in the classroom only works when paired with effective teaching.

"Technology will never replace good teachers," Duncan said. "We all know that the most important factor in a student's success is the teacher leading the class. That will not change."

To read the finalized NETP visit http://www.ed.gov/technology/netp2010. 

OUR ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN OERP

Do Business with BBA Member Businesses & Advertisers

9  November 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

National Recovery:

The National Export Initiative: U.S. - India Transactions

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s part of his trip through Asia, President Obama highlighted the relationship between America and India, the world’s two largest democracies, as one of the world’s fastest growing trade and investment relationships. As part of the National Export Initiative, President Obama noted that India is a key market for U.S. exports. Those exports are generating jobs in every corner of the United States and across every major sector.

These involve some of our country’s largest companies, but also an increasing number of small and medium-sized enterprises.

On the margins of the President’s trip, trade transactions were announced or showcased, exceeding $14.9 billion in total value with $9.5 billion in U.S. export content, supporting an estimated 53,670 U.S. jobs. These cross-border collaborations, both public and private, underpin the expanding U.S.-India strategic partnership, contributing to economic growth and development in both countries. Notable examples include:

States. Boeing, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is the aircraft manufacturer. Boeing reports that each C-17 supports 650 suppliers across 44 U.S. states and that this order will support Boeing’s C-17 production facility in Long Beach, California, for an entire year. This transaction is valued at approximately $4.1 billion, all of which is U.S. export content, supporting an estimated 22,160 jobs.

Engine Sale for the Light Combat Aircraft: On October 1,the General Electric Company, headquartered in Fairfield, Connecticut, was declared the lowest bidder and selected to negotiate a contract to provide the Indian Aeronautical Development Agency with 107 F414 engines to be installed on the Tejas light combat aircraft. Upon finalizing the contract, General Electric’s facility in Lynn, Massachusetts, and other sites across the United States will be positioned to export almost one billion

dollars in high technology aerospace products. This transaction is tentatively valued at approximately $822 million, all of which is U.S. export content, supporting an estimated 4,440 jobs.

Commercial Aircraft Sale: Boeing Company, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and SpiceJet, a leading private airline in India, concluded a definitive agreement for the sale of 30 B737-800 commercial aircraft. SpiceJet currently operates 22 Boeing aircraft and has several 737 deliveries remaining from previous agreements.

This new agreement will enable SpiceJet to offer more domestic routes and to begin offering international flights to neighboring countries. This transaction is valued at approximately $2.7 billion, based on catalogue prices, with an estimated $2.4 billion in U.S. export content, supporting an estimated 12,970 jobs. [UPDATE: At press time, the Boeing transaction was still in the negotiation process and was estimated at $2.7 billion. As the deal was finalized later, the final transaction value was $2.3 billion.]

Gas and Steam Turbine Sale: The General Electric Company, headquartered in Fairfield, Connecticut, was selected to supply six advanced class 9FA gas turbines and three steam tur-

Heavy Transport Aircraft: The Boeing Company and the Indian Air Force have reached preliminary agreement on the purchase of 10 C-17 Globemaster III military transport aircraft, and are now in the process of finalizing the details of the sale. Once all have been delivered, the Indian Air Force will be the owner and operator of the largest fleet of C-17s outside of the United

President Barack Obama greets students following a town hall meeting at St. Xavier College in Mumbai, India. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

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

President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh participate in a bilateral meeting at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, India. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) bines for the 2,500-megawatt Samalkot power plant expansion to be constructed by Reliance Power Ltd., a division of the Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group, one of the largest conglomerates in India. General Electric purchases equipment from 240 suppliers across the United States—an estimated 14 percent of which are small- and medium-sized enterprises—for every 9FA gas-fired turbine, which are assembled in Greenville, South Carolina.

The combined equipment and maintenance contracts are valued at approximately $750 million, with an estimated $491 million in U.S. export content, supporting an estimated 2,650 jobs.

Power for the purchase of U.S. goods and services to be used in the development of up to 8,000 megawatts of gasfired electricity generating units and up to 900 megawatts of renewable (solar and wind) energy facilities.

Diesel Locomotive Manufacturing Venture:

Reliance Power and U.S. Ex-Im Bank Agreement:

The United States has worldwide leaders in diesel locomotive manufacturing, and the Indian Ministry of Railways announced the prequalification of the sole two bidders—GE Transportation (Erie, Pennsylvania) and ElectroMotive Diesel (LaGrange, Illinois)—for a venture to manufacture and supply of 1,000 diesel locomotives over 10 years.

The estimated U.S. content of this contract is expected to exceed $1B.

Reliance Power Ltd., the flagship company of the Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group, and the Export – Import Bank of the United States announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This MOU will indicate Ex-Im Bank’s willingness to provide up to $5 billion in financial support to Reliance

Harley-Davidson Motor Company, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, announced that preparations are underway to open a new plant in India for the assembly of Harley-Davidson motorcycles from U.S.-built “complete knock-down” kits. This investment by

Motorcycle Assembly Plant:

the company entails job creation in both the United States and India, and it will allow the company to reduce the tariff burden on its motorcycles for sale in the Indian market, driving sales growth by making its motorcycles more accessible to Indian consumers.

Sale of U.S. Mining Equipment and Related Support Equipment: On October 21, the Export – Import Bank of the United States announced the approval of more than $900 million in export finance guarantees to Sasan Power Ltd., a subsidiary of Reliance Power Ltd., supporting the sale of U.S. mining equipment and services from Bucyrus International of South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and other U.S. vendors, in association with the 3,960-megawatt coal-fired Sasan power plant in Madhya Pradesh, India.

This financial commitment supports $641 million in U.S. export content, supporting an estimated 3,460 jobs.

Tunneling Equipment for Underground Water Channel: see India Transactions on page 23

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Special Events:

The BBA’s 7th Annual Procurement Exchange Summit Connects Small Businesses with Public and Private Sector Opportunities

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he Black Business Association, the oldest minority business group in the state of California, held its annual procurement and It was a totally successful event The 7th annual Procurement Exchange Summit and Awards Luncheon was held on Thursday, November 4, 2010, beginning at 8am, at the Sheraton Gateway LAX Hotel located at 6101 Century Blvd, in Los Angeles.

Over 300 African-American and minority owned small businesses completed one-on-one matchmaking meetings with contract and procurement representatives from major corporations, utilities, and government agencies including Comerica Bank, South Coast Air Quality Management, Verizon, California Water Association, Kaiser Permanente, Time Warner, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power,

AT&T, The Walt Disney Company, NBC Universal and Turner Construction all looking to increase their minority spend.

Co-Chairs for this important event were Southern California Edison, Northrop Grumman and Wells Fargo.

The Summit also featured two very informative educational workshops.

The first workshop, “Smart Technology for Smart Businesses”, was presented

by AT&T and included a panel of experts discussing how new and smart technology (smart phones, smart advertising and smart access) can help position small businesses to successfully compete in the marketplace. Participants took away how smart phones can allow you to conduct your business without being in the office. The second workshop featured the U.S. Small Business Administration’s National see Procurement Exchange Summit on page 65

Photo Legend: 1) Information exchange at the Summit 2) Bernie Pichon, co-owner, Gaff Group, Inc., Outstanding Entrepreneur Honoree 3) Esther Vasser, SBA Omsbudman and Assistant Administrator of Regulatory Enforcement Fairness 4) Information exchange 5) Terrance Holloman, Interim SBA District Director 6) (l-r) Elvin Moon, EW Moon, Inc, Outstanding Entrepreneur Honoree, Earl “Skip” Cooper, II, President/CEO, Black Business Association, Dean Jones, Master of Ceremonies 7) Gloria Pualani, Northrop Grummond 8) AT&T Panel 9) (L-R) Honorees Elvin Moon, Denise Peoples, Bernie Pinchon, Yicky Harper-Hall, Stephen Randolph, Gloria see Procurement Exchange Summit on page 65

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Minority Business Development Agency Members of New National Advisory Council on Minority Business Enterprises Announced

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ommerce Secretary Gary Locke has announced the appointment of 25 members to the new National Advisory Council for Minority Business Enterprises. The advisory council will be led by the Commerce Department’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and provide advice and recommendations to the department and the administration on a broad range of policy issues affecting the minority business community.

The new council is the first to focus on promoting minority businesses since around 1969, when President Nixon established MBDA – formerly the Office of Minority Business Enterprise – and an advisory council to oversee and advise the new office.

The minority business community is an engine of economic growth and job creation. Today, there are approximately 5.8 million minority-owned firms generating $1 trillion annually and employing nearly 6 million workers. Yet, there continues to be challenges within the minority business community. Of those 5.8 million firms, only 800,000 have more than one employee and the gap in average annual revenue between minority-owned and non-minority-owned firms is significant.

The Obama Administration is committed to narrowing that gap and finding ways to support and promote minority businesses.

“The nation’s 5.8 million minorityowned firms have significant untapped potential that can benefit the United States,” said David A. Hinson, MBDA’s

national d i r e c t o r.

“The advisory council has an opportunity to shape future policies and programs U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke with Council Chairman, Mark that will set Hoplamazian the foundation for the growth of $100 million companies • Anthony Jimenez, President and across all industries that are owned CEO, MicroTech and operated by U.S. minorities.”

• Ash Luthra, President and CEO, The first meeting of the new National LSL Industries, Inc. Advisory Council for Minority Business • Jose Mas, CEO, MasTec, Inc. Enterprises is planned for early 2011.

• Chris Melvin, Chairman and In addition to appointing council Founder, Melvin & Company members, Locke has asked Mark • Marc Morial, President and CEO, Hoplamazian to serve as chair and National Urban League Janice Savin-Williams to serve as • Javier Palomarez, President and vice chair of the council.

CEO, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of The full list of appointed members to Commerce the National Advisory Council on Mi- • Elizabeth Plaza, President and nority Business Enterprises includes: CEO, Pharma-Bio Serv., Inc. • Jean Baderschneider, Vice Presi- • Richard Rizzo, Vice Chairman, Perini Building Company dent, Procurement, Exxon Mobil • Gregory Case, President and • Roy Roberts, President and CEO, Alliance of Professionals & ConsulCEO, Aon Corporation tants, Inc. • Lamae Allen-DeJongh, Partner, • Ed Sanchez, Chairman and CEO, Accenture Lopez Foods, Inc. • John Harris II, President, Raythe• Janice Savin-Williams, Co-foundon Technical Services Company er and Senior Principal, Williams • Mark Hoplamazian, President and Capital Group, LP CEO, Global Hyatt Corporation • Paul Hsu, Chairman of the Board, • Michael Schell, Executive Vice HSU Enterprise Group, LLC see National Advisory Council on page 17

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HUD Makes $35 Million Available to Housing Authorities to Create New Educational, Job Training Facilities for Residents

U.S. Retail Hiring Surges Ahead of Holiday Season

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etailers are on pace to hire the most temporary workers for the holiday season in three years, according to outplacment firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. Retail stores increased payrolls by 150,900 in October - three times more than the same month in 2009 - based on data from the U.S. Labor Department. “This is a good sign that retailers feel more optimistic this year,” said John A. Challenger, chief executive of Challenger, Gray. In 2008, hiring in October for the holiday season fell to its lowest level in 22 years, with only 38,600 seasonal workers being added. October hiring had reached as high as 157,800 in 2004. Retailers begin to hire in October in preparation for Christmas and they add even more workers in November and December. From 2004 to 2007, retailers hired on average more than 700,000 seasonal employees in the last three months of the year 

New program illustrates Obama Administration’s commitment to education reform

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he U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced that it is offering $35 million to public housing authorities to develop facilities that will provide early childhood and adult education, and/or job training programs for public housing residents. The new Capital Fund Education and Training Community Facilities Program (CFCF) further illustrates the Obama Administration’s commitment to link affordable housing with education reform and early childhood education. The Notice of Funding for CFCF has been posted on Grants.gov (www.hud.gov/offices/ adm/grants/nofa10/grpcfcf.cfm).

“Education offers a path to a better life,” said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. “This new program will provide public housing authorities the necessary resources to give their residents educational and enrichment opportunities that will open doors to boundless opportunities.”

