eBlast September 23, 2010

1. Assault on the DBE Program: After 32 years in existence, the federal government is making a direct assault on the US Department of Transportation’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. It was written by the late Parren J. Mitchell and full implementation began under the first Reagan Administration. It has remained pretty much in place with a little back peddling during the second Clinton Administration. Now, there is a direct assault via the proposed High Speed Rail program related to the Stimulus Bill. This betrayal cannot be tolerated and we ask all who believe in procurement diversity to stand up and fight. This is a call to arms. Please emulate the letter we are sending out today to your congressional leaders and demand a “stand down” by the Democratic House of Representatives and the Obama Administration. Our San Francisco Bay representatives will be making a personal trip to House Speaker Pelosi’s home office to deliver the letter. For more background read the editorial written by Harry C. Alford which will appear in most Black owned newspapers.

2. White House Internship Program: Applications for the White House Internship Program will be accepted through October 3, 2010. For those interested in this great opportunity please go to: www.whitehouse.gov/about/internships.

3. Josh Smith on CBS Radio: We want to congratulate our dear friend Joshua Smith for the debut of his weekly talk show on CBS Radio. His first show was today and featured a no holds barred frank discussion with Harry C. Alford about national and global business issues. To hear the entire tape please go to: http://www.biztalkwithjosh.com/radio.html,and scroll to “selection 33, 09_23” in the radio jukebox.

4. Rally for Jobs: We encourage everyone to frequently visit www.rallyforjobs.org for the latest news in support of our energy industry. It is imperative that Congress regulates in a manner that is pro-trade, capitalistic and positive to a growing economy. America depends on it!

5. Jumpin’ in the Carolinas: We want to congratulate the successful kick off of the Triad Black Chamber of Commerce on September 18 in Greensboro, NC. Also, the Greater Black Chamber of Commerce of the Carolinas is alive and active plus a new chapter is forming in Florence, SC as we speak. Sheila Robinson and NBCC Board Member Claude McDougal are racing at full speed.