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Thursday, November 17, 2005
BLACK ENGINEERS NAME AMERICA'S BEST EMPLOYERS
Alexandria, VA (BlackNews.com) - Career advancement opportunities, job security, work/life balance, interesting work, availability of internships and co-op jobs: These were some of the characteristics thousands of black engineers looked for and found in the "NSBE 50," the top employers listed in the National Society of Black Engineers' 17th Annual "Employer Preference Survey."
IBM Corporation led the list of NSBE members' most preferred employers for the ninth year in a row. Microsoft Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, GM North America and General Electric Company rounded out the top five.
"IBM is proud to be named the most preferred employer by NSBE's Black Engineers," says Nick Donofrio, IBM's executive vice president of Technology and Innovation. "While it is an honor to receive such recognition, IBM's primary focus remains helping our nation produce more engineers and scientists and Black engineers play a vital role in these efforts. In today's competitive global marketplace, we can't stand idle as universities in other nations graduate more engineers than the United States. NSBE has emerged as a true leader in responding to this challenge, and working closely with them, we want to immerse Black students and professionals in the science of emerging technologies, innovation and business so they can be on the forefront of America's competitive advantage."
The NSBE 50 companies and government agencies represent a wide range of industries and sectors, reflecting the wide variety of disciplines pursued by NSBE's 15,000 members in the U.S. and abroad. ExxonMobil Corporation, No. 12 on this year's NSBE 50 list, was the top choice for chemical engineers. Among NSBE's civil engineers, Turner Construction Company (No. 43) was most preferred. Most frequently named by computer scientists/engineers, electrical engineers, industrial engineers, and mechanical engineers were Microsoft, IBM, GM, and GM, respectively.
"It's important for the black community, and the nation as a whole, to know which employers are looked upon most favorably by our membership," says NSBE Executive Director Carl B. Mack. "Our members are some of the best and brightest students and professionals in the country. A stamp of approval from this group is truly an honor."
NSBE's mission is to increase the number of culturally responsible black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community. With more than 300 chapters on college campuses and universities and more than 80 Alumni Extension chapters and interest groups, NSBE, founded in 1976, is one of the largest student-run organizations in the world.
"It's no accident that many of the organizations listed in the NSBE 50 are also those who have been most supportive of the NSBE mission and the black community," says NSBE National Chair Chance Lundy. "When an employer is doing good things, word gets out. And our members are very adept at finding out who is walking the walk for diversity."
The Employer Preference Survey results and analysis, just released, will be published in the Nov/Dec 2005 edition of NSBE Magazine and online at www.nsbe.org
The 2005 NSBE 50 list follows:
NSBE 50
1. IBM Corporation
2. Microsoft Corporation
3. Lockheed Martin Corporation
4. GM North America
5. General Electric
6. The Boeing Company
7. NASA
8. Johnson & Johnson
9. Intel Corporation
10. Dell Inc.
11. Ford Motor Company
12. ExxonMobil Corporation
13. Procter & Gamble
14. Northrop Grumman Corporation (+)
15. Hewlett-Packard Company
16. Motorola, Inc.
17. Raytheon Company
18. Shell Oil Company
19. Sony
20. Verizon Communications Inc.
21. Pfizer Inc.
22. DaimlerChrysler Corporation
23. Caterpillar, Inc.
24. Chevron Corporation
25. Toyota
26. Merck & Co., Inc.
27. Texas Instruments Incorporated (-)
28. bp
29. United Technologies Corporation
30. Medtronic, Inc.
31. Goldman, Sachs & Co.
32. Central Intelligence Agency
33. Federal Government (unspecified)
34. Honda of America (-)
35. Apple Computer, Inc. (+)
36. Accenture
37. Cisco Systems, Inc. (-)
38. DuPont
39. The Walt Disney Company
40. The Dow Chemical Company
41. 3M (-)
42. Federal Bureau of Investigation
43. Turner Construction Company
44. Morgan Stanley (+)
45. Siemens USA
46. J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.
47. Honeywell International Inc.
48. BMW
49. Lucent Technologies
50. Eli Lilly and Company
Italicized names: Moved at least 10 places (+=Up, -=Down)
IBM Corporation led the list of NSBE members' most preferred employers for the ninth year in a row. Microsoft Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, GM North America and General Electric Company rounded out the top five.
"IBM is proud to be named the most preferred employer by NSBE's Black Engineers," says Nick Donofrio, IBM's executive vice president of Technology and Innovation. "While it is an honor to receive such recognition, IBM's primary focus remains helping our nation produce more engineers and scientists and Black engineers play a vital role in these efforts. In today's competitive global marketplace, we can't stand idle as universities in other nations graduate more engineers than the United States. NSBE has emerged as a true leader in responding to this challenge, and working closely with them, we want to immerse Black students and professionals in the science of emerging technologies, innovation and business so they can be on the forefront of America's competitive advantage."
The NSBE 50 companies and government agencies represent a wide range of industries and sectors, reflecting the wide variety of disciplines pursued by NSBE's 15,000 members in the U.S. and abroad. ExxonMobil Corporation, No. 12 on this year's NSBE 50 list, was the top choice for chemical engineers. Among NSBE's civil engineers, Turner Construction Company (No. 43) was most preferred. Most frequently named by computer scientists/engineers, electrical engineers, industrial engineers, and mechanical engineers were Microsoft, IBM, GM, and GM, respectively.