Housing authorities have until January 14, 2011, to apply for CFCF funding to construct new facilities, rehabilitate existing structures or purchase facilities that will provide early childhood and adult education, and/or job training programs for public housing residents based on an identified need. The funding can also be used to revitalize an existing community center that will offer comprehensive integrated services to help public housing residents achieve better educational and economic outcomes resulting in long-term economic self-sufficiency. While use of the facility is primarily for public housing residents, families in the community may utilize and benefit from the new centers and their resources.

The maximum grant award is $5 million. Applicants must “leverage” or have financial commitments of at least five percent of the grant amount and identify at least one education or training supportive service provider, such as a community college, that will partner with the housing authority to provide the services required. Agencies that are awarded funding are given four years to have an operating facility.

CFCF, which is being funded though a special set-aside from HUD’s Capital Fund Program, adds to the Obama Administration’s commitment to including educational components to its housing programs. Both the Choice Neighborhoods (CN) and HOPE VI Revitalization Programs, that are currently taking applications, require providing early childhood educational opportunities a priority.

The Choice Neighborhoods initiative aligns quality educational opportunities with community development resources for long-term, economically viable neighborhood transformation. Now in its pilot year, the competitive program will award up to $65 million to public housing authorities, local governments, nonprofit organizations, and for profit developers that apply jointly with a public entity to extend neighborhood transformation efforts beyond public and/or assisted housing, to link housing revitalization with education reform and early childhood education. CN builds on the success of the HOPE VI Revitalization Program that has for nearly 20 years transformed neighborhoods with distressed public housing into revitalized mixed-income communities.  www.hud.gov

National Advisory Council from page 15

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President, Alcoa David Segura, CEO, Vision IT, Inc. Jim Sinegal, CEO, Costco Donald Thompson, President and COO, McDonald’s Chiling Tong, CEO, International Leadership Foundation William Von Hoene, EVP, Exelon Purnima Voria, Founder and CEO, National U.S. India Chamber of Commerce Frank White, President and CEO, Advanced Concepts 

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California Recovery:

Gov. Schwarzenegger Announces Worldwide Leaders Will Come Together at Governor’s Global Climate Summit 3

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overnor Arnold Schwarzenegger recently announced that many prominent leaders from around the world will participate in the Governors’ Global Climate Summit 3: Building the Green Economy to be held on Monday, November 15 and Tuesday, November 16, 2010 at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis). The Governor welcomed an impressive line-up of participants and speakers, which include award-winning producer and director James Cameron, actor Harrison Ford, British Prime Minister David Cameron, Nobel Prize winner Dr. Rajendra Pachauri and British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell.

“I’m proud that we can bring together world-renowned leaders to collaborate on such important issues that affect us all. There is no better way to address the devastating affect that climate change has on our environment and our economy than by building these partnerships around the globe and influencing the global climate movement,” said Governor Schwarzenegger.

Governor Schwarzenegger also announced the Summit co-hosts: Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm; Washington Governor Chris Gregoire; Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle; and Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski. Among many other notable participants, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia of Cebu, Philippines; Vice Governor He Duanqi

of Yunnan, China; Director General Gao Guangsheng of the Climate Division of the National Development Reform Commission in China; Ambassador Richard Jones, Deputy Director of the International Energy Agency in Paris, France; Pavan Sukhdev, Head of the Green Economy Initiative, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); Governor Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan of Delta State, Nigeria; and Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson will also join the Summit’s events.

Co-hosted by Governor Schwarzenegger, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and UNEP and co-sponsored by UC Davis, this year’s summit will continue to expand the network of subnational collaboration to share policies and strategies on how to stimulate economic growth, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, create green jobs, promote clean energy solutions and reduce greenhouse gas pollution. Participants will work to deepen and broaden cooperative efforts to grow green economies and implement emissions reduction strategies.

“UNEP is pleased to join forces with the state of California on the Governors’ Global Climate Summit 3. We are particularly delighted that the Governor has chosen to focus the Summit on Building the Green Economy, as this is an issue which UNEP is promoting

around the globe,” said UNEP Regional Office for North America Director Amy Fraenkel.

For years, Governor Schwarzenegger has worked to bring world leaders together at all levels of government to partner on ways to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create a healthier environment and build green economies. Last year, the Governor and United Nations officials welcomed more than 1,200 attendees from more than 70 states, provinces and countries to the Governors’ Global Climate Summit 2 in Los Angeles and, this year, is promising the same world renowned leaders with efforts focused on green economies that benefit both developed and developing countries.

The Governors’ summits have helped provide a platform for states and provinces to partner to reduce emissions, grow their green economies and influence their national governments towards the same goal. The past climate summits brought together international leaders committed to reducing greenhouse gases from deforestation, international offset projects and global collaboration with nations such as China, which just launched its first voluntary carbon registry. The world is now taking notice of the important role for provinces and states in fighting global warming. This year’s summit will also

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

see Global Climate Summit on page 47

California Recovery:

California Recovery:

Economic Forecast for Riverside/San Bernadino Region Finds Cause for Hope, Concern, Patience

CPUC Grants New Protections For Small Businesses Protections for Victims of Meter, Billing Errors

A

new economic forecast focused on the inland regions of Southern California finds signs of economic recovery mixed with examples of continued sluggishness.

The forecast, authored by Beacon Economics and released in partnership with the University of California, Riverside’s School of Business Administration, says that relative to California, the unemployment rate in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties is expected to fall faster. However, substantial job growth won’t be evident in the region until the last half of 2011, and the unemployment rate in Riverside and San Bernardino counties will remain above 8 percent through 2015.

“The job recovery is beginning but it’s going to be slow. U.S. labor markets, in general, now take significantly longer to recover after downturns than they did in the past,” says Beacon Economics’ Founding Principal Christopher Thornberg. “The phenomenon of the ‘jobless recovery’ appears to be a permanent part of the economic landscape.”

David W. Stewart, dean of UC Riverside’s School of Business Administration says that the future of the economies in Southern California’s inland regions lie in the industries that drove growth before the housing boom.

“We have a significant, though often overlooked, manufacturing base to build upon,” Stewart says. “And we have the key locational advantages of distribution infrastructure, ready access to both domestic and export markets, and the potential for stable sustainable electricity rates with the growth of solar, geo-thermal, wind, and other new sources of energy. No other part of the country has this winning combination.”

The School of Business Administration used to release an annual economic forecast, and it has now been

I

n a major victory for consumer advocates and small businesses, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has announced new protections for small businesses who have been victims of either utility billing errors or meter malfunctions. The Greenlining Institute and other consumer advocates pushed for the new protections.

“These new rules will save small businesses from going under when utility companies get their bills wrong,” said Greenlining Institute managing attorney Samuel S. Kang. “In this tough economy, small businesses have very little margin for error, and we applaud the CPUC and utilities for working with revived. “As a land grant institution and the only research-based business school in inland Southern California, it is our mission to stay engaged with the economic welfare of our region,” Stewart says.

Key findings from the forecast include: United States: The decline in consumer spending has followed an extended period of overspending; do not look for a jump in demand driven by consumer spending.

California: Total nonfarm employment will cross the 14 million milestone in 2011 but will not reach its pre-recession peak of 15.2 million jobs until mid 2015.

Riverside/San Bernardino Counties: Home sales will continue to fall into 2011 but will then return to growth driven by increasing population and pent up demand.

Download the forecast book in its en-

Greenlining to help small businesses when they need it the most.”

Under the old policies, firms could be hit with whopping bills or required to pay huge deposits if their gas or electricity provider discovered they had been underbilled. The new rules, which apply to small businesses (those whose gas and/or electricity use falls below certain thresholds, whose annual gross receipts are under $3.5 million or are manufacturers with fewer than 25 employees) include the following: • When bills have been in error due to miscalculation or meter error, utilities can only back bill for up to three months, regardless of how long the bills were erroneous.

• Utilities may not require an additional deposit if a small business customer is unable to pay the back-billed amount.

• When a meter or billing error has resulted in overcharges, small businesses can now obtain a refund for up to three years of incorrect bills, as opposed to six months under the old rules.

• When deposits are required, they can be no more than twice the average monthly bill. Previously, the deposit could be twice the customer’s maximum monthly bill.

The full text of the CPUC decision is available on on the CPUC website (www.cpuc.ca.gov/puc). The proposed decision issued Sept. 28th is substantively the same and is available online at http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/efile/ PD/124058.pdf.  tirety at http://beaconecon.com/Misc/ InlandEmpire4Print.pdf. 

21  November 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

How to Help the Black Business Association

BY CAPRICE L. COLLINS

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

Give cash outright to the Black Business Association.

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

+

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

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

+

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

+

Give a remainder interest in your home or business.

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

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

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

+

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

+

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

+

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

+

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

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

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

The

FUTURALLIA 2011 Comes to Kansas City Global Business Event to be Held in United States for First Time After editions in Belgium, Poland, Canada, Qatar, and most recently France, the sixteenth edition of FUTURALLIA 2011 will take place in Kansas City, Missouri, next May. Whether you call it business matchmaking, business speed dating, or B2B meetings, FUTURALLIA is a fast-paced and intense business event where, all in all, more than 9,000 meetings will take place.

The concept is simple: to gather more than 800 entrepreneurs from countries across the globe for two days of pre-selected and pre-arranged one-on-one networking meetings. Futurallia’s proprietary match-making software system has been perfected with twenty years of experience. The Kauffman Foundation is proud to be a sponsor of Futurallia KC 2011. For more information, and to register for this event, visit www.FuturalliaKC2011.com

Black Business Association Wishes You Happy Thanksgiving Merry Christmas Happy Kwanzaa and a

India Transactions from page 11

On July 22,Robbins Company, headquartered in Solon, Ohio, announced an agreement with UNITY-IVRCL, a large infrastructure engineering and construction conglomerate, to provide tunnel-boring machines, conveyer equipment, and associated technical services for the construction of tunnels to convey water for the city of Mumbai.

Separately, through a contract signed in 2008 with Jaiprakash Associates, a large infrastructure conglomerate, the Robbins Company is already supplying high technology tunnel-boring machines and technical assistance to bore some of the longest underground tunnels in the world underneath a protected tiger sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh, which will increase irrigation for the production of cotton and other agricultural products. The Mumbai contract alone is valued at $10 million, with $7 million in U.S. export content, supporting an estimated 35 jobs.

Maharashtra Homeland Security Pilot Projects: Palantir Technologies, a small Silicon Valley software development firm, announced a strategic partnership agreement with the Maharashtra State Police, a law enforcement agency in India, to conduct a pilot program, whereby Palantir’s end-to-end analytical software platform will be used on a trial basis to identify and alert authorities to security threats in order to help keep the citizens of Mumbai and Maharashtra safe.

Medanta Duke Research Institute (MDRI): Duke Medicine, located in Durham, North Carolina, one of the leading academic health systems in the United States, and Medanta Medicity, located in Gurgaon, Haryana, a hospital and medical research complex, are announcing a joint venture agreement to launch the MDRI, a proof-ofconcept clinical research facility within Medanta’s hospital. Duke Medicine will provide scientific and operational

Happy, Healthy, & Prosperous

2011

leadership, while Medanta will contribute financial resources and clinical and operational services. Duke Medicine also will be partnering with Jubilant Life Sciences, headquartered in Uttar Pradesh, to conduct research studies and co-develop promising discoveries, with significant funding and in-kind support provided by Jubilant. Subsequent commercialization is expected to result in licensing revenue for Duke Medicine.

Long-range Antenna System for Rural Telecommunications: SPX Communication Technology, a division of SPX Corporation operating out of Raymond, Maine, is in the final phase of the pilot deployment of its long-range antenna system with two leading Indian mobile operators. This innovative technology has been shown see U.S.-India Transactions on page 31

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

Soul D’Licious

ww.bbala.org •Contracting Information •Employment Opportunities •Links to Sponsor Websites •Event Announcements •Resources:

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

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Chef D’

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

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Health Workers Alarmed Over Trend in Haiti’s Cholera Outbreak

A mother comforts her boy, who is stricken with cholera, in the Cite Soleil slum of Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

M

edical workers have expressed alarm over the increase in hospitalizations and deaths in Haiti’s cholera outbreak as the earthquake-devastated nation’s already strained health system overflowed with the sick.

