1. Opportunity in Los Angeles: The Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles issued a Request for Qualifications (No. NP-13730) for its Industrial Incentive Program.  The deadline has been extended until Monday, January 3^rd, 2011.  The link to the RFQ and to Addendum No. 1, receipt of which must be acknowledged in the response, follows:  http://www.crala.net/internet-site/Jobs_Contracting/RFP_Bids/NP-13730.cfm.  For questions please contact Donna Yep, Contracts Officer, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

2.  Cathy Hughes Steps Up: Radio and TV magnate Cathy Hughes (friend of the NBCC) has been named Chair of the newly formed SBA Advisory Council on Underserved Communities.  This will be very interesting.  Ms. Hughes is a very “straight shooter” and has little use for deception or false perception.  The politicians will be most uncomfortable.  Congratulations Ms. Hughes!

3.  We’re Going to the Supreme Court: The NBCC will be filing a formal Amicus Brief before the US Supreme Court concerning a civil rights matter that could adversely affect your business one day.  This is very important and we will give it our best to be victorious for all of you, our constituents.

4.  Looking for Cutting Edge Consultants: There is a growing demand for firms that have mastered Building Information Modeling, BIM, and also known as Virtual Building.  Those who are accredited in this field should send statement of qualifications to Charles DeBow, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  We will database it and provide it for any inquiries that we receive.

5.  Time to Renew? It is that time of the year to consider your important tax deductible contributions to the NBCC or just to renew your annual membership.  It is these funds that provide us the energy to crack open doors of opportunity; prevent adverse policy to your business; produce the finest and most productive business meetings known; and network the entire world for our constituents.  Here is the formal application and contribution form.

6. Holiday Hours: The National Office will be closed (physically) during Dec. 23 – January 3, 2011.  However, we will casually respond to emails.  The majority of the office will be working out of the Los Angeles area as we will participate in the Rose Bowl and cheer on the mighty University of Wisconsin Badgers whose year has been as successful as ours.  Thanks for helping us with our finest year and we look forward to new heights with you during 2011.  Enjoy the holidays and God bless!