PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

Contact: Rep. Anton Gunn, 803-361-4597

Rep. Anton Gunn Introduces Small Business Green Jobs Initiative

Columbia, SC - Today Representative Anton Gunn filed a bill that, if passed, would be South Carolina's most targeted "Small Business Green Jobs" initiative to date.

The bill would create the South Carolina Small Business Micro Green Loan Program within the State Energy Office to help provide targeted startup capital to local, small businesses focused on energy efficiency, waste and greenhouse gas reduction, as well as environmental cleanup.

"The future of South Carolina's economy will be determined by how we help our small businesses gain access energy efficient technologies," Gunn says. "We have to start now by fostering entrepreneurship and supporting small business ingenuity or we risk being left behind completely."

The South Carolina Small Business Micro Green Loan Program would limit its focus to enterprises employing fewer than six employees and requiring $35,000 or less for in startup capital.

"Too often our development resources are spent on large, multi-national corporations," Gunn explains. "This initiative is different because we're focusing on the small, local businesses where the vast majority of new jobs are created."

Gunn, joined by several co-sponsors on H. 4638, hopes the bill will be the first step in a series of initiatives that will truly help small and micro businesses access more capital in an effort to create more jobs in South Carolina. The added benefit of the legislation that the Micro Green Loan Program will create green jobs while helping businesses to be more sustainable.

Representative Gunn's bill is already receiving positive reviews from the business community. Ken Campbell of Walhalla, President of Profitable Energy Solutions, believes the bill will offer businesses a flexible funding approach to "go green" and see results very quickly.

"The truth is, whether a business undertakes a complex high-tech energy efficiency installation... or simply blows insulation into their attic... the money is a worthwhile investment. Worthwhile in the short term by the jobs it creates and worthwhile in the long run by having a positive impact on the business' bottom line", says Campbell.

Gunn agrees, "With this legislation we can be successful in three areas, help small businesses grow, help the enviroment and create new jobs all at the same time. I couldn't ask for anything better."

National Black Chamber of Commerce®
1350 Connecticut Avenue NW Suite 405, Washington DC 20036
202-466-6888 202-466-4918fax www.nationalbcc.org info@nationalbcc.org

18th Annual Conference July 22-24, 2010 – Four Seasons Hotel, Houston, TX

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1. Investment Funding: We have devised a new business model for investment in new ventures. The funding is reserved for businesses in the late stages of formation and are specifically in the industries of Medical or Energy. NBCC members who are about to launch their medical or energy related venture and are running out of cash will be strongly considered. Those who fit this situation should contact Charles DeBow at cdebow@nationalbcc.org.

2. Legacy Tour Workshop: Our next workshop concerning our Legacy Project will be held in Chicago, IL on March 23, 2010. The content will be “How to Operate an Effective Black Chamber of Commerce”. There will be instruction on how to structure your bylaws, incorporation, best practices, self-review process, fundraising, appointing board of directors, mission completion, committee formation, member services and membership building. The workshop is free to members of the NBCC network. Participation in this program will produce “credits” towards certification. Instructors will include Chair Sherrie Gilchrist, President/CEO Harry C. Alford, Illinois State Black Chamber President and NBCC Board Member Larry Ivory among other distinguished fellows. Those wanting more information should contact Ryan Downey at rdowney@nationalbcc.org.

3. National School Procurement Program: Our first round of presentations is set to capacity (February 25, 2010 in Houston). We will begin preparing for our next round within a few weeks. Those wishing to compete for these procurement listings should contact us at your convenience. This program is going to take many of us to the next level of business growth.

4. 18th Annual Convention: We’ll be in Houston, in the energy capital of the world, during July 22-24, 2010. Our theme, “Energy and Technology: The Drivers of the American Economy.” We have an outstanding rate of $129 per night at the luxury 5 star Four Seasons Hotel. We promise dynamic speakers, informative workshops and impactful networking.

National Black Chamber of Commerce®

1350 Connecticut Avenue NW Suite 405, Washington DC 20036
202-466-6888 202-466-4918 fax www.nationalbcc.org info@nationalbcc.org1. 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 kdebow@nationalbcc.org.



2. Save the Date: Our 18th 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 bhulme@cormanconstruction.com.



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 jedwards@nationalbcc.org.



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