On the outskirts of the capital city of Port-au-Prince in the slum of Cite Soleil, Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) saw 216 cases of cholera at Choscal Hospital on Thursday. Five days ago, that number was only 30.

Stefano Zannini, the head of mission for Medecins Sans Frontieres, said his staff was seeing seven times the cases

they were seeing three days ago.

“The trend is extremely, extremely alarming,” he said. “We have not reached a peak yet, but it could arrive next week.”

Cholera on the rise in Haiti The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs put the death toll Friday at more than 800, with more than 12,000 people hospitalized.

Epidemiologists predict the outbreak could last for months and say the entire nation of almost 10 million people is at risk because they have no immunity to cholera.

The United Nations warned that Haiti is facing one of the most severe out-

breaks of the disease in the past 100 years. It appealed to international donors for $164 million in aid and said it anticipates as many as 200,000 people to be sickened with cholera over the next six to 12 months.

“A major effort has already been made, but the sheer quantity of relief items that need to be delivered in the days and weeks ahead is going to require more logistical and financial support for the government by all humanitarian agencies and donors and very close coordination,” said Nigel Fisher, U.N. humanitarian coordinator in Haiti.

“Without this the epidemic could well outrun our efforts.” see Help For Haiti on page 32

25  November 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

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 selfdetermination.

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 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.

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

ther 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.

ADDED VALUE TO BUSINESS 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.

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 (BBA) will soon launch a nationwide program to assist African American business owners in acquiring commercial and industrial real estate.

Contact our office for more information: 323-291-9334. 

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 ei-

26  November 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

FEMA: Crowdsourcing Solutions to Prepare Our Communities

by Craig Fugate, Administrator,

Federal Emergency Management Agency

R

ecently I had the opportunity to speak in front of leaders from a variety of fields at the 2010 TEDMED conference in San Diego.

The conference gave business leaders, journalists, entertainment figures, scientists, artists and authors the opportunity to share their diverse experiences about how their fields intersect with health and medicine. I talked about FEMA’s vision for emergency management and how we can’t respond to disasters alone – it has to be a team effort, and that team includes the entire federal family, state and local government, faith-based and non-profit organizations, the private sector and especially the public.

At FEMA, we are working every day to strengthen that team, but we can and we must do more. At the conference, I took the opportunity to challenge all of the leaders to come up with ideas on how we can prepare our communities before a disaster strikes. Now I’m posing this same challenge to all of you.

Visit www.challenge.gov/fema to accept the challenge.

Whether it’s a program to engage the public to personally prepare for disasters, a public service announcement for business preparedness, or a new de-

vice to mitigate the effects of disaster – the sky is the limit. We want ideas from all ends of the spectrum, from whatever field you work in. If you’re a doctor, what role can the medical community play? If you’re an artist, how can you use your medium to contribute?

The best, most unique idea will be selected and highlighted on FEMA’s website (www.fema.gov).

I want to crowdsource a solution, so ask your friends and coworkers to take on this challenge, tweet about it, share it on Facebook. We want as many ideas as possible, because the more we work together as a team, the more resilient our communities and our country will be.

Thank you in advance for your help and participation, and I look forward to seeing your ideas.  Important Dates Submission Period: Start: Oct 28, 2010 12:00 AM EDT End: Jan 02, 2011 11:59 PM EST

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

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

Where Do I Find It? •BBA website

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

Judging Period: Start: Jan 03, 2011 12:00 AM EST End: Jan 21, 2011 11:59 PM EST Winners Announced: Jan 26, 2011 12:00 AM EST



How Do I Participate & Benefit?

•Join the BBA at

www.bbala.org •Advertise in the BBA publications •Attend BBA Events Hosted to Benefit the African American Community of Businesses 27  November 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

Global Entrepreneurship November 15-21, 2010

T

his November, millions of people around the globe will participate in the world’s largest celebration of entrepreneurship. As thousands of events take place in more than 100 countries during Global Entrepreneurship Week, November 15-21, many events are planned across the USA. Now in its third year, GEW (www.

gewusa.org) brings together aspiring and inspiring entrepreneurs, helping them embrace imagination and ingenuity through local, national and global activities. With endorsements and participation from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Nobel Prize Winner Muhammad Yunus and many others, GEW

has grown exponentially since its inaugural event in 2008; more than 10 million people in 102 countries will participate this year.

Visit for a schedule of events www. gewusa.org/event-central.

Consumer Warning:

3D May Pose Health Risks

A www.healthcare.gov

ccording to Bottom Line, the makers of 3-D televisions, such as Samsung, have warned that people with certain serious medical conditions, such as epilepsy or a family history of stroke, as well as people who are tired or under the influence of alcohol should not watch 3-D tv or movies.

3-D can trigger an epileptic seizure or stroke and can lead to headaches, migraines and nausea. 

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

30  November 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

U.S.-India Transactions

an increasingly mobile world.

The Unique Identification Project: from page 23

to offer a significantly greater coverage area. Once implemented, it is expected to create significant economies of scale, thereby improving the economic viability of rural wireless networks and making wireless communications available for people who either could not afford service or who live in areas that lack coverage. The value of the initial trial equipment is expected to generate approximately $1 million, with 100 percent U.S. export content, supporting an estimated 5 jobs.

L-1 Identity Solutions, headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, and another U.S.-headquartered company, lead two of the three vendor consortia, which have been prequalified by the Unique Identity Authority of India for the first phase of an effort to register Indian residents with a 12-digit unique number using biometric identifiers. Unprecedented in scale, seeking to register 1.2 billion Indian residents, the Unique Identification program aims to enhance delivery of government services in India.

Sale of Precision Measurement Instruments for Fuel Cell Research: Advanced Materials Corporation (AMC), a small, six-person firm in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, received an order to supply a specially-designed Pressure-Composition Isotherm Measurement Instrument to the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi, India. BHU will utilize AMC’s instrument to test fuel cell applications, as part of an Indian central government research program.

Trace Explosive Detection

Production Equipment for the Manufacture of Pre-fabricated Housing: Spancrete Machinery Corporation, a family-owned business in Waukesha, Wisconsin, announced the sale of six sets of its hollow core, precast production equipment, including installation, training, and after-sales support, to Hindustan Prefab Limited, a state-owned company within the Indian Ministry of Housing and Poverty Alleviation. The production equipment will be used to manufacture inexpensive, prefabricated housing on a mass scale in India. Spancrete also is working with Somat Engineering, Inc., from Detroit, Michigan, and their affiliate, SP Infrastructure India Ltd., in New Delhi. This transaction is valued at approximately $35 million, all of which is U.S. export content. Based on the company’s estimates, the transaction will support 30 jobs.

Cell Phone Rollout for Small Indian Businesses: Intuit, a company headquartered in Mountain View, California, which serves millions of small businesses worldwide, will launch a new mobile and web-based marketing service in partnership with Nokia, called “Intuit GoConnect”. This innovative technology will help Indian micro and small businesses grow and thrive by bringing customer management tools to the entrepreneur, improving the way they communicate with their customers in

and

Comedy Night Join the Fun! Share the Laughs!

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

see U.S.-India Transactions on page 39

Help For Haiti from page 25

Of grave concern are cases that originated in the tent cities of Port-au-Prince, which sprang up to shelter those left homeless by the massive earthquake that killed more than 200,000 people last January. Health officials fear that infection could spread quickly in the makeshift cities’ congested, unsanitary conditions and in impoverished neighborhoods where clean drinking water is at a premium.

Symptoms of cholera, an acute, bacterial illness caused by drinking tainted water, can be mild or even non-existent.

But sometimes they can be severe: profuse watery diarrhea, vomiting, and leg cramps, which can cause rapid loss

of body fluids and lead to dehydration, shock and death.

Aid workers in Haiti are scrambling as the nation recovers not only from the earthquake, but from the recent hurricane.

“We are stretched thin,” said Julie Schindall, a spokeswoman for the humanitarian agency Oxfam.

Zannini reminded the world that cholera is as much a logistical problem as a medical one. It’s not just a matter of medical donations or more doctors on the ground, he said. Who will supply clean drinking water? Who will make sure there are proper bathroom facilities? Who will dispose of the waste? Or for that matter, the dead bodies?

“It’s not just about donating money,” Zannini said. “It’s about concrete actions.” 

The BBA Wishes You Happy Thanksgiving Merry Christmas Happy Kwanzaa and a

Happy, Healthy, & Prosperous

2011

The 2nd Annual Wooli Me Expo/ Conference & Holiday Marketplace Sunday, November 28, 2010 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (PT) Carson Community Center 801 E. Carson Street Carson, CA 90745

www.woolime.net 32  November 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

Murray Center Receives Grant from Comerica

T

he Center for Religion and Civic Culture (CRCC), housed in the University of Southern California College of Letters, Arts & Science, has received a $25,000 grant from Comerica Bank to support the Cecil Murray Center for Community Engagement.

Named after the Rev. Dr. Cecil “Chip” Murray, the Murray Center aims to spur economic development and assist faith-based organizations in efforts to transform local communities. After retiring as senior pastor of First African Methodist Episcopal (FAME) Church in South Los Angeles, Dr. Murray joined the USC faculty in 2005 as the holder of the Tansey Chair in Christiran Ethics. Dr. Murray also became a senior fellow in the Center for Religion and Civic Culture and partnered with the center to launch programs that provide training and technical assistance in civic engagement, community and economic development, and violence prevention. The new Murray Center is an outgrowth of these activities.

“The gift by Comerica Bank will signigicantly advance our capacity to develop the Cecil Murray Center for Community Engagement,” said Donald Miller, professor of religion and executive director of the Center for Religion and Civic Culture, “We believe this center will play an important role in incubating small businesses and addressing community needs, especially in low-income neighborhoods.”

The CRCC investigates the civic role of religion and collaborates with congregations, scholars, funders and faith-based organizations. The center is a catalyst for interdisciplinary research and innovative partnerships in the community and at USC (www.usc. edu/crcc).

The Rev. Mark Whitlock serves as director of the Murray Center. Rev. Whitlock has collaborated with Dr. Murray on numerous projects and the two worked

(front row, left to right) Representing Comerica Bank are David White, Executive Vice President, Western Market; and Don Kinsey, Public Affairs; with the Rev. Cecil “Chip” Murray; and (back row, left to right) Rev. Mark Whitlock, Michael Quick and Donald Miller, all representing USC.

together to raise more than $400 million to build housing and increase economic opportunities in South Los Angeles through FAME Renaissance. “The Murray Center continues the legacy of Rev. Murray’s outstanding contributions to Los Angesles,” said Rev. Whitlock.

“Comerica Bank is honored to provide support to the Cecil Murray Cen-

ter for Community Engagement,” said Comerica’s Don Kincey, vice president of Public Affairs. “We have tremendous respect for the staff and their commitment to helping local communities.

They provide the kind of education and tools that enable people to improve their lives and build stronger neighborhoods.” 

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

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

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Employment Practices Liability

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

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

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

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

The First Lady’s Fall 2010 Kitchen Garden Harvest

First Lady Michelle Obama, took part in a White House Kitchen garden harvest on the South Lawn of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton)

T

he rain stopped and the sun came out just in time for the First Lady’s Fall 2010 Kitchen Garden Harvest. Joined by more than 25 students from Washington, DC’s Bancroft and Tubman Elementary Schools, the First Lady and several world-renowned chefs spent the afternoon in the White House garden digging up sweet potatoes, clipping herbs, picking tomatoes, and admiring the pumpkins before sitting down to enjoy a fresh salad from the garden.

The school-children were paired with chefs Daniel Boulud and James Kent as well as several White House chefs. Armed with large baskets and wheelbarrows, they scoured the garden for peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, lettuce and other fall vegetables. The

First Lady Michelle Obama, with students from Bancroft and Tubman Elementary Schools and members of the Culinary Olympic Team, participates in a White House Kitchen garden harvest on the South Lawn of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton) First Lady joined them, rolling up her sleeves, to dig up enormous sweet potatoes, including a near record-breaking four pounder, and to pick deep

purple egg plants. The children and the First Lady also admired the two pumpkins growing in the garden – just in time

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

see Let’s Move on page 39

For more information visit: www.anicc.net/forum-information.html

For more information visit: www.anicc.net/forum-information.html

Listen to

Quote of Note...

