1.     Christine’s Coffee Rollout:  We begin selling our first product which is specialty coffee from Kenya, Christine’s Coffee, on October 15, 2004.  This product is grown by farmers with whom we will stay in contact with and assure their proper income and benefits.  Profits from Christine’s Coffee will go to the NBCC for International Trade activities.  Affiliates of the NBCC and other entrepreneurs are encouraged to become official distributors of the coffee and use the proceeds for their own fundraising campaigns.  We begin authorizing distributors on October 1.  You won’t find better coffee and you won’t find a better operation that benefits both Africa and African Americans.  This is the first of a long line of products we will sell that are manufactured or grown in Africa and sold throughout the United States; products that evolve from Africa and that address the needs of America.

2.     Ivan Was Terrible:  From the Caribbean through Southeastern United States and up to New Jersey our affiliates report mass damage and upheaval from Hurricane Ivan.  We are now picking up the pieces.  Homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes may apply for low interest SBA disaster loans.  These loans can be used to rebuild or replace damaged buildings, replace personal property, or cover the businesses’ operating costs.  Anyone in need should contact the SBA Disaster Recovery web site at http://www.sba.gov/disaster_recov/hurricane.html.

 3.     Tree House in Negril Still Stands:  The hurricane will have no effect on the dates for our Fall Summit (agenda).  Our resort, The Tree House Resort, will be back to 100% operational in a couple of weeks.  What the hurricane has done is to transfer September trips into late October and early November.  Thus, airline tickets will be at an increase in demand.  Register for the Summit now and qualify for reduced travel rates and hotel fares at the Tree House.  Don’t get left out!

 4.     The Prince George’s Classic:  The inaugural Prince George’s Classic was a smashing success.  The NBCC formally congratulates Mike Little, President – Prince George’s Classic, and Petey Green, President – Prince George’s Black Chamber of Commerce, for making such a noble effort and starting what will be a very long term annual event for the fine people of southern Maryland.  Stay tuned for the date of the second annual classic in 2005.

 5.     World Conference of Mayors:  The NBCC is an active participant in the World Conference of Mayors Annual Convention to be held in Tobago during November 17 – 21, 2004.  As a member of the Corporate Round Table for this organization we encourage entrepreneurs to come and visit mayors and other elected officials from around the world and discuss business opportunities.  Also, the entire membership of the Trinidad/Tobago Chamber of Commerce will be on hand to network and make deals.

 6.     SBA Lending:  The SBA is happy to report that FY 2004 7a and 504 loans will be a record year for all categories.  Increases were:  African Americans – 30%, Hispanics – 30%, Asian Americans – 31% and Native Americans – 1%.  The minority shares of the lending programs continue to grow also.  Of the 82,217 7a and 504 loans the minority shares were: African Americans – 5.4%, Hispanics – 8.5%, Asian Americans – 13.6% and Native Americans 0.9%.  Hats off to the fine people working in the SBA field offices for their continued efforts.

 7.     Building a Hotel Database:  We are working with Marriott Hotels to establish a living and effective database of businesses qualified and bona fide to compete for supply and service opportunities in the hotel industry.  All businesses with a background in designing, building, supplying and providing professional services to hotels should email their brochures to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it as soon as possible.  We will organize interview events by industry.  Once we have established the formal lists, hotels in this nation will never have to say “I can’t find them” again.  There is no cost for this service.  Minority firms only – FRONTS WILL BE DETECTED AND TURNED AWAY.

8.     Nontraditional Lending:  The Virginia Community Development Loan Fund is reaching out to entrepreneurs in need of capital.  Any business that needs capital but does not qualify under traditional banking standards should contact:  Timothy S. Hayes at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 9.     Imagine No IRS:  Our campaign to replace the IRS with alternative, less oppressive means for financing the Federal Government is picking up much momentum.  Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert has given his support of a National Sales Tax and goes in depth on this in his latest book, “Speaker, Lessons in Forty Years of Coaching and Politics”.  President George W. Bush speaks of alternative taxation for this nation in the future.  Most recently, Philadelphia Congressman Chaka Fattah has proposed a similar National Consumption Tax to replace the IRS.  We are going to pick up the pace on this matter as more and more leaders start to see value in this massive change.  It is going to make America much, much better and truly free.

Until next week,

Harry C. Alford

President/CEO

Fred Jordan

Chairman