1.  The Trip of a Lifetime: There are Safaris and there are Trade Missions but this one is truly unique.  We have been presented with the greatest Safari ever heard of.  Imagine multiple days and nights on the world famous Serengeti plains and meeting two distinguished presidents all the while networking with corporate executives.  The NBCC strongly encourages our members to consider joining us during June 22 – July 3, 2012 for this amazing trip hosted by the Ambassador of Tanzania, the Honorable Mwanaidi S. Maajar.  Remember, this is a trip of a lifetime and you only have one life.  By the way, Tanzania has just discovered oil; has some of the richest farm land in the world; a democratic government with labor laws that rival the United States; belongs to both the Eastern African Development Coalition as well as the Southern African Development Coalition – in essence they are serious about business as well as having the greatest wildlife reserves in the world.  Here is the itinerary.  Those interested in joining us should contact Ryan Downey at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it as slotting is limited (first come, first serve).

Correction: Tanzania has found natural gas, not oil, and the trip is south of the Serengeti, not in it. 

2.  A Needed Coalition is Born: The NBCC welcomes the launch of the America’s Natural Gas Alliance.  We look forward to working with them supplying our precious energy needs while being good environmental stewards at the same time.

3.  Support the EXIM Bank: Our Congress has until May 31, 2012 to reauthorize the funding and existence of the EXIM Bank.  Some have suggested using this crossroads as a political football.  We strongly encourage the reauthorization as the bank provides billions of dollars to US business owners who seek opportunities off shore and provides millions of new American jobs.  Let your congressperson and senators know how you feel about this.

4.  Effective International Matchmaking: We have discovered a resource within the federal government which will assist entrepreneurs in meeting, vetting and connecting joint venture partners within designated nations.  For a small fee, you will get quality and reputable candidates that can strengthen your competitiveness abroad.  We will launch this initiative with our members seeking business in Botswana, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia and South Sudan.

5.  A New and Creative Partnership: The NBCC is partnering with The Cooperative Purchasing Network (TCPN).  We will jointly issue open Request for Procurements (RFP) to NBCC members.  Winners of these procurements can then market them to the majority of school systems within the nation (like a GSA Schedule).  This should exponentially increase the amount of contracting we are doing with our school systems.  Those members wishing to participate in this exciting process should contact Charles DeBow at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for intake.

6. US Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors: At the March 6 board meeting of the US Chamber of Commerce, NBCC President/CEO Harry C. Alford was reelected to the board for another two year term.  He will continue to Chair the Government Operations, Oversight & Consumer Affairs Committee for the chamber.

7.  Contracting Opportunities in Atlanta: SR Smoot Construction and Herman R. Russell Construction present all upcoming bids and RFP’s concerning the building of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. The Regional Administrators from SBA, HUD, EPA, GSA, Commerce and others will instruct on where the opportunities are within their agencies. Meet us in Atlanta! For more information go to www.nbccconvention.org.