"It's important for the black community, and the nation as a whole, to know which employers are looked upon most favorably by our membership," says NSBE Executive Director Carl B. Mack. "Our members are some of the best and brightest students and professionals in the country. A stamp of approval from this group is truly an honor."
NSBE's mission is to increase the number of culturally responsible black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community. With more than 300 chapters on college campuses and universities and more than 80 Alumni Extension chapters and interest groups, NSBE, founded in 1976, is one of the largest student-run organizations in the world.
"It's no accident that many of the organizations listed in the NSBE 50 are also those who have been most supportive of the NSBE mission and the black community," says NSBE National Chair Chance Lundy. "When an employer is doing good things, word gets out. And our members are very adept at finding out who is walking the walk for diversity."
The Employer Preference Survey results and analysis, just released, will be published in the Nov/Dec 2005 edition of NSBE Magazine and online at www.nsbe.org
The 2005 NSBE 50 list follows:
NSBE 50
1. IBM Corporation
2. Microsoft Corporation
3. Lockheed Martin Corporation
4. GM North America
5. General Electric
6. The Boeing Company
7. NASA
8. Johnson & Johnson
9. Intel Corporation
10. Dell Inc.
11. Ford Motor Company
12. ExxonMobil Corporation
13. Procter & Gamble
14. Northrop Grumman Corporation (+)
15. Hewlett-Packard Company
16. Motorola, Inc.
17. Raytheon Company
18. Shell Oil Company
19. Sony
20. Verizon Communications Inc.
21. Pfizer Inc.
22. DaimlerChrysler Corporation
23. Caterpillar, Inc.
24. Chevron Corporation
25. Toyota
26. Merck & Co., Inc.
27. Texas Instruments Incorporated (-)
28. bp
29. United Technologies Corporation
30. Medtronic, Inc.
31. Goldman, Sachs & Co.
32. Central Intelligence Agency
33. Federal Government (unspecified)
34. Honda of America (-)
35. Apple Computer, Inc. (+)
36. Accenture
37. Cisco Systems, Inc. (-)
38. DuPont
39. The Walt Disney Company
40. The Dow Chemical Company
41. 3M (-)
42. Federal Bureau of Investigation
43. Turner Construction Company
44. Morgan Stanley (+)
45. Siemens USA
46. J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.
47. Honeywell International Inc.
48. BMW
49. Lucent Technologies
50. Eli Lilly and Company
Italicized names: Moved at least 10 places (+=Up, -=Down)
GULF REBUILDING UPDATE From the National Black Chamber of Commerce
1. President George W. Bush meets with Harry Alford: Last Thursday, November 10 at 2:00PM, NBCC President/CEO, Harry C. Alford had a face to face talk with President Bush. There were 9 national associations in the room talking about various issues. The sole issue discussed with President Bush and the NBCC was the status of the Gulf Rebuilding and the inclusion of Black owned businesses in every phase of the process. The meeting was frank and very encouraging. The President has assured us that the mistakes in the beginning of the rebuilding will not be repeated and will also be corrected. All of the federal players from Secretary Chertoff on down now fully understand the importance of including small and minority owned businesses in the total process. Also, the primary private contractors such as Bechtel, Shaw, Fluor, et al now have a full understanding of the President’s commitment to this. We are motivated from this and will spend an enormous amount of time to ensure all opportunities are exploited. To channel this motivation, the NBCC has formed a Committee of Four (current Chairman Mike Little, past Chairman Fred Jordan, Board Member Nathaniel Rido and Harry Alford) to approach the CEO’s of all pertinent corporations and encourage minority participation in all Gulf activities. We will also contact the Office of OMB at the White House twice a month to discuss progress and status of ongoing operations in the rebuilding.
2. Congressional Black Caucus submits Proposed Legislation: All members of the Congressional Black Caucus have submitted HR 4197, The “Hurricane Katrina Recovery, Reclamation, Restoration, Reconstruction and Reunion Act of 2005”. This is a very comprehensive provision that is 245 pages thick. The NBCC contributed to portions that involve contracting and inclusion of minority owned businesses. Our constituents will be very interested and supportive of Titles 4 and 8 of this bill. Please read the summary and see what is at stake for us. Anyone wishing the complete copy of the bill should email kdebow@nationalbcc.org. The CBC has been very responsive in the Gulf Rebuilding including writing the White House twice (Congressman Wynn and Congressman Towns) about working with the NBCC in this matter. We certainly appreciate their support and commitment to the people and businesses of the Gulf Coast. We will do our best in gathering support of HR 4197. Each one of you should contact your applicable Congressional Office and voice your support of HR 4197. That should be followed up with a letter – please copy the NBCC so that we can track that. We want HR 4197 to pass through the House then the Senate and signed by the President early in 2006. This activity by the CBC reminds us of the glory days of the Honorable Parren J. Mitchell. (Summary)
3. Meeting with the Contracting Chiefs: President/CEO Harry C. Alford and Fred Jordan will be making a two hour presentation to the Contracting Chiefs of the US Army Corps of Engineers concerning the Gulf Rebuilding. This presentation will be made on Dec. 7 and anyone wanting to offer input in the preparation of this presentation should contact halford@nationalbcc.org. The Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for all public works and infrastructure contracting for the Gulf Rebuilding. This will be a very important meeting and the beginning of long-term networking.
