eBlast March 29, 2011

1. Fundraising Opportunity: We want to congratulate our member, Southeast Keller Corp, for winning an annual contract with our partner, The Cooperative Purchasing Network (TCPN). This means that any school system in the nation can buy from this contract without going through a bid process (similar to a GSA schedule). Southeast Keller will pay a commission of 10 – 12% to any NBCC chapter that sells this product to schools within its local market. This means that a productive chapter will be able to generate $150,000 - $200,000 in commissions during the next year. Interested? Come to our next Legacy Seminar in New Orleans on April 20 and receive the orientation. All others can get their orientation at our 19th Annual Convention in Miami during July 21 – 23, 2011.

2. Project Legacy Seminar: As earlier stated, the next Project Legacy Seminar will be held at the Sonesta Hotel (French Quarter) in New Orleans on April 20, 2011. We have secured a room rate of $149 per night for participants. Come and learn how to run an effective and reputable chamber. Only NBCC affiliates know how to earn 501©3 status as your core entity. Learn best practices from the best. Learn how to fundraise and sustain a promising future. This seminar is free to NBCC members and the luncheon will be authentic New Orleans style. This event is fully sponsored by Verizon. It is free but you must RSVP via This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

3. Bethel’s Place Black Chamber of Commerce: We want to congratulate our initial church chamber of commerce, Bethel’s Place Black Chamber of Commerce, located in southwest Houston, TX. The chamber gave a wonderful reception last Saturday night with over 250 participants and a keynote from President/CEO Harry C. Alford. Sunday morning we had the pleasure of hearing a stirring sermon from Pastor Walter August. The church has six services each Sunday with the pastor preaching at each one of them. When we started communication with the church they had 8,000+ members. Today, they have passed the 9,000 mark and are still growing and expanding their campus. Whenever you are in Houston you should stop by Bethel’s Place.

4. Meet Us in Nairobi: We will have a fact finding mission to Kenya, June 12 – 16, 2011. This will be followed by an official matchmaker/deal closer trip in August. You must go on the first trip to be eligible for the second. Those seeking more information about this historical trek should contact Chuck at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

5. Building two Bridges over the Ohio River: More information is now being made available to you on-line about the Louisville-Southern Indiana Ohio River Bridges Project. During last month’s Bridges Industry Forum held in Louisville, attendees asked for more engineering information. As a result, reports and files can be downloaded through the Project’s website. Simply go to http://bridgesauthority.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4eb3ad17e88124af940b303ec&id=437c4eafb1&e=c8bfbb3a90 and you will be able to access engineering files. Simply click the project area in which you are interested. The information is based on project development activities from the 2003 Record of Decision's Preferred Alternative. Currently the state sponsors are evaluating modifications to this preferred alternative through a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement process. If these modifications are formally adopted through that process, the information previously developed will require significant updates. If you need more information or have questions, please contact John Sacksteder at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (502) 394-3847.

6. Ethics Alert: We have received a complaint from one of our chapters alleging the Campaign for Better Health Care offered a $10,000 payment for supporting their program. We strongly encourage you to be very principled and moral in your policy making. Don’t sell your “soul”. Any other complaints about this organization or any other will be most welcomed.