1. Thanks to our Sponsors: The NBCC runs off the “fuel” of dues and sponsorship.  It is the lifeblood of any association and to be effective there must be sufficient funding.  Our cause is noble and we take pride in accomplishing our mission.  We encourage all to consider sponsoring our 20^th Annual Convention.  It promises to be the best conference ever.  So far, these are our committed sponsors:  VISA, ExxonMobil, The Southern Company, Diageo, PennNational Gaming, My Wireless.org, Verizon, Comcast, Chevron, Beam Global, Kraft, SR Smoot Construction, TIAA-Cref, Facebook, Hilex, Lorillard, Intuit, and Southwest Airlines.  Sponsorship info.

2. Meeting with Rwanda: We had a wonderful and productive dinner with the Governor of the Bank of Rwanda, the Deputy Ambassador and the Commercial Attaché of Rwanda.  We want to thank our partner VISA for inviting us to the affair.  We will be following up with this very productive and growing economy.

3.  Photos and news article on our Trip to Brunswick, GA (here).

4.  Fashion and Coffee from Ethiopia: Here is a formal notice from the Embassy of Ethiopia relative to their leather goods, textiles and coffee.  Did you know that you can buy a pair of Lizard skin shoes for about $18?  The deals are amazing and importers/retailers should consider.

5.  NBCC Responds to Senate Questions: We were formally asked a series of questions from the Senate Environmental and Public Works Committee (Chair Barbara Boxer and Ranking Member James Inhofe).  The fight against overreaching regulation continues.

6.  Atlanta Hotels are Selling Out!: Our 20^th Annual Convention is right around the corner go to: www.nbccconvention.org and register at the early bird rate and make your hotel reservation for lovely Atlanta today!  Four Seasons Hotel now has limited availability and there is a city-wide convention that is making hotel rooms sparse and expensive.