To the 100,000+ businesses that read this eBLAST, we are;
THE NATIONAL BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
“Harry, I know you are concerned about the involvement of small and minority owned businesses in the rebuilding of the Gulf. Let me assure you that I have now made it very clear to DHS Secretary Chertoff, his staff and the principals of the private companies such as Bechtel, Shaw and the others that minority owned companies will be included in the contracting now and throughout the entire rebuilding. Work with us on this.”
George W. Bush, President of the United States
2. Congressional Black Caucus submits Proposed Legislation: All members of the Congressional Black Caucus have submitted HR 4197, The “Hurricane Katrina Recovery, Reclamation, Restoration, Reconstruction and Reunion Act of 2005”. This is a very comprehensive provision that is 245 pages thick. The NBCC contributed to portions that involve contracting and inclusion of minority owned businesses. Our constituents will be very interested and supportive of Titles 4 and 8 of this bill. Please read the summary and see what is at stake for us. Anyone wishing the complete copy of the bill should email kdebow@nationalbcc.org. The CBC has been very responsive in the Gulf Rebuilding including writing the White House twice (Congressman Wynn and Congressman Towns) about working with the NBCC in this matter. We certainly appreciate their support and commitment to the people and businesses of the Gulf Coast. We will do our best in gathering support of HR 4197. Each one of you should contact your applicable Congressional Office and voice your support of HR 4197. That should be followed up with a letter – please copy the NBCC so that we can track that. We want HR 4197 to pass through the House then the Senate and signed by the President early in 2006. This activity by the CBC reminds us of the glory days of the Honorable Parren J. Mitchell. (Summary)
3. Meeting with the Contracting Chiefs: President/CEO Harry C. Alford and Fred Jordan will be making a two hour presentation to the Contracting Chiefs of the US Army Corps of Engineers concerning the Gulf Rebuilding. This presentation will be made on Dec. 7 and anyone wanting to offer input in the preparation of this presentation should contact halford@nationalbcc.org. The Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for all public works and infrastructure contracting for the Gulf Rebuilding. This will be a very important meeting and the beginning of long-term networking.
To the 100,000+ businesses that read this eBLAST, we are;
THE NATIONAL BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
“Harry, I know you are concerned about the involvement of small and minority owned businesses in the rebuilding of the Gulf. Let me assure you that I have now made it very clear to DHS Secretary Chertoff, his staff and the principals of the private companies such as Bechtel, Shaw and the others that minority owned companies will be included in the contracting now and throughout the entire rebuilding. Work with us on this.”
George W. Bush, President of the United States
NACME SYMPOSIUM RE-ENERGIZES THE NATION'S PREPARATION OF MINORITIES FOR ENGINEERING CAREERS
The Expansion of America's Global Economic Competitiveness in Engineering & Technology Will Require a Diverse Engineering Workforce
Washington, DC - The United States is today at a critical crossroads in preparing students for careers in engineering. A revived commitment by industry, universities, and government is needed to support students from math- and science-rich middle school and high school experiences - with exposure to engineering concepts - through the successful completion of a four-year engineering education. Furthermore, without a greater proportion of underrepresented minority students being adequately prepared to meet the rigorous challenges for success in the engineering and technology workforce, America is destined to lose its current global competitive edge.
That was the message presented today by Dr. John Brooks Slaughter, president & CEO of the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering, Inc. (NACME), as he opened the NACME SYMPOSIUM2005: "Forging Partnerships ... Sharing Goals: Meeting America's Need for Engineering Talent," before more than 200 representatives from business, government and academia who came together for this two-day conference.
Held at the Sheraton Premiere at Tyson's Corner in Vienna, VA, the NACME Symposium will focus national attention on the shortage of both underserved minority high school students adequately prepared with math and science to pursue degrees in four-year institutions and minority students graduating with an engineering education to meet this country's future demand for professional engineers.
During the first day of the Symposium, attendees will participate in a series of panel discussions and general sessions focusing on such topics as: the future of engineering careers in the United States: The potential impact of outsourcing and offshoring on America's economic competitiveness, the state of curricula in secondary and post-secondary urban schools in the United States and its impact on our ability to fill high-tech jobs with skilled American workers, and the need for new approaches to attract more minority students to pursue a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education.
Among the featured speakers and panelists are Dr. Arden L. Bement, Jr., director, National Science Foundation; Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson, president, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Mr. Thomas Vander Ark, executive director, education, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; Ms. Linda S. Sanford, senior vice president, enterprise on demand, transformation & information technology, IBM Corporation; and Ms. Deborah Wince-Smith, president, Council on Competitiveness.
Dr. Freeman A Hrawbowski III, president, University of Maryland, Baltimore County - who has a Master's in mathematics and a Ph.D. in higher education administration/statistics, and has written extensively on science and mathematics educationis the opening luncheon speaker. He will share his views on the importance of preparing more students of color for careers in science and technology.
The NACME Symposium's Tuesday night banquet will begin with a video presentation from Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) who will offer his views on K-12 education diversity and the impact of the offshoring and outsourcing of America's engineering and technology jobs on this country's global economic competitiveness. The highlight of the evening will be a presentation by Dr. James Duderstadt, president emeritus and university professor of science & engineering, University of Michigan. He will speak to his passion for encouraging more young people to enter the engineering profession.