“By 2020, America will once again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world.”

President Barack H.Obama

KDEE 97.7FM The California Black Chamber Foundation’s Radio Station

LIVE on Your Computer

www.kdeefm.org 36  November 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

Technology:

Take a Look!

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

www.mobitv.com MobiTV is readying a service it plans to sell to cable-TV providers that will let consumers get one TV service that

the lives of famous artists and scientists. Over the years, doodles on the Google homepage have made searching on Google more fun and enjoyable for its users worldwide.

When doodles were first created, nobody had anticipated how popular and integral they would become to the Google search experience (www. google.com/doodle4google/history. html).

The doodle team is open to user ideas (see Google Doodle in honor of the 50th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence above); submit a “fan” logo or subject ideas for consideration via e-mail at proposals@google.com. follows them from device to device. If your cable company offered a version of MobiTV’s service, you’d get an IP set-top box for your HDTV. You could start watching a show on it, then press pause and pick up where you’d just left off on your smartphone, tablet, or PC. DVR-like features that record to the cloud rather than to a local hard disk are also included, permitting you to record a show on one device, then watch it another.

The technology will work for both live and on-demand programming; MobiTV plans to support every major platform, and it will let multiple people who share one TV (such as family members) maintain separate profiles which travel with them from device to device. MobiTV says that this service should reach consumers by the middle of 2011

http://galaxytab.samsungmobile. com/ Samsung has announced their Android Tablet the Samsung Galaxy TAB. The 7.5” x 4.7” tablet features the Google Android™ 2.2 OS, ac-

photos and video, 7 hour plus battery life, and a touchscreen. The personal sized tablet is available through T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint, U.S. Cellular and Verizon.

www.thinkecoinc.com Many electronic devices left plugged in suck electricity from outlets even when turned off or in stand-by mode resulting in more than $10 billion in annual energy costs. How many of those dollars are wasted by you or your company may depend on whether family members or employees shut down their computers and other office equipment at day’s end. ThinkEco, Inc. offers the modlet which fits over a regular outlet and collects data on what electronic devices are using how much power and when. Accompanying software reports allow you to determine when to shut down the copier, the fax machine, etc., whatever device is plugged into the modlet thus saving money and energy resources. 

www.google.com/logos.

Google Doodles are known as the decorative changes that are periodically made to the Google logo to celebrate holidays, anniversaries, and

cess to Samsung Apps, access to the Sansung Media Hub, front and rear facing camera for video conferencing and chat along with capturing still

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

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

Caltrans Construction

Money for You Can

MEAN

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Uncle Darrow‛s High Noon-2pm Every Thursday

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

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“LA Times Magazine favorite cajun food”

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

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

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

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

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

Hawthorne, CA 90250 310.973.3177 southbaysbdc.org

310-306-4862

www.uncledarrows.com

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Wines of the Black-Owned wineries of South Africa.

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Register at TheArtfulGrape.com.

The Artful Grape will do the rest.

The wines will be delivered to your door.

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38  November 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

U.S.-India Transactions from page 31

Equipment: Implant Sciences, a small company based in Wilmington, Massachusetts, signed a contract with the Ministry of Defence in January to supply its Quantum Sniffer H-150, trace detection devices to be used by the Indian Army to detect the presence of explosive, bomb-making materials that could be used in a terrorist attack. The company announced that the equipment will be ready for pre-dispatch inspection and delivery in November. The transaction is valued at approximately $6 million, all of which is U.S. export content, supporting an estimated 30 jobs.

VIP Helicopter Sale: On August 25, Bell Helicopter, based in Hurst, Texas, signed a purchase agreement with Span Air, a private air charter company, for the sale of its first Bell Model 429 corporate VIP helicopter in India. Span Air has a second order slated for delivery in mid-2011. Bell Helicopter recently sold its 100th helicopter in India.

Sales of Pre-owned Refurbished Healthcare Equipment: Skelley Medical, a rural New Hampshire-based company, sells refurbished medical equipment to Indian hospitals in second and third tier cities through partnerships with various distributors in India. Skelley announced plans to open an after-sales service facility in Mumbai as part of a new venture with Triage Systems, a Mumbai-based Indian medical equipment distributor. This facility will service medical equipment purchased by their Indian hospital customers.

Monitoring Equipment for Greening Buildings: Noveda Technologies, a small startup company in Branchburg, New Jersey, is finalizing a new venture with Chennai-based Wysine Technology to jointly develop and market a new solution for web-based, real-time energy monitoring for “greening” buildings.

Dredges for Maharashtra

First Lady Michelle Obama participates in a White House Kitchen garden harvest on the South Lawn of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton)

Let’s Move from page 35

for Halloween.

In less than an hour, the children and chefs brought baskets brimming with vegetables and overflowing wheelbarrows to weigh- stations where several hundred pounds of food was collected and washed.

The festivities continued when the children joined the famous chefs to slice and dice vegetables for a garden salad meal.

The White House garden is part of the Let’s Move! Initiative which seeks to end childhood obesity within a generation through improved nutrition and increased physical activity.

In the spring of 2009, the First Lady

Maritime Board: Ellicott Dredges, a small company based in Baltimore, Maryland, announced the sale of two cutter suction dredges to the Maharashtra Maritime Board, a Maharashtra government entity. The equipment will be utilized to dredge a fisherman’s port and various tributaries in the state of Maharashtra.

and students from the DC area broke ground for the garden and since then nearly 1,600 pounds of food has been harvested. The produce is used in the White House but is also donated to local area food banks. The White House Garden has inspired communities across the country to plant similar gardens at schools, in abandoned lots, and in community spaces.

Connecting chefs, gardens, and schools has been a critical component of the Let’s Move initiative. Through the Chef’s Move to Schools program and the Healthier US Schools Challenge hundreds of schools and communities are improving the health of America’s children. What are you waiting for? Plant a garden at your school or in your community and have a harvest yourself.  The pace of trade between the United States and India is accelerating.

Between 2002 and 2009, U.S. goods exports to India quadrupled, growing from $4.1 billion to more than $16.4 billion. Through the first eight months of 2010, U.S. merchandise exports to India totaled $12.7 billion, up 18 percent

39  November 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

see U.S.-India Transactions on page 47

Business Tools:

On-Premises Wiki Platform Goes Free; Adobe Connect 8 Collaboration Tool Offers New Features

S

amePage, a free, on-premises edition of the eTouch (www. etouch.net) wiki and collaboration management tool, has been launched.

SamePage is a collaboration platform that provides a wiki environment (with unlimited wikis), blogs, forums, document management, analytics and reporting, RSS feeds, team management, project workspaces, and integrated search. It’s available in both a hosted and enterprise (on-premises) edition.

SamePage Community Edition is a free version of the enterprise edition,

What Is Wiki

designed for schools and other organizations that need to run software within a firewall. The free version provides all the same end user functionality as the on-premises enterprise edition and hosted on-demand solution but does not support certain enterprise features, such as LDAP and SSO integration. It also limits customization and configuration options.

SamePage Community Edition is available now at no cost. It requires Linux, Windows, or Solaris for installation and supports Oracle and MySQL databases. Further information, including a link to downloads, can be found at www.etouch.net/products/collaboration/community.html. 

The simplest online database that could possibly work.

Wiki is a piece of server software that allows users to freely create and edit Web page content using any Web browser. Wiki supports hyperlinks and has a simple text syntax for creating new pages and crosslinks between internal pages on the fly.

Wiki is unusual among group communication mechanisms in that it allows the organization of contributions to be edited in addition to the content itself.

Like many simple concepts, “open editing” has some profound and subtle effects on Wiki usage. Allowing everyday users to create and edit any page in a Web site is exciting in that it encourages democratic use of the Web and promotes content composition by nontechnical users.  ------------------------------------------------------------Historical Note. The first ever wiki site was created for the Portland Pattern Repository in 1995. That site now hosts tens of thousands of pages.

By David Nagel http://campustechnology.com www.etouch.net

systems, including Moodle, Blackboard Academic Suite/VIsta/Learn, Angel LMS, and Sakai.

Version 8 has gained several enhancements over the previous generation, including completely overhauled accessibility features, with access to all interface elements via keyboard commands (including several hot keys for commonly accessed features), as well as compatibility with JAWS and Window-Eyes. It also offers a streamlined UI and an optional desktop client (delivered as an AIR app).

Other new features include: •

•

•

•

•

• •

Adobe Connect 8

A

dobe recently launched Connect 8, an update to the company’s Web conferencing tool designed for online teaching, group collaboration, and remote meetings and presentations.

Adobe Connect is an interactive conferencing and collaboration tool available as both a hosted and on-premises solution. Running on Adobe’s Flash platform, Connect is designed for wide compatibility and integrates with several major learning management

Enhanced chat, including separate tabs for private and group discussions and customizable elements, such as color and text size; New formatting capabilities for notes, as well as support for exporting to RTF; Improved whiteboarding with new custom shapes and support for using the whiteboard as an overlay on documents; Enhanced extensibility via a new SDK with more than 100 APIs, as well as support for Flex, Flash, and ActionScript 3; Integration with existing SIP-compliant videoconferencing systems, including those from Tandberg; Mobile support for Android- and iOS-based devices; and Improved security with enhanced access control (and additional controls over desktop and application sharing) and password-protected rooms, among other new security features.

Adobe Connect 8 is available now through Adobe’s volume licensing programs via annual subscriptions (hosted) or perpetual licenses with annual fees (for on-premises and managed services editions). Further information about Connect 8 can be found at www. adobe.com/education/products/adobeconnect.html. A free trial can be found at www.adobe.com/cfusion/mmform/ index.cfm?name=adobe_connect_8. 

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

By David Nagel http://campustechnology.com www.adobe.com

The Wharton Africa Business Forum is dedicated to Africa. Each year, the conference welcomes hundreds of policy makers, companies operating on the continent, prominent business professionals, investors interested in the region, and leaders of academic thought, with the goal of increasing dialogue on business in Africa. This year’s theme calls to attention that in 2009 Africa had the fastest growing continental population as well as the fastest average nominal GDP growth of the six populated continents. It also highlights that our discussions must take a forward-looking and solutionsoriented approach toward the business issues they address rather than simply restating the current problems.

Find detailed information on the 2010 Wharton Africa Business Forum and registration services at the Conference Homepage:

http://whartonafrica.com/wabf Rainbow PUSH LA Trade Bureau

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

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

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

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

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

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

Business Development Mission to Egypt & Morocco The U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, and U.S. Commercial Service is organizing a Business Development Mission to explore ports and infrastructure development opportunities in Egypt (Cairo and Alexandria) and Morocco (Casablanca and Tangier).

This mission, will focus on the opportunities in port logistics, infrastructure projects, safety and security, and energy infrastructure. The mission will include one-on-one business appointments with prescreened potential buyers, agents, distributors and joint venture partners; site visits to ports and free trade zones, meetings with government officials, and networking receptions for companies interested in expansion into the North African, Middle Eastern and Southern European markets.

Egypt The mission will include briefings in Cairo by representatives of the major firms involved in port activities in Egypt, and a visit to the port of Alexandria. Egypt has 3,500 kilometers of navigable waterways and the Government considers the maintenance and expansion of its ports a top priority. The port of Alexandria, the largest of the country’s nine ports, was recently revamped, resulting in an increased cargo handling capacity of 44 million tons per year, which represents about 60 percent of Egypt’s trade. Port projects will include a new container terminal and container-handling piers, new storage facilities and handling equipment and improvements to wharfs and marinas.

