1. Register for Jamaica Now: Our 2nd Annual Jamaica Summit is promising to be very comprehensive and exciting for those interested in International Trade. The Negril Tree House Resort is the best place to stay in Negril and we are going to sell out soon. Airfare to Montego Bay is starting to move up and become limited also. We strongly recommend that you register now and get access to discounted room rates at the Tree House and access to our Air Jamaica code. Those who hesitate will pay more for airfare and stay down the road somewhere from the Tree House.

2. A Big Turn Around: Last May the Zogby Interactive Poll showed that African – American business owners were 53% - 33% Kerry over Bush. In July, the Bush/Cheney Campaign created the African American Steering Committee that has a big focus on minority business development; the DNC Convention made no mention of Black business development; Harry Alford published his article “Why I Am Supporting George W. Bush, Again” and participated in radio talk shows in Illinois, Michigan and Louisiana. In late August the Zogby Interactive Poll showed that African American business owners now are 54% - 43% Bush over Kerry. This is very significant. Fred Jordan, a Kerry supporter, has asked the candidate for a formal statement on this issue of black owned business development. If we get it we will publish it on our website just like we did for George W. Bush here.

3. Small Business Symposium: The US Department of Energy is hosting a small business symposium at the DOE Hanford Site (Washington State) on October 14. This is a serious and aggressive outreach effort by this federal agency that has the second largest budget in the federal government. For those wanting detailed information about this event contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

4. Engineers Wanted: The US Department of Army is looking for 4 Lead Aerospace Engineers (DB-0861-04, equivalent to GS-14/GS-15) to be based in Corpus Christi, TX. The salary range is $82,438 - $126,064 annually. Interested candidates can contact Linda W. Rinaldi at 361-961-2775, ext. 226.

5. More NBCC Board Members: Our search for new board members is progressing. We have four new candidates including an entrepreneur from Ghana. We are still in search of four more candidates. Requirements are a business owner whose business does over $10 million in annual sales and will make time to attend three meetings per year including the Annual Convention. Two seats are reserved for entrepreneurs based in Africa. The NBCC Board has been expanded to 21 seats.

6. New Outreach Contact: We give a warm and cordial welcome to Tina Hervey who has recently been appointed Deputy Associate Director for African American Outreach in the White House Office of Public Liaison. She is off to a roaring start and we appreciated her hospitality during our recent Annual Convention.

Until next week,

Harry C. Alford President/CEO

Fred Jordan Chairman