Progress Report December 13, 2012 Print

1. NBCC Case Study on International Trade: We have just completed a model for International Trade which was performed within the confines of our national office.  It began with a concept and slowly developed to market implementation.  Capital, expertise, inquiries, product design, milestones, distributorship strategy, social network, foreign partners and importing expertise were some of the areas that had to be focused on.  This new apparel company (shorts with water activated patterns which appear when wet) is alive and ready for all the business it can handle.  It can be a model for young and newly committed entrepreneurs.  The official written case study will be published early next year.  In the meantime, you can witness the new activity by going to www.lacrosseplayground.com and view/purchase the sports apparel.

2. Southwest Airlines Pursues Growth at DCA Reagan: On Wednesday, December 5, Southwest Airlines formally submitted an application to the U.S. Department of Transportation for slot exemptions that would allow Southwest to offer nonstop service between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU – Houston, TX).  This would offer business travelers a big discount in travel costs and much more convenience at both destinations.  We encourage all of you to join in with support letters and ensure that this breakthrough becomes a reality.  Simply go to www.southwest.com/HOU-DCA and add your support.  Thanks!

3. Africa Business Initiative Progressing: We are pleased to report that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s African Business Initiative launched the U.S. – South Africa Business Council as a formal commitment by the American business community to long-term growth and investment in the economies of southern Africa.  We wish them well and will join in the support of this effort. Joined by Undersecretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Robert Hormats, the Chamber’s Senior Vice President for International Affairs Myron Brilliant stated, “The U.S. is late to the game, but there is still ample opportunity for American businesses to join companies from around the world to meet the demands of the growing consumer base in southern Africa.”

4. Beware of the False Claims Act: Our member, former congressman Albert Wynn (of Dickstein Shapiro), warns us that the U.S. Department of Justice is expanding its enforcement of the Byrd Amendment.  This law states that contractors cannot use any form of federal dollars to pay for lobbying services.  Doing so may leave your business liable for fines from $10,000 - $100,000.  The case that has brought this out is U.S. ex rel. Rambo v. Fluor Hanford, Inc. et al. http://www.dicksteinshapiro.com/resources/alerts/detail.aspx?publication=2242&from=home

5. Join the NBCC: Take advantage of the 501©3 tax deduction while supporting the National Black Chamber of Commerce mission.  Join now!