Morocco

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

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

Where Do I Find It? •BBA website www.bbala.org

(the only African nation with a Free Trade Agreement with the U.S)

Construction of Tanger-Med II, an additional set of cargo terminals and storage, is currently underway and the port will begin issuing tenders for equipment and services in the next 12 - 18 months. As part of a national logistics program, the Moroccan government recently announced a 20-year, $13 billion project to build port, rail, highway, and airport logistics centers, with port management, vessel tracking and management, cold storage, warehousing, railways, bridges, and distribution centers. Government tenders are now being issued for these projects, and the plans are to spend $7 billion on the project by 2015 including: A $69 million project to convert the old port, located near the City of Tangier, into a tourist center and passenger terminal and Nador West Med, a new industrial port for the coastal city of Nador

Registration Deadline to Participate: January 21, 2011 For more information send an email to U.S. Commercial Service Domestic Contacts at EgyptMoroccoTM@Trade.gov Trade Promotion Programs Africa, Near East and South Asia Anne Novak Sal Tauhidi Tel: 202-482-8178 Fax: 202-482-9000 Tel: 202-482-1322 Fax: 202-482-5179 Bobby Hines bobby.hines@trade.gov 444 S. Flower St, 34th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071 TEL: 213-894-4231 FAX: 213-894-8789 TELL US ABOUT YOU: http://www.buyusa.gov/downtownlosangeles FEATURED U.S. EXPORTER: http://www.buyusa.gov/home/fuse.html AFRICA PORTAL: http://www.export.gov/africa

•Black Business News monthly publication •Black Business News/ International - quarterly publication •Black Business News Internet Edition 

How Do I Participate & Benefit?

•Join the BBA at www.bbala.org

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

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

International:

Tanzania’s President Kikwete Re-elected

T

anzanian President Jakaya Kikwete was reelected with 61 percent of the vote, the election body said Friday, in a poll marked by low turnout and opposition accusations of fraud.

The 60-year-old incumbent’s closest rival, Wilbrod Slaa, was credited with 26 percent of the vote but snubbed the muchdelayed announcement of the results after alleging the ballot was rigged.

“I now declare Jakaya Kikwete to have been elected president of the United Republic of Tanzania,” National Electoral Commission chairman Lewis Makame said at a ceremony in Dar es Salaam.

Makame said only 42 percent of the 20 million registered voters turned out on October 31 for the east African country’s fourth multiparty general elections.

“The turnout was very low, unacceptably low,” said Ibrahim Lipumba of the Civic United Front, who came a distant third with eight percent of the vote.

Kikwete, who enjoys a positive image abroad and is credited with steering his country’s economy to one of Africa’s highest growth rates, had been predicted to take exactly 61 percent in a pre-election opinion poll.

While the margin with his challengers remains huge, the results of Sunday’s polls mark a slump from the 80 percent he garnered in 2005 and reveal a reinvigorated opposition.

Although full legislative results were not yet available, Kikwete’s Chama

Cha Mapinduza party looked certain to retain control of parliament but will face a larger opposition than before.

As Kikwete was declared the winner and his rivals officially conceded, the ceremony in the Tanzanian capital was marked by the absence of Slaa, who had led a feisty campaign for the CHADEMA party.

Slaa on Wednesday had demanded the electoral commission stop announcing the presidential results, saying they were riddled with errors, and requested a recount.

The electoral body admitted to some mistakes during the tense five-day tallying process but went ahead with Friday’s announcement.

Several foreign election monitoring groups also reported irregularities in the voting, which

was nonetheless conducted peacefully despite a few scuffles during the counting process.

Voters in Tanzania’s semi-autono-

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

see President Re-Elected on page 47

“A FEW NOTES ON AFRICA” Google Doodle Honors Nigeria’s Independence The October 1, 2010 Google Doodle (www.google.com/logos) was a display in honor of the celebration of the 50th year of independence for the Republic of Nigeria.

Google invites the public to submit variations on the company logo in special recognition of individuals, institutions and events.

relevant to immigrants in the USA. It is a privately managed site set up to provide and share information with Zambians, friends of Zambians, anyone interested in doing business in Zambia, and those interested in information about living in the United States.

The information contained on this site is from publicly available sources so users are urged to exercise due diligence and verify accuracy of the information with the respective organizations. The information has been arranged into categories and is provided in a combination of text, YouTube videos and links to external sites to add to the learning experience.

Half-Billion Subscribers New Online Information Resource Center on Zambia The Zambian Resource Center (http:// zambianresourcecenter.com) is a central web-based location set up to compile and disseminate information considered

The African mobile market exceeded half a billion subscribers during the third quarter of this year, hitting about 506 million at the end of September. GSM subscribers in the continent accounted for 10% of the global subscriber base. The African continent continues to offer great opportunities for investors in the voice

Tourism:

Trade Tourism Next Big Thing for Kenya

T

ourism sees growth in Kenya with the opening of a fourth hotel in less than a year. This is an indication of the increasing demand for the services by business travellers and diplomats visiting the country.

As a result, Kenya’s position in conference and business tourism is expected to grow.

According to Tourism minister Najib

Balala, the new investments resonate with the country’s tourism strategy of developing new niche products.

Sign of Confidence “It is a sign of confidence in the growing tourism industry and Kenya’s economy as more investments are also scheduled to come up,” said the minister at the official opening of the Sankara Hotel (www.sankara.com).

segment in under penetrated markets and also in the non-voice segment with mobile broadband and mobile money services taking off. The landing of a series of new submarine cables on both the East and West coasts of Africa over the past 18 months has given the continent a good level of international connectivity for the first time, and has greatly expanded the opportunities for data services.

Economy in Recovery The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has commended Zimbabwe’s steady progress towards economic recovery, noting that efforts to strengthen policies and favourable shocks have buoyed the economy after a decade of decline. The inclusive Government’s economic recovery programmes and policies had seen the economy completing two successive years of buoyant growth after 10 years in decline.

SEE YOU ON THE CONTINENT. 

Speaking at the event held in Nairobi on Thursday, Prime Minister Raila Odinga noted that the country’s potential was yet to be fully utilised.

“We have the potential and as a government we are looking at receiving two million visitors by 2012,” said Mr Odinga.

The 156-room hotel is a property of The Grenadier group. It is, however, managed by the Sankara Hotel Group Ltd. “We are leveraging on international best practices to satisfy our client needs in a different way. We are alive to the fact that there are similar hotels in Nairobi targeting the same clientele but it’s our service that makes the difference,” said Mr Rohan Patel, a director of the group.  allafrica.com Rooftop Pool, Sankara Hotel, Nairobi

45  November 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

Best of Africa Trade Show 1st February 2011 - 30th April 2011

Information & Registration is at

www.businessglobal.com

The USA Exports Show 1st December 2010 - 28 February 2011

T

his virtual trade show is designed to increase the volume of trade and investment between American exporters and importers (particularly SME’s) and businesses outside the USA. The USA Exports Show will attract international B2B buyers, distributors, governmental agencies, and entrepreneurs from the USA’s most significant trade partners.

This one-of-a kind online trade fair is a golden opportunity for exhibitors to build brand awareness, establish new markets, create franchising partnerships, reach new customers and recruit new suppliers. With thousands of daily B2B trade visitors, USA Exports Show is the perfect vehicle for businesses and organisations worldwide seeking B2B trade opportunities and investments within North America.

The USA’s top ten trade partners are Canada, Mexico, China, Japan, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, South Korea, Brazil and Belgium – in 2008, the country exported approximately $1.287 trillion worth of goods. For decades, the USA has been the global leader in imports and one of world’s top three exporters, producing roughly $15 trillion worth of goods and services in 2008 (China, the world’s second-largest economy, produced approximately $12 trillion for the same period).

The USA is the leading industrial power in the world and boasts a highly diversified and technologically advanced economy. According to the IMF, US GDP of $14.4 trillion was 23% of gross world product for 2008 – per person, the American economy has the fourth largest output on average, more than $45,000 for every man, woman and child.

The UCLA Anderson School of Management has predicted average US quarterly economic growth of 2.7% in 2010 and 4.1% in 2011.  What are Virtual Trade Shows?

The BusinessGlobal.com virtual trade show platform provides end-users with a 3-D, multi-user trade expo environment that recreates the experience and functionality of a conventional or ‘physical’ trade show online, enabling live interaction between visitors and exhibitors.

Virtual trade exhibitions give your organisation the opportunity to reach market segments heretofore unavailable at conventional trade shows, which are often prohibitive to potential attendees and potential exhibitors because of fees, time constraints, travel expenses and these shows are available to a much larger audience for a much longer period.

B

est of Africa is a country specific online trade show bringing competitive products and resources from Africa’s rapidly growing economies to an international marketplace. As the demands of the global marketplace evolve and the world economy recovers from the fiscal crisis of 2008 - 2009, the Best of Africa international trade fair provides a unique and timely opportunity for African exhibitors to increase brand awareness, establish new markets, develop franchising partnerships, reach new customers and recruit new suppliers globally. Visitors can find African suppliers, manufacturers and distributors in one place.

Rich in natural resources, Africa offers vast reserves of oil, metals and precious stones. With thousands of pristine travel destinations, the tourism industry, including health & wellness tourism, continues to grow steadily. Best of Africa is a golden opportunity for African enterprises to connect with thousands of motivated buyers, and for international businesses seeking investment and B2B trade opportunities in Africa.

BusinessGlobal.com has partnered with the Pan-African Development Corporation (PADC) to create this virtual trade fair. The PADC is devoted to the development of commerce and enterprise in Africa – the organisation’s mission is to bring Africa to the world, and the world to Africa. BusinessGlobal.com, in partnership with the PADC, is particularly proud to showcase many of Africa’s finest businesses to the rest of the world.

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Africa has made remarkable gains in promoting growth and achieving economic stability, averaging more than 6% over the past five years. The IMF has increased financial support to African countries affected by the economic crisis, revised its lending instruments to make them more flexible, and is working to double concessional lending. The Fund continues to provide advice and technical assistance for strengthening economic policymaking in Africa, and to design more sophisticated frameworks for improved integration into the world economy. With global efforts such as these to encourage growth in this region, it is an opportune time for African businesses to access international markets.

In recent years, Africa has built increasingly stronger ties with China – in 2007 Chinese companies invested a total of US$1 billion in Africa, overtaking Britain as Africa’s thirdlargest business partner and catching up with France. Trade between China and Africa reached USD $100 billion in 2008 and is expected to top USD $100 billion in 2010.

Africa now supplies a third of the oil fuelling China’s economic boom, with Angola surpassing Saudi Arabia as the largest exporter of oil to China. With more oil reserves than North America, and an estimated 40% of the world’s potential hydroelectric power, Africa is on the verge of becoming a major global energy provider. With major world players now paying attention, African businesses have the opportunity to expand into new markets worldwide. 

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

President Re-Elected from page 44

mous Zanzibar archipelago also went to the polls on Sunday to elect a president, lawmakers and local councillors.

Electoral authorities there announced the results a day later, declaring the ruling party candidate Ali Mohamed Shein the winner of a tight race with veteran opposition politician Seif Sharif Hamad.

Shein was sworn in on Thursday and will work with Hamad as his first vicepresident, inaugurating a new powersharing deal enshrined in a constitutional amendment adopted in July to end perennial election violence.

The vast east African state, which is larger than France and Germany combined, is home to over 43 million citizens. 

Locations: Downtown Culver City: 9537 Culver Blvd.

310-202-5453 City of Compton: 2600 E. Alondra Blvd.

310-638-7871 www.honeyskettle.com Open Sunday-Thursday 11am-10pm Friday-Saturday 11am-11pm

Global Climate Summit

U.S.-India Transactions

from page 19

from page 39

from the same period in 2009. With economic growth estimates at about 9.7 percent in 2010, India is a key market for the Obama Administration’s National Export Initiative, which aims to double U.S. exports in five years. 

provide subnational leaders the opportunity to influence the position of their national governments in advance of the United Nations COP 16 in Cancun in December.

The Governors’ Global Climate Summit 3 will take place at UC Davis to take advantage of the university’s long history of world-class research and devel-

opment in environmental sustainability and green jobs. UC Davis Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi will also participate in the Summit’s opening ceremony on Monday, November 15.

Additional information on the events at the Governors’ Global Climate Summit 3 is available at www.ggcs3.org.

For more information and registration, visit the website or contact ggcs@calepa.ca.gov. 

