| Chamber News March 13, 2012 |
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1. Opportunities for the African American Museum of Culture and History: At our 20th Convention during July 19 – 21, 2012, representatives of SR Smoot Construction Management and Herman J. Russell Construction Management will present a thorough workshop on all upcoming bids and RFP’s concerning the building of this $500 million project. These opportunities will be presented for all who want to compete. Immediately after the workshop, there will be one-on-one matchmaking follow up. This is a historical moment that should produce historical results. Also, we are inviting the world renowned architects of the project to speak before us along with Mr. Lewis Smoot Sr. and Mr. Herman J. Russell themselves. Come and meet the world’s largest Black owned construction and architectural firms.
2. Getting Sponsored Up: We are proud to confirm two new Title Sponsors for our annual event. We are now allotting space for all interested firms who are ready to confirm their participation at our event. We are selling out the beautiful 5 Star Four Seasons Hotel, 14th St. and Peach Tree Boulevard, Mid-Town Atlanta, GA. The convention website is www.nbccconvention.org and the sponsorship link is here, http://nbccconvention.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/2012-Sponsorship-Form1.pdf We often customize sponsorships to fit our corporate partner’s goals. We look forward to working with you and you may contact Kay DeBow with any inquiries at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 3. Africa is Engaged: Also coming to our 20th Annual Convention are senior officials from Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Malawi – just to name a few. The Chamber of Commerce from Gabarone, Botswana will be coming en masse to cut deals with our members. The interchange of preparation has already started. This will be a great primer leading to our November, 2012 conference in Houston, TX. 4. Good Bye MBDA: It is with shock that we learn that the Obama Administration is shutting down the regional offices of the Minority Business Development Agency. Their offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, New York and San Francisco will begin closing by September 30, 2012. These offices were started by the Nixon Administration and had been a mainstay in the delivery of technical assistance to minority owned firms throughout the land. OK – the private sector must step up to the plate and replace what the federal government has decided to get rid of. The NBCC will become stronger in order to fill this void. 5. A Warrior Fades Away: It is with great sadness that we report the passing of the Honorable Donald Payne. Congressman Payne was a pillar of strength and voracity serving his beloved Newark, NJ and never taking his eyes off the entire African Diaspora. Respected by his peers and loved by his constituents and all advocates for Black business development, he was a true legend. Parren J. Mitchell and Arthur A. Fletcher have added to their heavenly “posse”. Thank you Congressman Payne for your love and dedication and may God continue to bless the loved ones you leave behind. 6. Want to be a Fully Accredited Chamber of Commerce? NBCC Chairman Larry Ivory is putting the final pieces on our new and improved Chamber Accreditation Program. If you want to win the distinction of “Fully Accredited” contact Charles DeBow at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Being fully accredited signifies that your chamber has its act together and is worthy of membership and full support. 7. Small Business Administration (SBA) Survey: How well is the SBA serving its constituency? Please take 5 minutes and give us your feedback. Click here. |