1. On to Botswana: We will be in Botswana next week so we are sending this eBLAST a few days early.  Our trade mission promises to be very productive and we will share all that we find upon our return.

2.  Chicago African Diaspora Pre-Summit: Co-Chairs Congressman Bobby Rush and Congressman Donald Payne have announced the first ever African Diaspora Pre-Summit, December 16 – 17, 2011, at the downtown Sheraton Hotel, Chicago, IL.  The conveners are the African Globalism Committee and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.  This is a prelude to the Global Diaspora Summit which is scheduled in South Africa beginning May 25, 2012.  Save both dates and plan on attending these two historical sessions.  The National Black Chamber of Commerce® is proud to be on the National Host Committee for the Pre-Summit.

3.  New Partnership: We have joined forces with the Signage Foundation Inc. which is an association focused on the marketing impact of commercial signs and the advocating of good local policy (permitting).  Here is the initial speech Harry C. Alford gave this week at their annual convention on the campus of the University of Cincinnati.

4.  Extension for Hotel Reservations: The deadline for booking hotel rooms at the Royal Sonesta Hotel for our Fall Summit in New Orleans November 17-18 has been extended to October 20, 2011 please make your reservations by then to get the attractive $169 rate. (Registration), (Agenda).

5.  Chapter Progress in Kenya: Deacon Leon C. Jenkins, Chairman NBCC Church Chamber of Commerce Committee and President/CEO of Bethel’s Place Black Chamber of Commerce (Houston, Texas), informs us of positive growth in Kenya.  The Kenya Christian Entrepreneur Commerce & Industrial Development Group is now composed of 21 churches totaling 5,544 members and 2,222 business owners.  Centered in Nairobi, the NBCC affiliate will now branch out throughout the rest of Kenya.  This, the Kenya Model, will be exported to other nations on the continent.

6.  Happy 50^th Dorothy! Special congratulations to NBCC board member Dorothy Leavell who will be celebrating the 50^th Anniversary of her business – The Crusader Newspaper (Chicago, IL and Gary, IN).  You don’t last 50+ years in the same business without diligence, faith and a great product.  Dorothy invites you all to come and share the celebration.

7.  A Call to Action: You, every one of you, have an opportunity to formally protest the proposed rule to end Minority Business Goals at the Department of Defense, NASA and the Coast Guard.  You have until Nov. 8 to comment on the proposed rule via the federal register.  Let’s send a message to the Administration that this is an outrage, a job killer and an insult to the legacy of the past seven presidents who honored this important program.  This press release says it all. Go to Federal Register to lodge your comment.