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

10,000 Small Businesses at Long Beach Community College District 10,000 Small Businesses is a 5-year initiative to unlock the economic growth and jobcreation potential of 10,000 small businesses across the United States through greater access to business education, financial capital, and business support services. Goldman Sachs has partnered with local organizations to help small business owners in communities across the country grow their companies and create jobs. Long Beach Community College District has opened enrollment for the 2011 - 10,000 Small Businesses Business and Management Education program.

About 10,000 Small Businesses Program Selected scholars meet for 11 sessions in classes mostly on alternating Saturdays from 9:00am - 6:00pm, and commit to 6-8 hours per week to out of class activities to work on their business. The benefits of the program include: • • • • • • •

Business education curriculum developed by a leading national educational institution and taught by local educators and business experts Integrated, comprehensive business support services One-on-one business advising Peer-To-Peer learning with fellow CEOs in class, and peer relationship building Mentors and technical assistance Alumni services Access to capital

Target Applicant 10,000 Small Businesses is designed for business owners who operate a business that is poised for growth. Applicants must be the owner or co-owner of a business that meets the following criteria: • • • • •

Business in operations for at least two years Business revenues between $150,000 and $4.0 million in the most recent fiscal year Business with a minimum of 4 employees (including the business owner) Operations in economically underserved areas In addition, broad characteristics of business owners targeted to participate include, but are not limited to: limited access to a business and management education program; limited financial resources to obtain a similar level of education; limited access to capital; a desire and motivation to grow the business and create jobs

LBCC Information Sessions: Tuesday, November 9, 2010 Wednesday, November 10, 2010 Thursday, November 11, 2010 Tuesday, November 16, 2010 Wednesday, November 17, 2010 Thursday, November 18, 2010

9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Rm. 235 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Rm. 235 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., Rm. 235 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Rm. 234 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Rm. 235 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., Rm. 235

Please make a reservation to attend one of our information sessions taking place at Long Beach City College.

Contact: Vivian Shimoyama Address: 4900 E. Conant Street, Bldg. 2, Long Beach, CA 90808 Email: 10000sb@lbcc.edu Telephone: 562-938-5054 Website: http://www.lbcc.edu/10000smallbusinesses/app.cfm Please check the website regularly for 2011 program enrollment periods and information session schedule.

For February training, the 2011 cohort applicants must submit their applications prior to 5:00pm PDT on Monday, December 6. This deadline applies to all forms of submittal of applications: e.g. electronic submission, hand delivered, mailed, and faxed applications, etc.

Holiday Shopping Guide CATERING, SPECIALTY FOODS & RESTAURANTS Aliza’s Cookies Holiday Gift Packs www.alizascookies.com Big Man Bakes 413 Main Street, 90013 213-500-4351 www.bigmanbakes.com Chef Marilyn 2638 Crenshaw Blvd . 90016 323-737-8101 www.chefmarilyn.com Gwen’s Specialty Cakes 820 N. LaBrea Ave., #D Inglewood, CA 90302 310-677-9979 Harold & Belle’s 2920 W. Jefferson Blvd., 90018 323-735-9918 Heritage Link Brands Wines of Black South African Vintners www.heritagelinkbrands.com

Honey’s Kettle Culver City & Compton, CA www.honeyskettle.com Messob Ethiopian Restaurant 1041 S. Fairfax Ave., 90019 www.messob.com PIP’s Restaurant & Lounge 1365 S. La Brea Ave, 90019 323-954-PIPS www.pizzapastasalads.com Rideau Vineyard 1562 Alamo Pintado Road 805-688-0717 Solvang, CA 93463 www.rideauvineyard.com Romeo’s Full Service Catering 714-457-8480 Rooibos Tea House 533 N Fairfax Ave., 90008 www.africaredtea.com

Southern Girl Desserts www.southerngirldesserts.com The New Townhouse 6835 LaTijera Blvd., 900xx www.townhousela.com Wing Stop 3825 Crenshaw Blvd., 90008 323-296-WING TRANSPORTATION Norman Lewis Limousine 800-400-9771 BOOKS, BOOK STORES Eso Won Books 4331 Degnan Ave., 90008 www.esowonbooks.com Malik’s Books Online www.Malikbooks.com Quackenworth Publishing P.O. Box 4747 Culver City, CA 90230 www.quackenworth.com

ZINES Jewel Magazine www.jewelagonline.com Bride Noir www.bridesnoir.com Essence www.essence.com Ebony/Jet www.ebonyjet.com Cuisine Noir www.cuisinenoir.com GIFTS-CARDS California African American Museum Exposition Park 600 State Drive, 90037 www.caamuseum.org Luxe Boutique 11724 West Pico Blvd., 90064 310-481-9914

www.shopluxeonline.com Mayme A. Clayton Museum 4130 Overland Ave. Culver City, CA 90230 www.claytonmuseum.org Museum of African American Art Macy’s 3rd Flr in Crenshaw Mall 4005 Crenshaw Blvd., 90008 www.maaala.org nobody jones boutique 4703 Crenshaw Blvd., 90043 323-291-7177 www.nobodyjones.com Runway Boutique 807 S La Brea Ave., 90036 323-965-1877 www.runwayboutiquela.com SHOPPING CENTERS Crenshaw Mall Crenshaw & King Blvds.

Los Angeles, CA 90008 Leimert Park Crenshaw & Leimert Blvds.

43rd Street-43rd Place Los Angeles, CA 90008 Little Ethiopia Fairfax Boulevard between Pico & Olympic Los Angeles, CA Lucy Florence Culture Center 3351 W 43rd Street Leimert Park Village, 90008 PERSONAL SERVICES Carol Lewis Certified Trainer Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Aid & Certified Personal Trainer. Nutrition and mobility educator/motivator. Your Health is Your First Wealth 323-445-8633 Los Angeles, CA COMMUNICATION 1-800-UNITE-US

Johnson Publishing Sells Chicago Headquarters

A

fter spending nearly four decades headquartered in the historic building located at 820 S. Michigan in Chicago, Johnson Publishing has sold the building to Columbia College Chicago. The Ebony and Jet publisher says the sale is part of the company’s strategy for reducing costs.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

“When we learned of Columbia’s interest in preserving the building and using it to expand opportunities for young people to study visual, performing, me-

dia and communications arts, we knew this was an opportunity that we should pursue,” Johnson chairman and recent ex-CEO Linda Johnson Rice says in a statement.

The sale agreement calls for Johnson to continue to occupy the building [pictured] under an 18-month lease.

Johnson expects to form a building committee to determine where to relocate.

Johnson says it currently occupies only about 40 percent of the building.

It is the company’s fourth headquarters since its founding in 1942.

Standing at 11 stories, the 110,000-square-foot building was constructed in 1972. According to Johnson, it was the first major downtown Chicago building designed by an African-American since Jean Baptiste Point DuSable built a log cabin on the Chicago River in 1722. 

2011 Events

February Black Business Awards Dinner - 38th Anniversary of the BBA March Salute to Black Women November Utilities Procurement Exchange Summit & Awards Luncheon • Call for information •

323-291-9334 50  November 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

End Of Year Tax Relief: Charitable Giving Time

Jefferson Memorial and north of the memorial to President Roosevelt. The approved site creates a visual “line of leadership” from the Lincoln Memorial, where Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, to the Jefferson Memorial.

A

reminder: It’s that time of year again. Yes, It’s time to give, it’s time to help.

When it’s time to pay taxes in April you will remember that you passed up the opportunity to reduce that tax bill even a little bit.

This month we are featuring a variety of organizations that we think are deserving of your consideration when it is time to open your purse.

In addition, we remind you that you may support the work of the Black Business Association by sending in a donation or by becoming a member.

Visit our website at www.bbala.org to donate and/or join. You may also use the membership form near the back of this publication to join the BBA. Mail

your membership (or donation) to P.O. Box 43159, Los Angeles, CA 90043 USA. Thank you in advance for sharing your wealth even in these challenging financial times.

Washington, DC Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Dr. King championed a movement that draws fully from the deep well of America’s potential for freedom, opportunity, and justice. His vision of America is captured in his message of hope and possibility for a future anchored in dignity, sensitivity, and mutual respect; a message that challenges each of us to

Ambassador Andrew Young visits the construction site of the Washington, DC Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial recognize that America’s true strength lies in its diversity of talents. The vision of a memorial in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. is one that captures the essence of his message, a message in which he so eloquently affirms the commanding tenants of the American Dream — Freedom, Democracy and Opportunity for All; a noble quest that gained him the Nobel Peace Prize and one that continues to influence people and societies throughout the world.

Upon reflection, we are reminded that Dr. King’s lifelong dedication to the idea of achieving human dignity through global relationships of well being has served to instill a broader and deeper sense of duty within each of us— a duty to be both responsible citizens and conscientious stewards of freedom and democracy.

The National Capital Planning Commission and The Commission of Fine Arts approved the site location for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the National Mall in Washington, DC in December 1999. Dr. King’s Memorial site is a fouracre plot on the north east corner of the Tidal Basin within the precinct of the

Those who contribute now will be considered “Founding Sponsors”. The Build A Dream Organization has raised $108 million of the $120 million required for the construction of the memorial.

Visit the memorial website at www. mlkmemorial.org to make your contribution, take the Virtual Tour, and view the status of the ongoing construction.

You know you will visit the memorial when it is completed, so be completely proud as you walk the grounds knowing that you helped make the memorial to Dr. King happen.

Schomberg Center for Research in Black Culture Your support of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (www.nypl.org) will ensure that the Schomburg Center is able to continue its mission of collecting, preserving and sharing the contributions to global history made by people of African de-

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

see Charitable Giving on page 53

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

The

Black Business Association Wishes You Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas,



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

Happy Kwanzaa, and a

Happy, Healthy, & Prosperous

Buy Black - Save Black - Invest Black

2011

OUR ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN OERP

Do Business with BBA Member Businesses & Advertisers 52  November 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

Charitable Giving from page 51

scent. Indeed, the Schomburg Center stands as the single greatest resource for learning and scholarship related to the African Diaspora in the world!

Supporters are now invited to connect with the Schomburg Center through free email updates from our dedicated membership program, The Schomburg Society.

These updates will keep you informed about important news at the Center, upcoming events and exhibitions, our world-class online resources and ways you can support us and stay involved.

Staying connected via e-mail is efficient, environmentally friendly and reduces our administrative costs. That means more of your valued contribu-

tions go directly to supporting the vital programs and services which the Center provides.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Shayla L. Titley, Coordinator, Schomburg Membership Program at (212) 491-2250 or send an e-mail inquiry to schomburgsociety@nypl.org.

United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Because of the lingering recession, many students at UNCF schools continue to find themselves in financially vulnerable positions. Unemployment and pay cuts have caused families to search for alternative ways to support their children’s education. “These stu-

dents have done everything in their power to graduate,” said Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D., UNCF president and CEO. “We encourage communities across America to help these students get and complete the education they need.”

To make a donation go to www.uncf. org and click on the Campaign for Essential Student Aid or call Francene Walker, UNCF Director of Individual

Competition:

see Charitable Giving on page 67

Ashoka’s Changemakers is looking for innovative solutions that engage communities, entrepreneurs, and key institutions in collaborating to integrate and develop affordable, inclusive, and sustainable urban housing that respects the environment, local cultures, and practices.

This competition is being launched in anticipation of the 2012 Summit of the Americas, and in support of U.S. President Barack Obama’s Energy and Climate Partnership for the Americas (ECPA - www.ecpamericas.org). It is funded by the Rockefeller Foundation, and is a joint effort of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Department of State, and the American Planning Association.

Submit your solutions, or nominate a project, in this competition to collaborate on sustainable urban housing for liveable and inclusive cities at www.changemakers.com/sustainableurbanhousing.

From November 5 through February 2, 2011, you can nominate or submit a solution for sustainable urban housing.

The entry form is also available for download.

Early Entry Prize: The two best entries submitted by 5PM EST, December 12, 2010 will each be eligible to win a prize of US $500.

Online Winners Prizes: The top three entries submitted by 5pm EST, February 2, 2011 will win US $10,000 each.

The most competitive entrants will be showcased and reviewed at an event that closes the competition in June 2011 at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC where they will be viewed by public and private partners, including prospective funders.

