1. Christine’s Coffee® Has Debuted:  We are happy to announce the launching of our coffee brand, Christine’s Coffee®, which is now available to all living within the United States.  This fine, specialty, 100% pure Arabica coffee from the highlands of Kenya will be a special treat for all coffee drinkers and it comes right before Thanksgiving.  We congratulate our initial Distributors:  Louisville Black Chamber of Commerce, Chattanooga African American Chamber of Commerce, Alamo City Chamber of Commerce, Metropolitan Trenton African American Chamber of Commerce and Peoria Black Chamber of Commerce.  We encourage all associations, chambers, entrepreneurs to consider being a Distributor and create fundraising for your mission.  Go to www.christinescoffee.com  and see for yourself.  All comments and inquiries are welcomed. 

2. Jammin’ in Jamaica:  It’s not too late to come to Negril and participate in our summit.  We will have a formal Board of Directors meeting during the summit and anyone wishing to send a comment, inquiry or request to the NBCC Board should submit it via This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  There will be a matchmaking component to the summit with JAMPRO which is the Jamaica equivalent to the US Department of Commerce.  (Info)

3. WCM in Trinidad:  We are co-sponsoring the World Conference of Mayors 20th Annual Conference to be held November 17 – 21, 2004 in Trinidad/Tobago.  There will be mayors from many nations attending and will give entrepreneurs a great chance to network face to face with decision makers.  Join us as we strategize and plan with elected officials from Africa, Caribbean, South America, Asia, and Europe and, of course, the United States.

4. Small Business Event:  Chemonics International – an economic development consulting firm will be hosting a small business fair on November 16, 2004 from 10:00AM – 3:30PM at their offices located at 1133 20th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036.  There will be an opportunity to meet staff and network with other small businesses working in international development.  For more information please contact Kimeo Carr at 202-955-3342 or by email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . When sending an email please type “Small Business Fair” in the subject matter.

5. Wealth Building Tour:  Save the dates!  Our Wealth Building Tour has firmed up the dates for our first three seminars.  Washington, DC on December 1; Chicago on December 3; and Los Angeles on December 10.  Circle your calendars and details will follow.  This tour is collaboration amongst the NBCC, New York Life and Lord Abbett & Co.

6. Congratulations!  We congratulate Ms. Carolyn Thomas, owner of the Western Steer Family Restaurant, Plymouth, North Carolina, as the “Entrepreneur of the Year”.  The Northeastern North Carolina Black Chamber of Commerce will celebrate this distinction on November 6, 2004 at the Floyd L. Robinson Auditorium, Elizabeth City, North Carolina.  For more information call 252-335-3220 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Until next week,

Harry C. Alford

President/CEO

Fred Jordan

Chairman