On the final day, Symposium participants will hear from a diverse group of prominent speakers that will include Dr. Henry Johnson, assistant secretary, elementary and secondary education, U.S. Department of Education; Mr. Nicholas M. Donofrio, executive vice president, innovation and technology, IBM Corporation; and former congressman, cabinet member and 1996 Republican vice presidential candidate, Jack Kemp, who is currently the co-director of the public policy and advocacy organization, Empower America. These speakers will re-emphasize the previous day's discussion with specific focus on the future of engineering education and its impact on expanding economic growth in the United States.
The final panel discussion of the Symposium will address secondary and post-secondary engineering education strategies. Panelists include Dr. John Ferrandino, president, National Academy Foundation; Dr. Terry S. King, dean of the College of Engineering, Kansas State University; Ms. Elisabeth W. McGrath, director, Center for Innovation in Engineering & Science Education, Stevens Institute of Technology; and Dr. James M. Rosser, president, California State University, Los Angeles. This panel will discuss the critical need to encourage students to begin preparing for a career in engineering and will identify best practices for preparing, supporting and retaining those students.
"It is NACME's hope," stated Dr. Slaughter, "that, at the conclusion of the Symposium, we will carry with us the understanding that solutions to this growing national crisis will be found not only through individual action, but through a collective sense of purpose that we must work together with a common goal to ensure that the pathways to engineering are open to every young man and woman in America who chooses to pursue this course of study."
About NACME
NACME, the nation's largest private source of scholarships for African American, American Indian and Latino engineering students, has been a leader in promoting opportunity and inclusiveness in the fields of engineering and technology since its inception in 1974. For more than 30 years, NACME has provided over $100 million to more than 19,000 minority engineering students at more than 160 colleges and universities. The result has been a growing cadre of highly skilled and educated minority engineers and future business leaders.
In addition to its scholarship program, NACME has also participated in many other national efforts to build pre-college math and science programs, such as the GuideMeNACME.org web site. NACME also publishes reliable and timely data and analysis of university performance in educating minority engineers, and is engaged in the policy dialogue on affirmative action, financial aid, student admissions and workplace climate.
Presenting sponsors of the symposium are Amgen Inc. and Northrop Grumman. Additional sponsors include BP America, General Electric, Merck, Raytheon, Chevron, Dow Chemical, SAIC, 3M, Bechtel, Fluor, The Boeing Company, and Career Communications Group, Inc.
For more information about NACME and SYMPOSIUM2005, please visit www.NACME.org
Washington, DC - The United States is today at a critical crossroads in preparing students for careers in engineering. A revived commitment by industry, universities, and government is needed to support students from math- and science-rich middle school and high school experiences - with exposure to engineering concepts - through the successful completion of a four-year engineering education. Furthermore, without a greater proportion of underrepresented minority students being adequately prepared to meet the rigorous challenges for success in the engineering and technology workforce, America is destined to lose its current global competitive edge.
That was the message presented today by Dr. John Brooks Slaughter, president & CEO of the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering, Inc. (NACME), as he opened the NACME SYMPOSIUM2005: "Forging Partnerships ... Sharing Goals: Meeting America's Need for Engineering Talent," before more than 200 representatives from business, government and academia who came together for this two-day conference.
Held at the Sheraton Premiere at Tyson's Corner in Vienna, VA, the NACME Symposium will focus national attention on the shortage of both underserved minority high school students adequately prepared with math and science to pursue degrees in four-year institutions and minority students graduating with an engineering education to meet this country's future demand for professional engineers.
During the first day of the Symposium, attendees will participate in a series of panel discussions and general sessions focusing on such topics as: the future of engineering careers in the United States: The potential impact of outsourcing and offshoring on America's economic competitiveness, the state of curricula in secondary and post-secondary urban schools in the United States and its impact on our ability to fill high-tech jobs with skilled American workers, and the need for new approaches to attract more minority students to pursue a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education.
Among the featured speakers and panelists are Dr. Arden L. Bement, Jr., director, National Science Foundation; Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson, president, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Mr. Thomas Vander Ark, executive director, education, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; Ms. Linda S. Sanford, senior vice president, enterprise on demand, transformation & information technology, IBM Corporation; and Ms. Deborah Wince-Smith, president, Council on Competitiveness.
Dr. Freeman A Hrawbowski III, president, University of Maryland, Baltimore County - who has a Master's in mathematics and a Ph.D. in higher education administration/statistics, and has written extensively on science and mathematics educationis the opening luncheon speaker. He will share his views on the importance of preparing more students of color for careers in science and technology.
The NACME Symposium's Tuesday night banquet will begin with a video presentation from Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) who will offer his views on K-12 education diversity and the impact of the offshoring and outsourcing of America's engineering and technology jobs on this country's global economic competitiveness. The highlight of the evening will be a presentation by Dr. James Duderstadt, president emeritus and university professor of science & engineering, University of Michigan. He will speak to his passion for encouraging more young people to enter the engineering profession.
On the final day, Symposium participants will hear from a diverse group of prominent speakers that will include Dr. Henry Johnson, assistant secretary, elementary and secondary education, U.S. Department of Education; Mr. Nicholas M. Donofrio, executive vice president, innovation and technology, IBM Corporation; and former congressman, cabinet member and 1996 Republican vice presidential candidate, Jack Kemp, who is currently the co-director of the public policy and advocacy organization, Empower America. These speakers will re-emphasize the previous day's discussion with specific focus on the future of engineering education and its impact on expanding economic growth in the United States.
