1. NBCC Membership Renewals:  T’is the season for 80% of our members to renew their dues.  This tax deductible contribution provides the lifeblood for the noble mission of the National Black Chamber of Commerce, Inc.  We invite current members and also those who will become new financial members.  Membership certificates will be distributed immediately after January 1, 2005.  Click here to download an application and renew or join.  Those wishing to do it through a secure internet site can click here.  Your support is appreciated and helps America become stronger through a diverse economy and the most dynamic advocacy available to the free world.

2. Indiana Loan Fund:  Our dear friend, Indiana State Representative William Crawford, will propose legislation next month for a loan guarantee pool for Women and Minority Owned Businesses.  He is asking for ideas (proposals or blueprints) that would provide assistance in drafting such state legislation.  Anyone with knowledge or expertise should contact Harry Alford at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it so that he can forward the information onto Rep. Crawford.

3. Social Security Reform:  There is discussion going around Washington, DC about extending the minimum retirement age for Social Security.  African Americans and Latinos disproportionately pay into Social Security now as their life spans are significantly less than others.  Any extension of the minimum age will further enhance the “rip-off”.  From the beginning, Social Security had racial inequities by knowing at the time (1930’s) that African Americans would benefit less due to lower life spans.  This would be a continuation of the Jim Crow approach and the NBCC will actively fight against this thinking.  Making the benefits assignable to heirs is the only way to correct this.

4. Inaugural Festivities:  The Inauguration of President George W. Bush and Vice President Richard B. Cheney will be on January 20, 2005, at 11:30AM.  The Inaugural Parade will begin at 2:00PM and the Inaugural Balls begin at 7:00PM.  This is an extremely festive time in Washington, DC.  How do you get tickets?  For those not in the loop or in-crowd here is the best way:  Main Phone Line, 202-863-2005; Ticket Hot Line, 202-314-2600; Website, http://www.inaugural05.com; e-mail, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Good luck!

5. White House Internship:  There is an internship available in The White House Office of Drug Control Policy.  Duties include press and congressional relations, writing, answering telephone calls, tours for visitors, and providing other office support as need.  Schedule is flexible.  Please send resume and letter of interest to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

6. New SCORE Board Chair:  We want to congratulate James Pyles as the new Chairman of the Board for the SCORE (SBA association of retired executives).  Jim becomes the first African American to hold that position.  One of his focuses is to recruit more African Americans business leaders and business owners as SCORE counselors.  Anyone wishing to learn more about this opportunity can contact Jim via This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

7. President Kufuor Gets a Mandate:  The Board of Directors of the NBCC is thrilled over the re-election of John Agyekum Kufuor as President of Ghana.  There was a turnout of 83% of eligible voters that confirmed his policies and initiatives of making Ghana an economic power center for Africa.  Under his leadership Ghana has moved from the 3rd world to the 2nd world.  “We certainly look forward to interesting and glorious times”, says Yofi Grant, an NBCC member and Executive Director of Databank Financial Services Limited (www.databankgroup.com) based in Accra, Ghana.  The NBCC looks forward to continuing our strong relationship with President Kufuor’s administration.  A mandate in America and a mandate in Ghana – we are on a roll!

8. Kenya Trade Mission:  We are at 50% capacity for our Kenya Trade Mission.  The exact cost information and itinerary (based on the industries represented in our mission) will be finalized within 10 days.  Those wanting to sign up as an interested party should click (here).  Hurry, we are only taking so many businesses and you don’t want to miss out.

9. Save the Dates:  The dates for the 2005 Convention will be July 28 – 30, 2005, and will be held in Washington, DC.  The next Board Meeting will be held in Honolulu, Hawaii during March 22 – 23, 2005.  At this Board Meeting we will vote on the election of our new Chairman and another Board Seat.  Mike Little, B&W Technologies, has been recommended for Chairman and Darnell Self, Pre-Paid Legal Services, has been recommended for the available Board Seat.  Chairman Fred Jordan’s 3 year term comes to an end officially December 31, 2004.  Fred has been our most dynamic Chair to date and will continue to be on our Board of Directors.  Our fall summit, Negril, Jamaica, will be held during October 27 – 29.

To the 100,000 who read this, we are:

THE NATIONAL BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, INC.

“Do not wait for your ship to arrive.  Swim to it.”, Prosper Adabla, NBCC Board Member