1.  Successful Trade Mission to Africa: We have completed a very informative trip to Ghana, Kenya and Ethiopia.  Charles DeBow, Vice-President of Special Projects, participated with the US Chamber of Commerce for a productive ten day trip.  We are laying the ground work for a “road map” for our members who have a specific plan or strategy regarding trade with African nations.  Our next visit will be Kenya in June of this year.  You are all invited to join us.  Here is the report submitted by Chuck.

2.  A Very Busy Week on Capitol Hill: Last Monday, we presented our position on the Wireless Tax Fairness Act of 2011 to various staffers on the House of Representatives side.  We support it strongly.  We also gave Congressional Testimony on Tuesday before the Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Commercial and Administrative Law.  The written testimony is here. On Wednesday, we were represented by John F. Biagas of The Bay Electric Co. who gave testimony to the House Government and Oversight Committee about the monopolies of Project Labor Agreements.  John was just marvelous and here is his written testimony. On Thursday Larry Ivory and Harry Alford had a very productive visit with Congressman Bobby Rush.  From there we went before the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee for the Food and Drug Administration and gave testimony regarding a proposed ban on menthol in cigarettes. We are against it and here is our testimony. That night Harry Alford chaired the Annual Merit Awards Dinner for the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA).

3.  Early Bird Reservations for 19^th Annual Convention: Our 19^th Annual Convention to be held in downtown Miami, FL at the 5 Star Four Seasons Hotel is shaping up to become our best conference ever!  $150 is the key to all of this.  First, hotel nights are a ridiculously low $150 per night (Four Seasons???).  Secondly, if you register now online you will get an early bird rate of $150.  All of this education, networking and business opportunity for the fairest price on earth.

4.  Meet us in New Orleans: On April 20, 2011, we will be in New Orleans hosting our latest Legacy Project session.  These sessions are designed to provide best practices and instruction on how to manage an effective and accountable Black chamber of commerce.  Only within the federation of the National Black Chamber of Commerce® does that exist.  Beware of any perpetrators.  Come and get certified and energized by our past Chair Sherrie Gilchrist.  Inquires should be made to Chuck DeBow at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .