1. Botswana Trade Mission: The official dates of our Botswana Trade Mission are October 17 – 24, 2011. Botswana Ambassador Seretse will personally accompany participants with proper appointments and interviews.  We want at least 15 NBCC members to go and examine the opportunities.  Botswana does not require a visa and is one of the most transparent governments in the world.  We will have a two day safari during this trip.  Those wanting more information or to register for the Trade Mission should contact Chuck at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

2.  Sign Up for Kenya: Ministers from Kenya will be holding a summit in Washington, DC during October 8 – 9, 2011.  Those NBCC members interested in learning more about the opportunities in Kenya ($30 billion during the next 20 years) should sign up to personally meet the ministers while they are here.  From this meeting we will prepare for our official Trade Mission in early November.  For appointments contact Chuck, email above.

3.  Kudus for Illinois Black Chamber: On behalf of the Board Members who attended the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce convention last week, we congratulate Larry and Janice Ivory for their successful event.  It made us all proud and Peoria, Illinois never looked better.

4.  New Scholarship Fund: It was announced last week that the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce has just established a Harry and Kay Alford Scholarship Fund.  The fund will provide college funding for qualifying Illinois residents.  It was announced during a formal tribute given to Harry and Kay.

5.  Hatching New Chapters: Regional Vice President John Harmon is looking for leadership talent to start new affiliated NBCC chapters in the following markets:  Camden, NJ; Atlantic City, NJ; Rochester, NY; Syracuse, NY; Poughkeepsie, NY; each of the boroughs of New York City; Suffolk and Nassau Counties, NY.  Those interested should contact John at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

6.  Recognition for the Biagas Family: Mr. and Mrs. John F. Biagas (NBCC President Club member) have been awarded the “Citizens of the Year Award” by the City of Newport News, VA.  Congratulations John and continue to be a class act.

7. New Assignment for NBCC President/CEO: The US Chamber of Commerce has just appointment Harry C. Alford as Chairman of the newly formed Government Operations, Oversight and Consumer Affairs Committee.  This is immediate and will continue through the end of 2012.