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

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

Advertorial-Jamaal Wilkes Financial Advisors, LLC:

Richard Russell: The Most Profitable Gold Rally Is Yet To Come It would seem that Russell has basically given up on trying to time the market’s gyrations, writing recently that “the stock market is too unsettled, too questionable, for me or my subscribers to assume an all-out bullish or bearish position.”

But he continues to be an unabashed gold bull. This is the one market he has been pounding the table about for quite a long time and he has been absolutely correct. To my chagrin, it took me far too long to realize that gold is indeed in

…

phase of a bull market than is made in the first and second phases combined. This can mean that the late-comers to bull markets often make a fortune, more than those who had the courage to buy early in the game, but they have to have fortitude to sit in the highly volatile second/third phases.

6. Obviously, I could be wrong, but I believe that gold and silver are both still a buy.

7. I’ve said this before, but I’ll repeat it. You do not trade in-and-out in a confirmed primary bull market. You take an

a secular gold bull market. And of course, the next thought after that is the dread that it will be soon over.

Russell puts those thoughts to rest writing recently: “I’m going on the thesis that the highly speculative phase of the gold bull market lies ahead. Now I’m depending on my experience with other bull markets: 1. Most great bull markets go higher and further than almost anybody thinks possible.

2. Most bull markets progress in three psychological phases.

3. I believe the first phase of the gold bull market has passed. It’s over. This is the phase where students of great values take their initial positions.

4. I believe we are deep into the second phase of the gold bull market. This is the phase where the institutions and funds join in the bull market show.

5. Often, more money is made in the third or speculative

early position and add to your position as the bull market progresses.

8. Great bull markets don’t usually provide marvelous entry points. Those who are waiting for the ideal or “safe” place to enter the bull market in precious metals may have a long and frustrating wait.

9. In a great primary bull market, you just “shut your eyes and buy.”

10. Are you buying right or are you buying wrong? Great bull markets tend to bail you out of your mistakes. Perfect timing is nearly impossible in a great bull market. You’re either in or you’re out.

11. Great or fabulous primary bull markets may come along once or maybe twice in a generation. I believe the bull market in precious metals is just such a one — a once-in-ageneration bull market. We may never see another one to see Gold Rally Coming on page 56

Financial Planning:

Beware of Drastic Changes in Estate Tax in 2011

I

f you and your spouse have a combined net worth of $1 million or more, or if you are single and have a net worth of $ 1 million or more, having an estate tax plan in place before the end of the year is essential. And remember, the IRS counts all assets including life insurance policies and retirement accounts; so, you may have a higher net worth than you realize.

How Does the Math Work

Gold Rally Coming from page 55

match this one in our lifetimes.

12. I started writing Dow Theory Letters 52 years ago in 1958. Three times I’ve staked my reputation and my business on a bullish market call. The first instance was in 1958, when I told my subscribers that the third phase of the bull market lay ahead, and it was time to load up on stocks. I said so in my first Barron’s article. That call and that article put me in business. I thank Barron’s late, great editor Bob Bleiberg (who had faith in me and went out on a limb for me).

In late-1974 at the end of that horrendous bear market, I told my subscribers that I thought the bear market was over, and it was time to buy stocks.

In the year 2000 I told subscribers that I thought the bear market in gold was over, and that it was time to buy

Starting January 1, 2011?

Henry and Joan are a married couple with no estate plan and a total of $1,725,000 in net worth, which they own equally. This includes their house, retirement accounts, investments, the face value of their life insurance and all other property they have.

Henry passes away first leaving everything to Joan. Six months later, Joan passes away. At Joan’s death, the first $1 million is exempt from all estate tax, but the remaining $725,000 is subject to estate tax (2011 rates will range from 41% to 55%). So, nine months after Joan’s death, her heirs will need to file an estate tax return and remit a total amount of $231,450.

Failure to find out whether or not you need to do estate and tax planning can what was left of the gold stocks and “put ‘em away.” I told my subscribers that we should treat the gold shares (many under five dollars) as perpetual warrants. “Buy ‘em and forget them.”

13. Lucky thirteen. I’m confirming what I said in 2000. Buy gold and silver, put ‘em away and sit tight. The great speculative phase of the precious metals bull market lies ahead. My advice is concentrated in four words — Buy, and be patient.”

Looking at the very long term chart of gold, the base at the millennium is apparent, as is the unrelenting march of the secular bull market. While it does deviate from time to time away from the long term trend, it quickly returns to it.

Right now we are above the trend but not at an extreme point that has historically lead to regression to the mean: Currently the price of gold is trading at 16.3% premium relative to its 200 day moving average. Historically tops have corresponded with a premium of

end up costing your loved ones dearly. If the estate tax repeal is allowed to sunset as scheduled, the highest marginal estate tax rate for 2011 will be 55%! This means that estate taxes could take quite a bite out of the assets you plan to pass on.

An estate plan brings certainty and stability to the lives of your loved ones and preserves your hard earned assets for your family.

For further information please see our website at www.collinslawgroup. com or call 310-677-9787 ext. 5. 

FDIC Deposit Insurance Has Been Permanently Increased to $250,000 Per Depositor Due to the recent passage of federal financial reform legislation, FDIC deposit insurance has been permanently increased to $250,000 per depositor. IRA funds continue to be insured for an additional $250,000 per depositor.

Your best source for the most up-to-date information about deposit insurance is the website of the FDIC, www.fdic.gov or speak directly with an FDIC specialist by calling 877-ASKFDIC (275-3342).

You should also consult with your personal banker(s).

The FDIC offers financial education for adults and young adults. Visit the FDIC website and check out the Money Smart program. It is free.  20%+ so we still have some room the upside in this most recent cycle. And as Russell so eloquently puts it, quite a ways still from the “highly speculative phase”. 

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

Malik’s Books Online

M

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

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

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

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

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

Malik’s Books

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

Give the Gifts of Knowledge, Inspiration, Entertainment.

Shop the

Black Book Stores!

Eso Won Books

African American Books 4331 Degnan Ave., Leimert Park, Los Angeles

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

Holiday Gift Giving Time Christmas, Graduation, Kwanzaa 323-294-0324 www.esowonbooks.com //esowon.booksense.com for Calendar of Events

Books to Consider...

The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration

by Isabelle Wilkerson Ms. Wilkerson chronicles one of the great untold stories of American history: the decades-long migration of black citizens who fled the South for northern and western cities, in search of a better life.

From 1915 to 1970, this exodus of almost six million people changed the face of America. Wilkerson compares this epic migration to the migrations of other peoples in history. She interviewed more than a thousand people, and gained access to new data and official records, to write this definitive and vividly dramatic account of how these American journeys unfolded, altering our cities, our country, and ourselves.

Nelson Mandela: Conversations With Myself

by Nelson Mandela Former South African President Nelson Mandela reveals the private man behind his iconic public figure in this compelling book that features personal letters and excerpts from his diary written during his more than 27 years in prison for his fight against apartheid. He shares notes made after key meetings and those saved for speaches to be made. 

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

Advertorial-Jamaal Wilkes Financial Advisors, LLC:

Precious Metals Dearer Than Ever

past two years, while platinum is up 63 percent, as both metals also benefit from their growing commercial use.

“Resource scarcity is now entering our lives,” says Jim Puplava, chief executive officer of money management

from page 56

F

inancial advisors have long recommended that investors have some precious metals (www. cnbc.com/id/33057388) in their portfolios, but years of solid gains, as well as heightened interest in inflation hedges and safe havens, have made metals more alluring than ever.

What was once a 5 percent allocation is now as much as 10 percent, with some advisors even adding rarer metals like platinum to the usual gold-andsilver mix.

UBS, for instance, is recommending top clients hold 7-10 percent of their assets in precious metals.

“Paper has counter-party risks,” says Paul Mladjenovic, author of Precious Metals Investing for Dummies. “Gold and silver are the few investments that retain value.”

Every time the gold rally appears to have peaked, another leg appears. No wonder that gold (www.cnbc.com/id/32988158) is up 379 percent over the past ten years. Private ownership stashes now exceed what’s in public gold vaults, as wealthy investors stock stock up on bars of gold during uncertain times.

In Abu Dhabi, it is as easy as using a gold ATM (www.cnbc.com/ id/37124207).

Meanwhile, silver prices (www.cnbc. com/id/32990158) have doubled in the

firm PFS Group in San Diego. “More countries are competing for precious metals, driving up prices.”

As alternative investments go, precious metals offer more than the usual ways to get in the game. There’s bullion, mining companies, mutual funds, see Precious Metals on page 63

Introducing the...

AFRICAN AMERICAN ENGAGEMENT COLLABORATION

Sponsored by the National Black Business Council (NBBC) Black Business Association (BBA) & California Black Chambers (CBC)

Hosts of the new business resource websites:

Join us for

TheArtofBidding.com BlackSuppliers.com

EVERY 2nd Thursday of Each Month Presented by the National Black Business Council (NBBC)

The New Townhouse 6835 La Tijera Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90045

For more information call:

310.568.5000 59  November 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

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

V

Jonathan Thompson, Commercial Broker Phone: 800-455-2142 Cell: 323-309-2885

Rhonda Thompson, Residential Loan Officer Phone 800-455-2142 Cell: 323-387-9439 CA Dept. of Real Estate, Real Estate Broker: 01781216 *APR: Includes appraisal, title insurance, escrow, points & other loan cost is 6.487%

Four Season’s Production Multi-Cultural  Multi-Purpose Multi-Functional  Multi-Faceted Manufacturing, Productivity, Growth & Expansion Economical  Globalization  Empowerment

“We’re Fired Up and Ready to Go”

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

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

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

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

Residential

“BBA 2010 Special Recognition Award Winner”

Genell Brown, Artist Designer

Our Community Source Contact: Keasha L. Charles

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

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

888-988-8551 Phone & Fax 60  November 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

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

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

Tinashe @ the Boardroom inside Lucy Florence

We are open daily! 1-6pm

Tote & Satchel HANDBAGS, beautifully restored, one-of-a-kind vintage HANDBAGS, the hottest DESIGNER SHOES, Cuff links, sterling silver jewelry, and Italian handmade Murano glass JEWELRY.

OUR ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN OERP

Relax Do Business with BBA Member Shop, Eat, in Businesses & Advertisers Little Ethiopia Experience Africa in America

Culture, Retail, Entertainment Fairfax Boulevard

between Pico & Olympic Los Angeles

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

Degnan Boulevard between

Crenshaw & Leimert Blvds.

43rd Street-43rd Place, Los Angeles

61  November 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

BLACK MEETINGS & TOURISM LAUNCHES DIGITAL MAGAZINE

T

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

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

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

Tuesday, Dec 14th

“For everyone interested in doing business with Metro”

Watch & Support the Africa Channel!

2011 Events

February Black Business Awards Dinner - 38th Anniversary of the BBA March Salute to Black Women November Utilities Procurement Exchange Summit & Awards Luncheon

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.

• Call for information •

323-291-9334

62  November 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

Precious Metals

Business News:

from page 59

exchange traded funds, futures, coins and more.

Three Metals, Multiple Options Many experts recommend owning the actual bullion. It’s less volatile and it’s a pure play. Puplava recommends buying American Eagle gold-bullion coins. Any bullion or coin dealer sells them.

The coins are sold at a premium of 5 percent to 10 percent above the spot gold price. They’re affordable and come in half-ounce and quarter-ounce sizes. Another option is to buy 50- to 100-ounce gold bars and store them in a vault.

“People haven’t bought so much gold since it was discovered over 5,000 years ago,” says Jeffrey Christian, managing director of CPM Group in New York City, putting the rally in perspective.

There are now more than two dozen gold ETFs (http://etf.stock-encyclopedia.com/category/gold-etfs.html) traded on exchanges in various countries.

Silver’s current allure has been aided by its growing industrial use. It’s the best metal for conducting heat and electricity, making it useful in electronic devices, such as cell phones.

Silver investors can opt for Silver Eagle coins or bars. “They buy the actual metal and put it in storage,” says Mladjenovic. “That’s a safer play.” Safer, he adds, than buying some silver or gold ETFs, which may hold futures contracts in their portfolio.

