eBLAST 030510

1. Rockin’ in Chicago:  We want to congratulate Larry Ivory, his staff and all members of the 21 chapters that make up the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce for hosting our first Legacy Project session (March 23).  As Region 5 Vice President Larry also brought in people from our chapters in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana plus places as far as Boston, Connecticut and Iowa.  Participants learned about successfully applying for 501©3 IRS status, fundraising, best practices for membership attainment and retention, Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act (procurement), and how to best manage your Black chamber of commerce.  Thanks to all who participated in this historical event.

2. Next Stop is Tennessee:  The next Legacy Project session will be in Chattanooga, TN and hosted by NBCC Chair Sherrie Gilchrist and the Tennessee Multi- Cultural Chamber of Commerce.  Mark your calendars for May 26 and come join us as we share the secrets of good chamber management and advocacy.  Attendance at some of these sessions is mandatory for 5 Star Accreditation.  For more information contact Ryan Downey at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

3. Art Fletcher/Parren J. Mitchell Free Enterprise Tour:  We successfully completed field hearings in Chicago on March 24.  The next venue will be New Orleans during April 8-9, 2010.  Contractors, architects and engineers who want to provide testimony regarding the barriers to minorities in the construction industry during this event should sign up via contacting Sam Foley at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . We are going to cover 30 markets in this project and have the issues summarized and laid out before the Fall elections.

4.  UPS Freight Offers Deep Discounts to NBCC Members:  If you are looking to cut shipping costs, enroll in the NBCC/UPS Freight Savings Program.  UPS Freight is the heavy freight arm of UPS.  The NBCC/UPSF Freight Savings Program offers our members discounts up to 78%.  The discounts apply to Less Than Truck Load freight shipments from 150 lbs. to 20,000 lbs. throughout the United States and Canada.  To take advantage of the Freight Savings Program you must enroll.  Your discount applies to pre-paid and drop-shipped shipments to customers, and to “collect” shipments received by enrolled members.  UPS Freight provides a money-back guarantee that shipments will be on-time.  To enroll in the UPS Freight savings program call 1-866-443-9303 or email to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

5.  Here They Come Again:  We have been quite successful so far in stagnating the Cap and Trade Energy Bill (as written) in the Senate.  They have come up with another strategy.  The EPA is about to release an Endangerment Finding that concludes that reduced carbon emissions is enforceable under the long standing Clean Air Act.  What this means is that they are trying to do an “End Run” around the Senate and skyrocket energy prices to the point of reducing consumption via loss of 2.5 million jobs and a great drop in the GDP.  Blacks and Hispanic populations will be the most affected if the EPA has its way.  Join us tomorrow, March 30 at 1:30PM in Room 406 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building for a Press Conference discussing this matter.  We must rally and fight this with all we have.  Our futures depend on it. (Read more)  

6. Gap Financing:  Our Gap Financing program is under way.  If your business is growing, established and heading to the next phase, you may be eligible to apply for funding.  See Charles DeBow at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information – Members Only!!