Progress Report July 16, 2012 Print

1. Support the Wireless Tax Fairness Act: Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) is our champion in the Senate concerning this proposed legislation.  The bill will:  Freezes all new state and local taxes and fees imposed only on wireless services for five years.  Plus,

  • Does not impact the revenue of state and local governments as determined by the official congressional scorekeeper, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).
  • Has major consumer support (80% of respondents in our Annual Consumer Survey, 83% of African Americans and 85% of Hispanics surveyed said they support this measure).
  • Enjoys broad bipartisan support among state and local organizations, civil rights groups, tax groups, consumer groups, technology organizations and companies, and small business owners.

2.  Welcome to our Newest Chapter: Please join us in welcoming our newest chapter, the Cameroon Diaspora Black Business Association, Douala, Cameroon, West Africa.  President Club member Ngadjeye Jean has left New York City to return to his homeland.  He noticed an opportunity to bring the NBCC “touch” to this growing nation.  He plans on hosting a Trade Mission with us in Spring, 2013.

3.  Defend My Dividend: If the Bush Era tax cuts are not extended by 12/31/12, among them will be the Dividend Tax (tax on stock holders of publicly traded companies).  Right now the tax is at 15%.  If the deduction is not extended, it will rise to approximately 43%.  This will have a devastating affect on stockholders and will threaten the value of some of our finest companies as investors may start to invest elsewhere.  Think of your pension fund or 401K when investors start leaving stocks that are in those accounts.  www.defendmydividend.org/nbcc

4.  Developing a Collegiate Chapter: We are in the developing stages of kicking off the South Carolina State University Black Chamber of Commerce.  At the request of President Cynthia Warrick, we are writing a strategic plan tailored to the campus and will work with students who desire to polish up their entrepreneurial skills.

5.  Member of the Week: Founding member, past Chair and NBCC Board Member Fred Jordan has a long standing Architectural/Engineering and Construction Management firm.  His portfolio is very impressive by any standard.  F.E. Jordan Associates, Inc is just another example of the talent that makes up the NBCC membership.  Go to his website and see what we are talking about:  www.fejordan.com.

6.  See You Thursday in Atlanta: Our 20th Annual Conference starts this Thursday at noon at the Four Seasons Hotel.  Everyone is invited and registration is still open and affordable. Go to www.nbccconvention.org. We look forward to seeing you.