1.  Latest Attack on our Businesses: Under SBA’s Parity policy and regulations, before setting aside a contract for small businesses, federal agency contracting officers may choose among SBA’s procurement and business development programs (8(a), HUBZone, Service Disabled Veteran-owned small businesses and women-owned small businesses) without giving one preference over the others.  Recently the Court of Federal Claims has come up with the idea that HUBZone businesses should have priority over the other types of businesses.  We totally disagree with this and are joining with the SBA in their effort to find legislative relief from this threat.  You are all encouraged to write to your Congressperson and respective Senators supporting the SBA’s effort.  This will hurt us badly if it stands.  Many billions of dollars in contracting are at stake.  (review)

2.  Major Move at US Chamber: NBCC President/CEO Harry C. Alford has just been elected as a member of the Nominating Committee for the Board of Directors of the US Chamber of Commerce.  Mr. Alford has been on the board of directors of the US Chamber since 2000 and is also currently Chair of the Regulatory Affairs Committee.  This recent appointment will focus on recruiting special talent and help to further diversify the Board’s demographics.  His first recruit, Ernest Greene Jr., President/CEO of E&E Enterprises Global, Inc. was voted to the board yesterday.  Congratulations Ernest!

3.  Spreading the Word in Atlanta: The annual Power Networking Conference sponsored by FraserNet will be held in Atlanta beginning tomorrow through Saturday.  Wisconsin Black Chamber President Ruben Hopkins and Harry Alford will participate on a panel about the value of having a Black Chamber of Commerce in your community plus the state and the national hook up.  Anyone attending should look for us and have some serious conversation.

4.  Save the Date for San Diego: Our members and friends in the Southern California area are encouraged to attend a luncheon hosted by our Central San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce on June 21, 2010.  The keynote address will be given by California State Controller John Chaing.  It promises to be a very important event.  Don’t miss it and feel free to discuss with chamber president, Anita Lofton, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . (flyer)

5.  18^th Annual Convention: Don’t miss out on the NBCC special rate of $129 per night at the Four Seasons Hotel in Houston:  713-652-6266.  The agenda is updated everyday, check www.nationalbcc.org for the latest information!