The final panel discussion of the Symposium will address secondary and post-secondary engineering education strategies. Panelists include Dr. John Ferrandino, president, National Academy Foundation; Dr. Terry S. King, dean of the College of Engineering, Kansas State University; Ms. Elisabeth W. McGrath, director, Center for Innovation in Engineering & Science Education, Stevens Institute of Technology; and Dr. James M. Rosser, president, California State University, Los Angeles. This panel will discuss the critical need to encourage students to begin preparing for a career in engineering and will identify best practices for preparing, supporting and retaining those students.
"It is NACME's hope," stated Dr. Slaughter, "that, at the conclusion of the Symposium, we will carry with us the understanding that solutions to this growing national crisis will be found not only through individual action, but through a collective sense of purpose that we must work together with a common goal to ensure that the pathways to engineering are open to every young man and woman in America who chooses to pursue this course of study."
About NACME
NACME, the nation's largest private source of scholarships for African American, American Indian and Latino engineering students, has been a leader in promoting opportunity and inclusiveness in the fields of engineering and technology since its inception in 1974. For more than 30 years, NACME has provided over $100 million to more than 19,000 minority engineering students at more than 160 colleges and universities. The result has been a growing cadre of highly skilled and educated minority engineers and future business leaders.
In addition to its scholarship program, NACME has also participated in many other national efforts to build pre-college math and science programs, such as the GuideMeNACME.org web site. NACME also publishes reliable and timely data and analysis of university performance in educating minority engineers, and is engaged in the policy dialogue on affirmative action, financial aid, student admissions and workplace climate.
Presenting sponsors of the symposium are Amgen Inc. and Northrop Grumman. Additional sponsors include BP America, General Electric, Merck, Raytheon, Chevron, Dow Chemical, SAIC, 3M, Bechtel, Fluor, The Boeing Company, and Career Communications Group, Inc.
For more information about NACME and SYMPOSIUM2005, please visit www.NACME.org
APPLY NOW FOR THE WILLIAM RANDOLPH HEARST ENDOWED FELLOWSHIP FOR MINORITY STUDENTS
Washington, DC (BlackNews.com) - The Nonprofit Sector Research Fund (NSRF), a subprogram of NSPP, is now accepting applications for the William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fellowship for Minority Students. NSRF previously offered the fellowship each summer, but due to increased endowment will now offer it three times a year. The fellowship, which is based on academic excellence and need, is open to both undergraduate and graduate students who are members of minority groups and are US citizens.
The Hearst Fellow serves as an intern with the Fund. Through this program, the Fund seeks to introduce a diverse group of students to issues relating to philanthropy, voluntarism, and nonprofit organizations. A fellowship grant of between $2,500 and $5,000 will be awarded, depending on the recipients educational level, financial need, and time commitment. Recipients may also arrange with their colleges or universities to receive academic credit for this experience. Please visit www.aspeninst.org or www.nonprofitresearch.org for application information.
Internship Availability and Deadlines:
Spring 2006 Application Deadline, December 15, 2005
Summer 2006 Application Deadline, February 15, 2006
Fall 2006 Application Deadline, July 15, 2006
The mission of the Aspen Institute is to foster enlightened leadership and open-minded dialogue. Through seminars, policy programs, conferences and leadership development initiatives, the Institute and its international partners seek to promote nonpartisan inquiry and an appreciation for timeless values.
The Aspen Institute's Nonprofit Sector and Philanthropy Program (NSPP) seeks to improve the operation of the nonprofit sector and philanthropy through research, leadership education, and communication initiatives focused on critical nonprofit issues.
The programs major projects are:
Nonprofit Sector Research Fund; Aspen Philanthropy Letter; Kellogg-Kauffman Seminar Series for Mid-America Foundation CEOs; State of Americas Nonprofit Sector Project; Fast-Growth, High-Impact Nonprofit; Community Giving Resource, and the Nonprofit Sector Strategy Group.
The Nonprofit Sector Research Fund awards research grants to support studies that examine the nonprofit sector and philanthropy. To access detailed information about NSRF, please visit Non Profit Research or contact Winnifred Levy, Communications Manager, at winnifred.levy(replace with @) aspeninst.org
The Hearst Fellow serves as an intern with the Fund. Through this program, the Fund seeks to introduce a diverse group of students to issues relating to philanthropy, voluntarism, and nonprofit organizations. A fellowship grant of between $2,500 and $5,000 will be awarded, depending on the recipients educational level, financial need, and time commitment. Recipients may also arrange with their colleges or universities to receive academic credit for this experience. Please visit www.aspeninst.org or www.nonprofitresearch.org for application information.
Internship Availability and Deadlines:
Spring 2006 Application Deadline, December 15, 2005
Summer 2006 Application Deadline, February 15, 2006
Fall 2006 Application Deadline, July 15, 2006
The mission of the Aspen Institute is to foster enlightened leadership and open-minded dialogue. Through seminars, policy programs, conferences and leadership development initiatives, the Institute and its international partners seek to promote nonpartisan inquiry and an appreciation for timeless values.
The Aspen Institute's Nonprofit Sector and Philanthropy Program (NSPP) seeks to improve the operation of the nonprofit sector and philanthropy through research, leadership education, and communication initiatives focused on critical nonprofit issues.
