1. Changing of the Chairs – February 7, 2012: This annual event will be held in Washington, DC at the beautiful Four Seasons Hotel. Outgoing Chair Arnold Baker will give his formal review and that will be followed by Incoming Chair Larry Ivory’s vision for 2012. Arnold has been brilliant and courageous in his leadership and we greatly appreciate all that he has done for the NBCC. Larry will be special in that he is an original member of the NBCC (1993) and has been not only loyal but very active and productive. He has cultivated Illinois into 23 active chapters of the NBCC. No one else can make a similar claim. Thanks Arnold and welcome aboard Larry. This luncheon will hold 100 of our board members, active members and partners. We will reserve seats for the first 100 who RSVP to Kay DeBow at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .   Remember, first come; first serve. See you at this historic event! 

2. Good News for Highway Programs: The “Rowe Decision” from the 4^th Circuit Court deals with the DBE programs sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration through all state recipients (state DOT’s). The pattern has been to continue discrimination against Black contractors while loading up on utilizing women owned businesses (WBE’s). The courts say that is unconstitutional and must be forbidden. Thus, states like Maryland are dismantling its WBE program and improving the utilization of Black firms. Rowe concerned the North Carolina DBE program and stated that WBE’s, Hispanic and Asian firms were not discriminated against and should no longer be in the program. In North Carolina, only Native American and Black firms should be allowed to participate in the program. Make sure your state is abiding by the Rowe Decision. 

3. Farewell to Ofield Dukes: We have lost a longtime friend over the holidays. Ofield Dukes has gone to Heaven. There will be a “Celebration of His Life” tomorrow (1/13/12) here in Washington, DC.

4. Trade Mission to Ethiopia and Kenya: We are beginning to organize a trade mission that will take our participants to the Swahili Coast of Kenya and to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The dates will be in April, 2012 and more details are to follow as we organize. Interested businesses should contact Chuck at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

5. GAO Wants to Know: The NBCC will be participating in an interview with the General Accounting Office on the subject of Federal Procurement (Has there been positive change? How can Things become Better? Etc.) If any of our financial members want to inject their views on this subject matter. Please put it in writing and send it to Ryan at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by January 16, 2012. 

6. Your Dues for 2012: Your dues fuel our work; please make your contribution today.