1. NBCC Press Conference:  NBCC Chair Sherrie Gilchrist will hold a Press Conference concerning the new Legacy Project on January 27, 10:00AM in the Zenger Room at the National Press Club in Washington, DC.  There, she and other key members of the NBCC will share our new Certification Program for affiliated chapters, our Worldwide Business Directory, and the many training programs we will unveil for 2010.  This is going to take the NBCC and its members to a new and improved level and will further make us the most dynamic and largest Black business association in the world.  Those wanting to come to the Press Conference should contact Kay at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

2. Save the Date:  Our 18^th Annual Convention will be held in Houston, Texas, during July 22 – 24, 2010.  This is promising to be the biggest event yet.  Plan on coming and getting empowered by some of the most dynamic speakers, corporate partners from the Fortune 100 corporations, learn about new procurement opportunities, share best practices with our upper crust chapters, network with key entrepreneurs from around the world and discover the fine hospitality of the great city of Houston.  Exhibition booths are now available for booking.  Hotel information is forthcoming in a few weeks. 

3. EPA Goals Must Be Met:  Administrator Lisa Jackson of the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, has set new goals for DBE’s at 11% and WBE’s at 11% respectively.  Prime contractors are now scrambling to recruit new suppliers and this is a fine opportunity for our members.  We have been contacted by Corman Construction seeking DBE’s for their Maryland projects.  Those wishing to pursue should contact Bonnie Hulme at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  

4. Sham Alert:  You are strongly advised to beware of a group calling itself the Regional Valley Black Chamber of Commerce, AKA West Valley Black Chamber of Commerce, operating out of Los Angeles, CA.  We are not associated with them in any way and despise their business (so called) practices and deplorable court record amongst other complaints.  We will assist their victims in having the California Attorney General shut them down.  This should be a lesson for all of us.  If you have questions about any entity calling itself a “chamber of commerce” please check with us for a due diligence referral via This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

HAPPY NEW YEAR AS 2010 WILL BE OUR BIGGEST YEAR EVER!  YOU ARE INCLUDED.