The programs major projects are:
Nonprofit Sector Research Fund; Aspen Philanthropy Letter; Kellogg-Kauffman Seminar Series for Mid-America Foundation CEOs; State of Americas Nonprofit Sector Project; Fast-Growth, High-Impact Nonprofit; Community Giving Resource, and the Nonprofit Sector Strategy Group.
The Nonprofit Sector Research Fund awards research grants to support studies that examine the nonprofit sector and philanthropy. To access detailed information about NSRF, please visit Non Profit Research or contact Winnifred Levy, Communications Manager, at winnifred.levy(replace with @) aspeninst.org
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and Drug Manufacturer Combine to Boost Black Business
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and Drug Manufacturer Combine to Boost Black Business
GLAXOSMITHKLINE AND THE CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS FOUNDATION JOIN FORCES TO IMPROVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SMALL DISADVANTAGED BUSINESSES
Official Launch of GlaxoSmithKline, (GSK) and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Supplier Business Initiative
Washington, DC (BlackNews.com) - GlaxoSmithKline [GSK:NYSE] and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) are expanding their partnership to increase the ability of Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDBs) to compete in a 21st century global economy.
GSK is donating $500,000 to the Foundation over five years to spur growth among SDBs through increased training and business opportunities. GSK and the CBCF have established a new Supplier Business Initiative Advisory Council to advise and direct the project, which will include a study of existing US policy designed to encourage success among these businesses. The goal of the study will be to identify barriers to the meaningful participation of small disadvantaged businesses in the SBA certification program, and to determine if policy and regulatory reforms are needed to remove those barriers.
"The GlaxoSmithKline and Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Supplier Business Initiative is an important program in helping to create opportunities for minority small businesses where very few previously existed," noted CBC Chairman Melvin L. Watt (D-N.C.). "The end goal of the program is to increase the number of qualified minority businesses in the Small Business Administration certification program, which would mean much-needed access to more business opportunities to enhance revenue and capacity."
"We make our medicines available to a diverse population, and we believe it is important to purchase supporting goods and services from these same groups," said Chris Viehbacher, President of US Pharmaceuticals for GSK. "We include small, diverse companies in our selection process when contracts go out for bid. Yet disparities in business development are making it difficult for us to meet our requirements under the law."
Viehbacher continued: "Part of our effort will be to increase the ability of these businesses to compete effectively for contracts. That will increase GSK's ability to successfully operate in a growing global environment, but with support from other corporations, we can also help empower disadvantaged businesses across the country."
Said Congressman William Jefferson, CBCF Chair, "We share GSK's vision in wanting to see a level playing field in the contract bidding process. Since we already enjoy a longstanding partnership with GSK, we look forward to working with them toward increasing opportunities for small disadvantaged businesses."
The SBA's Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) Certification program was established in 1997 to enhance federal purchases from socially or economically disadvantaged owners of small businesses. In 1997, the SBA projected 35,000 SDBs would be certified for program participation, but only 10,000 were actually certified. The guidelines of the program were modified in 1998 to ensure that benefits used in federal procurement programs are fair and effective and conform with the US Supreme Court 1995 Adarand court decision on affirmative action.
Under the program, minority businesses must gain a SDB certification to compete for contracts with government agencies and corporations. At the same time, government agencies and corporations are required to award 5 percent on average of their business contracts to SDB-certified businesses. However, the number of companies that apply for and successfully receive certification has been limited. Consequently, the pool of qualified SDB applicants is limited, undermining the ability of contracting organizations to meet the diversity goals established under the law.
While there has been significant progress of fostering minorities, including but not limited to, African Americans, Asian Americans and Hispanic Americans, a gap still remains. Minority-owned firms account for only 2.7 percent of total U.S. gross revenue from all firms. As reported in the SBA Minorities in Business Report (2001), African Americans are the least represented in the U.S. business sector, as seen in measures such as the number of Black-owned businesses, African Americans self-employment and business participation rates, and the dollar value of Black-owned business receipts per Black population.
Ideas for updating the program so it positions SDBs effectively in the current business environment may include further revisions to certification requirements, improved communications about the availability of the program and its requirements, and assistance to SDBs in building the expertise needed to successfully compete for business. Other factors such as eligibility limits on business size and net worth of business owners may also artificially eliminate qualified businesses from participating in the program and may require further evaluation.
In addition to studying current challenges to the program in todays business environment, the GlaxoSmithKline and CBC Foundation partnership will provide networking opportunities and develop partnerships between major corporations and Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) that can help small businesses develop the capacity to meet corporate goals, and evolve over time into more independently-functioning and successful businesses.
About the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) was established in 1976 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit, public policy, research and education institute. The purpose of the Foundation is to improve the socio-economic circumstances of African Americans and other underserved communities.
About GlaxoSmithKline
GSK has emerged as one of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's lead sponsors through support of such programs like the Vivien Thomas Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships to 10 students who are pursuing careers in science and medicine. This support totaled $500,000 over four years.