Finally, platinum (www.cnbc.com/ id/32990189) is usually a play on a strengthening economy, as it is used in the catalytic converters in automobiles.

It’s sold as American Platinum Eagle coins and in bars.

Puplava recommends a precious metals portfolio that is 50 percent gold, 40 percent silver and 10 percent into platinum, advocating dollar-cost averaging to compensate for some of the

Better Business Bureau (BBB) Reacts to Challenges The executive committee of the Council of Better Business Bureaus (BBB) unveiled the organization’s plans to address recent concerns raised by businesses and consumers as well as the Connecticut Attorney General.

The executive committee voted unanimously to do the following: • The BBB ratings system will no longer give additional points to accredited businesses because of their accredited status. BBB will continue to issue ratings based on the other 16 ratings factors currently used.

• Immediately, BBB will make available on its website a streamlined process for receiving complaints on BBB sales practices, and will implement procedures for investigating each complaint.

• BBB will conduct a review of its process for accrediting businesses, and, as soon as possible, make changes that will apply systemwide.

• BBB will engage an independent third party to assist in its review process.

“For nearly 100 years, the BBB has stood for public trust, and we are taking these steps to maintain that trust,” said Steve Cox, president and CEO, Council of Better Business Bureaus. “Given the feedback, we feel it is our duty to take immediate steps to address the concerns raised, and enhance our ability to help consumers easily and quick-

ly find trustworthy businesses.”

The BBB is moving ahead with implementing some of the changes right away, while others will take longer to complete. All changes will support the BBB’s commitment to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust.

“On behalf of the great local BBBs in communities across the nation that are providing valuable services to protect consumers and promote ethical business behavior, I thank you for your support,” Cox said.

For more information, please contact Alison Southwick at 703-247-9376 or asouthwick@council.bbb.org.

About Better Business Bureau As the leader in advancing marketplace trust, Better Business Bureau (BBB) is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 65 million consumers rely on BBB Reliability Reports® and BBB Wise Giving Reports® to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. Visit www.bbb.org/us for more information. 

volatility.

“Platinum is the trickier investment of the three and silver is more volatile than gold,” says Mladjenovenic. “Don’t rely on a single precious metals investment. There are so many risk factors that are political.” 

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

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Procurement Exchange Summit from page 13

Ombudsman, Ms. Esther Vassar, who facilitated a discussion on the Small Business Jobs Act and how it will affect small and minority-owned businesses.

During the Awards Program, the BBA recognized some of the top Blackowned companies in the region, and celebrated the corporate and government partners that have been extraordinarily supportive of African-American businesses. The eight awardees honored were: Business of the Year Award: Peoples Choice Staffing 19

Outstanding Entrepreneur Award: Bernie Pichon of Gaff Group Outstanding Entrepreneur Award: Elvin Moon of E.W. Moon, Inc. Infrastructure Group Legislative Trailblazer Award: California State Senator Curren D. Price, Jr. Supplier Capacity Builder Award: Linda Smith of the Los Angeles Minority Business Opportunity Center Outstanding Corporation Award: Northrop Grum21 man Corporation Outstanding CommunityBased Business Award: Chambers Shine and Shoe Repair

Special Recognition Award: Assemblymember Steven Bradford

Photo Legend:

17) Partcipants of AT&T Technology Workshop 18) “Skip” Cooper, Aubrey Stone, President, California Black Chamber of Commerce with guest 19) Yicky Harper-Hall of Northrop Grumman accepts the Outstanding Corporation Award 20) Elvin Moon, President, EW Moon, Inc., Outstanding Entreprenuer Award Honoree, with Councilwoman Jan Perry (who provided special remarks) 21) “Skip” Cooper and Stephen Randolph, Owner, Chambers Shoe Shine and Repair, Outstanding Community Based Business Award Honoree 22) Music by Marvelous Marvin 

For more information on the 7th Annual Procurement Exchange Summit and Awards Luncheon on November 4, 2010, please visit www.bbala.org. To view and purchase photographs from the event visit the BBA website at www. bbala.org and click on FoxxMedia. smugpug.com. 

20

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Pualani, State Senator Curren Price, Linda Smith. Not shown Assemblyman Steven Bradford.

10) “Skip” Cooper, II, Denise Peoples, President, Peoples Choice Staffing, Wendell Peoples 11) Rosalind Pennington, President, National Black Business Council (NBBC) 12) State Senator Curren Price, Jr. 13) Joe Alderete, Supplier Diversity Manager of Southern California Edison 14) Byron Reed, Vice President, Wells Fargo Bank 15) AT&T Technology Panel 16) Staff of Choice Workforce Solutions

65  November 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

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President’s Message

Charitable Giving

from page 3

sentially as a business agent for minority-owned firms, while not doing the same for all firms wanting to do business with the city. Moreover, this gives the impression that non-minority firms already receive similar services in confidence or representation as a shadow agent.

A city steeped in the need for greater business growth should not “crook” the rules at a time when industry needs it most. The small business community requires immediate steps by the City to address concerns raised to access contracts for fair bid opportunities.

Contracting commissions remove the ability to trust and diminishes public confidence in the current municipal administration. Moreover, BBA members depend on the City’s MBOC to inform and include them on city contracting and operational requirements and to charge for advice and guidance only seems to taint the spirit and intent of fair practices to small businesses. It is almost like the City representatives are conducting a shakedown from anxious entrepreneurs in order to get smaller companies to pay to play. 

from page 53

and Planned Giving, at 703-205-3569 to assist future UNCF graduates.

Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. The Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to encouraging the growth, de-

International Edition

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

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

velopment and distribution of free, multilingual content, and to providing the full content of these wiki-based projects to the public free of charge. The Wikimedia Foundation operates some of the largest collaboratively edited reference projects in the world, including Wikipedia, a top-ten internet property.

A decade after its founding, nearly 400 million people use Wikipedia and its sister sites every month - almost a third of the Internet-connected world.

It is the 5th most popular website in the world - but Wikipedia isn’t anything like a commercial website. It is a community creation, written by volunteers making one entry at a time. You are part of our community. And I’m writing today to ask you to protect and sustain Wikipedia.

Together, we can keep it free of charge and free of advertising. We can keep it open – you can use the information in Wikipedia any way you want. We can keep it growing – spreading knowledge everywhere, and inviting participation from everyone.

Each year at this time, we reach out to ask you and others all across the Wikimedia community to help sustain our joint enterprise with a modest donation of $20, $35, $50 or more.

If you value Wikipedia as a source of information – and a source of inspiration – I hope you’ll choose to act right now.

The Wikimedia Foundation relies heavily on the generous support from our users. Please consider making a donation today, be it time or money (http://wikimediafoundation.org/ wiki/Fundraising). The benefactors page is dedicated to some of the companies and individuals helping to sustain the Wikimedia projects. The Wikimedia Foundation does not necessarily endorse the activities of its Corporate Benefactors.

The Wikimedia Foundation is incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States, and donations from US citizens are tax deductible. Donations made by citizens of other countries may also be tax deductible. Please see deductibility of donations for details. 

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

Government:

Commerce, SBA Launch New Online Tool To Help Small Businesses Begin Exporting New Site: Six Steps to Exporting Success

S

mall businesses interested in exporting now have a new online tool to help them tap into the global marketplace to grow their business. Developed by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Small Business Administration, Six Steps to Begin Exporting, www.export.gov/ begin, is the latest tool in the National Export Initiative toolbox to help entrepreneurs begin exporting.

The six-step process begins with a self-assessment to help potential exporters gauge their readiness to successfully engage in international trade.

The self-assessment is followed by sections on training and counseling programs; resources to create an export business plan; information on conducting market research; assistance for finding foreign buyers; and investigating financing for your small business exports, foreign investments or projects.

Upon completing the self-assessment, businesses receive a score indicating their level of readiness. Based on the score, additional resources are identified fitting their specific needs, including SBA and its nationwide resource partners SCORE and Small Business Development Centers, as well as Commerce’s U.S. Export Assistance Centers, which provide individu-

mitment the Obama administration has made to helping American businesses – especially small businesses – sell more of what they make around the world,” U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said. “Connecting America’s entrepreneurs and small businesses with new buyers and new markets abroad will help create jobs and spur sustainable economic growth.”

“With nearly 96 percent of the world’s customers living outside the United States and two-thirds of the world’s purchasing power in foreign countries, tapping into opportunities in the global market makes perfect sense and is more attainable than ever for small business owners,” SBA Administrator Karen Mills said. “One of the main hurdles potential exporters face is their fear that exporting is too complicated.

This six-step process addresses and dispels that concern. Across the administration, we continue to strengthen the tools and resources so we can be the best possible partner in helping small business owners grow their customer base beyond our borders and, in doing so, create new jobs here at home.”

This joint Commerce-SBA effort is part of an array of activities by federal

alized support.

“This practical, interactive website is just the latest example of the com-

agencies to support President Obama’s National Export Initiative, which calls for doubling U.S. exports and support-

Karen G. Mills, Administrator Small Business Administration

ing 2 million jobs over the next five years. So far this year, U.S. exports have increased nearly 18 percent compared to the same period in 2009.

President Obama has outlined five steps the Administration is taking to help U.S. firms expand sales of their goods and services abroad: creating a new Cabinet-level focus on U.S. exports, expanding export financing, prioritizing government advocacy on behalf of U.S. exporters, providing new resources to U.S. businesses seeking to export, and ensuring a level playing field for U.S. exporters in global markets.

For more information on export services for small businesses or to find local counseling and technical assistance resources, please visit www.export.gov. 

69  November 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

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

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

Fax:

Year Established:

NAICS Codes: Briefly describe your products and/or services

New membership Renewal Membership

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

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

Exp. Date

/

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

Calendar November…

registration visit www.africanstudies.org.

December…

1st Green Trade Network Summit Salinas, California.

1st-5th

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

17th Better Business Practices Procurement Roundatable Some of GLAAAC’s Corporate Advisory Board members will respond to attendee questions regarding doing business in this current and challenging economy and keynote speaker Chris Bryant will talk about the Importance of Branding. 8:00 am to 11a. Continental breakfast available. Free to GLAAAC members. $15 for others. 5120 W Goldleaf Circle, Room 10AG, Los Angeles. Call 323-292-1297 to RSVP or for information.

18th-22nd 53rd Annual Conference, African Studies Association (ASA) The theme of the 2010 conference is “African Diaspora and Diasporas in Africa.” It will be held at the Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco, California. For information and

May… 6th-7th Black Business Expo 2011 Maranatha Church Marlton Square/Crenshaw area. Emphsis will be on the Tom Bradley Business Institute and the future of Black Folk’s in America. 

National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) 34th Annual Legislative Conference The annual legislative conference will be held at the Loews Atlanta Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia.

Find event details and registration information at www.nbcsl.org/conference2010/index.html.

4th 45th WATTS INVITATIONAL CHRISTMAS PARADE PARADE ROUTE: North on Central Ave. from El Segundo Blvd. to 103rd Street (Charcoal Alley) to the Watts Train Station. Bring your convertible auto and a car sign to participate FREE!! SPREAD THE WORD

13th The African Network (TAN) The topic of the meeting is: How Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation is Transforming Sub-Saharan Africa. The session starts at 5:30 pm at the Fenwick & West Building, 801 California Street, Mountain View, CA. Find event details and registration information at www.theafricannetwork.org.

January…

15th CaTwalk Queenz Annual Fashion Show Wish Ultra Lounge, 3001 Knox St., #210, Dallas Texas, 7pm to 10pm. For information on attending, advertising, modeling or participating as a fashion designer contact Charles Brown at 770256-9732.

President’s Message from page 67

The coming year promises to be great. The BBA is better equipped to service our members and stakeholders. The BBA has moved to larger office facilities and upgraded our computer systems. In the months to follow, the BBA will announce trade missions, conferences and educational webinars, coming on the heels of the highly successful Annual Procurement Exchange Summit that took place in early November. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.bbala.org. 

Salinas, California - Dec. 1, 2010 www.mbita.org/greentradenetwork/summit2010.html

71  November 2010  Black Business News  www.bbala.org

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

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

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

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