1.  NBCC Construction Committee: Our Construction Committee is forming two subcommittees.  One will be the Federal Airports Oversight Subcommittee which will address the anemic Black participation in airport construction, design and concessions.  The next subcommittee will be the Front Detection Subcommittee which will address the fronting and fraud that is prevalent in state DOT operations as well as other construction venues.  The state of Washington is just one example as this exists with every state DOT operation within the entire United States.  Those members who want to participate with these committees should contact Charles DeBow at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

2.  Homestead Act 150^th Anniversary: We were happy to participate with the National Park Service in the celebration of the 150^th Anniversary of the Homestead Act of 1862 held at the National Monument in Beatrice, Nebraska.  This law provided land grants to all Americans and immigrants and established the farming infrastructure of our nation. Congratulations to Mark Engler, Superintendent of the Homestead National Monument, for an outstanding celebration!  NBCC President/CEO Harry C. Alford was the Keynote Speaker at the event. He also represented Louisiana in the Flag Ceremony as he is a descendent of Homesteaders (grandfather and great-grandfather).

3.  Disposable Bag Bans can be Lethal: There was a recent outbreak of the norovirus in the state of Oregon.  The cause was determined to come from a reusable bag.  Disposable bags are biodegradable and safe which is why the NBCC does not support any bans against the use of disposable bags or taxes levied against them.  Reusable bags are not a wise alternative.

4.  Opportunities in Turkey: Our friend, former Congressman Al Wynn, encourages you to consider doing business in the nation of Turkey.  Turkey is having exceptional economic growth (8-9%) and they are receptive to working with the African American Community.  The 31^st Annual Conference on U.S. – Turkish Relations will be held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Washington, DC during June 10 – 13, 2012.  For more information go to www.the-atc.org.

5.  Kudos for Pastor August: We congratulate Pastor Walter August, Chairman, Bethel’s Place Black Chamber of Commerce for winning the “2012 Visionary Pastor’s Award” by the Forward Times magazine of Houston, TX.

6.  Evolution of the NBCC: As we approach our 20^th Annual Convention, you may want to understand how the whole concept evolved.  We now have a chronology of this on our website.  Please review.

7.  20^th Annual Conference: Reserve your flight to Atlanta on www.Southwest.com for affordable rates. The city of Atlanta is hosting many conventions during the dates of July 19-21. Avoid disappointment and make your hotel reservations today. Go to www.nbccconvention.org

8. New Music Artists: We introduce to you two musical talents. AleshaNicole whose soulful tunes can be downloaded here.  Afori “Da Mail Man” is a rapper with a twist: no profanity, no violence and no misogyny.  Download his tunes from here.