GlaxoSmithKline is one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies, and is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For more information, visit www.gsk.com
Inquiries:
GlaxoSmithKline
Nancy Pekarek: 215-751-7709
Nancy Leone: 215-751-7709
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
Patty Rice: 202-263-2829 or price@cbcfinc.org
Priscilla Clarke: 202-723-2200 or pclarkepr@aol.com
PRESS CONFERENCE
WHAT : Official Launch of GlaxoSmithKline, (GSK) and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Supplier Business Initiative
WHO: Rep. Mel Watt, CBC Chair
Rep. William Jefferson, CBCF Chair
Rep. Charles Rangel
Rep. James Clyburn
Rep. Gregory Meeks
Rep. Major Owens
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee
Rep. Bennie Thompson
Rep. Al Wynn
Rep. William Lacy Clay
Rep. Juanita Millender McDonald
Rep. Elijah Cummings
Rep. Donna Christen Christensen
Dr. Don Tharpe, CBCF President and CEO
Chris Viehbacher, President, U.S. Pharmaceuticals, GSK
WHEN : November 16, 2005 - 11:30 am
WHERE: Capitol Hill
Rayburn Building Room B354
WHY: The GSK/CBCF Supplier Business Initiative is a five year program designed to assist minority small business by evaluating the various SBA certification regulations, specifically the Small Disadvantaged Business Program (SDB). The overall goal of the Initiative is to increase the number of qualified minority businesses in this SBA certification program. By gaining certification, socially and economically disadvantaged businesses will be able to gain access to support for government contractors, access to capital, management and technical assistance, and export assistance. Certification status means access to more business opportunities to enhance revenue and capacity.
GLAXOSMITHKLINE AND THE CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS FOUNDATION JOIN FORCES TO IMPROVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SMALL DISADVANTAGED BUSINESSES
Official Launch of GlaxoSmithKline, (GSK) and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Supplier Business Initiative
Washington, DC (BlackNews.com) - GlaxoSmithKline [GSK:NYSE] and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) are expanding their partnership to increase the ability of Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDBs) to compete in a 21st century global economy.
GSK is donating $500,000 to the Foundation over five years to spur growth among SDBs through increased training and business opportunities. GSK and the CBCF have established a new Supplier Business Initiative Advisory Council to advise and direct the project, which will include a study of existing US policy designed to encourage success among these businesses. The goal of the study will be to identify barriers to the meaningful participation of small disadvantaged businesses in the SBA certification program, and to determine if policy and regulatory reforms are needed to remove those barriers.
"The GlaxoSmithKline and Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Supplier Business Initiative is an important program in helping to create opportunities for minority small businesses where very few previously existed," noted CBC Chairman Melvin L. Watt (D-N.C.). "The end goal of the program is to increase the number of qualified minority businesses in the Small Business Administration certification program, which would mean much-needed access to more business opportunities to enhance revenue and capacity."
"We make our medicines available to a diverse population, and we believe it is important to purchase supporting goods and services from these same groups," said Chris Viehbacher, President of US Pharmaceuticals for GSK. "We include small, diverse companies in our selection process when contracts go out for bid. Yet disparities in business development are making it difficult for us to meet our requirements under the law."
Viehbacher continued: "Part of our effort will be to increase the ability of these businesses to compete effectively for contracts. That will increase GSK's ability to successfully operate in a growing global environment, but with support from other corporations, we can also help empower disadvantaged businesses across the country."
Said Congressman William Jefferson, CBCF Chair, "We share GSK's vision in wanting to see a level playing field in the contract bidding process. Since we already enjoy a longstanding partnership with GSK, we look forward to working with them toward increasing opportunities for small disadvantaged businesses."
The SBA's Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) Certification program was established in 1997 to enhance federal purchases from socially or economically disadvantaged owners of small businesses. In 1997, the SBA projected 35,000 SDBs would be certified for program participation, but only 10,000 were actually certified. The guidelines of the program were modified in 1998 to ensure that benefits used in federal procurement programs are fair and effective and conform with the US Supreme Court 1995 Adarand court decision on affirmative action.
Under the program, minority businesses must gain a SDB certification to compete for contracts with government agencies and corporations. At the same time, government agencies and corporations are required to award 5 percent on average of their business contracts to SDB-certified businesses. However, the number of companies that apply for and successfully receive certification has been limited. Consequently, the pool of qualified SDB applicants is limited, undermining the ability of contracting organizations to meet the diversity goals established under the law.
While there has been significant progress of fostering minorities, including but not limited to, African Americans, Asian Americans and Hispanic Americans, a gap still remains. Minority-owned firms account for only 2.7 percent of total U.S. gross revenue from all firms. As reported in the SBA Minorities in Business Report (2001), African Americans are the least represented in the U.S. business sector, as seen in measures such as the number of Black-owned businesses, African Americans self-employment and business participation rates, and the dollar value of Black-owned business receipts per Black population.
Ideas for updating the program so it positions SDBs effectively in the current business environment may include further revisions to certification requirements, improved communications about the availability of the program and its requirements, and assistance to SDBs in building the expertise needed to successfully compete for business. Other factors such as eligibility limits on business size and net worth of business owners may also artificially eliminate qualified businesses from participating in the program and may require further evaluation.
In addition to studying current challenges to the program in todays business environment, the GlaxoSmithKline and CBC Foundation partnership will provide networking opportunities and develop partnerships between major corporations and Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) that can help small businesses develop the capacity to meet corporate goals, and evolve over time into more independently-functioning and successful businesses.
About the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) was established in 1976 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit, public policy, research and education institute. The purpose of the Foundation is to improve the socio-economic circumstances of African Americans and other underserved communities.
About GlaxoSmithKline
GSK has emerged as one of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's lead sponsors through support of such programs like the Vivien Thomas Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships to 10 students who are pursuing careers in science and medicine. This support totaled $500,000 over four years.
GlaxoSmithKline is one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies, and is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For more information, visit www.gsk.com
Inquiries:
GlaxoSmithKline
Nancy Pekarek: 215-751-7709
Nancy Leone: 215-751-7709
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
Patty Rice: 202-263-2829 or price@cbcfinc.org
Priscilla Clarke: 202-723-2200 or pclarkepr@aol.com
PRESS CONFERENCE
WHAT : Official Launch of GlaxoSmithKline, (GSK) and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Supplier Business Initiative
WHO: Rep. Mel Watt, CBC Chair
Rep. William Jefferson, CBCF Chair
Rep. Charles Rangel
Rep. James Clyburn
Rep. Gregory Meeks
Rep. Major Owens
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee
Rep. Bennie Thompson
Rep. Al Wynn
Rep. William Lacy Clay
Rep. Juanita Millender McDonald
Rep. Elijah Cummings
Rep. Donna Christen Christensen
Dr. Don Tharpe, CBCF President and CEO
Chris Viehbacher, President, U.S. Pharmaceuticals, GSK
WHEN : November 16, 2005 - 11:30 am
WHERE: Capitol Hill
Rayburn Building Room B354
WHY: The GSK/CBCF Supplier Business Initiative is a five year program designed to assist minority small business by evaluating the various SBA certification regulations, specifically the Small Disadvantaged Business Program (SDB). The overall goal of the Initiative is to increase the number of qualified minority businesses in this SBA certification program. By gaining certification, socially and economically disadvantaged businesses will be able to gain access to support for government contractors, access to capital, management and technical assistance, and export assistance. Certification status means access to more business opportunities to enhance revenue and capacity.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Minority Rules -- By James Clingman Jr. an Interesting Read
I know you have heard the clamor about minority groups not getting their fair share of the reconstruction dollars being spent in New Orleans. Headline articles abound across this country disclosing the unfairness that is being perpetrated against minorities in New Orleans. Apparently white folks are taking over, giving no-bid contracts to their buddies. “Vice” president Cheney came in to survey the damage to see what he could channel to his company, Halliburton, and all of the other players are there already working and making millions while the newspaper headlines continue to say, “Minorities not getting in on the action in New Orleans.”
Newsflash! I beg to differ. Minorities are, that’s right, I said they “are” getting their fair share of the economic benefits from the reconstruction of The Big Easy. The newspapers, advocacy groups, television news shows and radio shows, politicians, and social activists are all wrong – dead wrong on this one. See the: Full Minority Rules Article
Newsflash! I beg to differ. Minorities are, that’s right, I said they “are” getting their fair share of the economic benefits from the reconstruction of The Big Easy. The newspapers, advocacy groups, television news shows and radio shows, politicians, and social activists are all wrong – dead wrong on this one. See the: Full Minority Rules Article
Ebony Magazine Founder JOHN H. JOHNSON's STORY WILL PREMIERE SUNDAY, NOV. 20 at 10 PM courtesy TV ONE
- In celebration of the 60th anniversary of Ebony magazine, TV One explores the life of groundbreaking entrepreneur and cultural pioneer, Johnson Publishing Co. founder John H. Johnson, who passed away in August 2005 --
The late John H. Johnson, legendary founder of the Jet/Ebony publishing empire, is featured in an original biography special premiering on TV One Sunday, Nov. 20 at 10 PM (photo: courtesy of Johnson Publishing Co.)
Silver Spring, MD - TV One celebrates the 60th anniversary of Ebony magazine and honors the life of its legendary and groundbreaking founder with the premiere of its original biography special, The John H. Johnson Story, on Sunday night, Nov. 20 at 10 PM (ET).
Hosted and narrated by actor Richard Roundtree, a former Ebony Fashion Fair model and longtime friend of the Johnson Publishing Company founder, the special details the history of the Ebony/Jet empire, examines the cultural and social impact of the magazines during the civil rights era and includes one of Johnson's last on-camera interviews before his passing last summer.
The special, which repeats Sunday, Nov. 27 at 5 PM, Saturday, Dec. 3 at noon and Monday, Dec. 5 at 8 PM (all times ET), also features interviews with Johnson Publishing President and CEO Linda Johnson Rice, who now runs the business empire her father founded; Ebony Executive Editor Emeritus Lerone Bennett; legendary music entrepreneur Quincy Jones; Radio One Chairperson and Founder Cathy Hughes; Chicago Crusader Publisher/Editor Dorothy Leavell; as well as other leading African American executives and social commentators.
Tracing Johnson's groundbreaking life and career, the special explores the roots of the publishing empire with the creation in 1942 of the first national publication for African Americans, Negro Digest, built from a $500 loan from Johnson's mother early in his life, to the launch in 1945 of Ebony, the first African-American picture magazine, and subsequent launch in 1951 of Jet, the first news weekly designed for African Americans. The biography explores the groundbreaking role Johnson played not only in creating these magazines, but in convincing corporations that there was an untapped black consumer market that his magazines could deliver to advertisers.
The documentary also focuses on the groundbreaking role Ebony and Jet played in bringing the world's attention to the degrading and often violent treatment of African Americans in the U.S. From its coverage of Emmett Till's funeral and the shocking photos that accompanied it to the massive and multi-faceted civil rights movement to the profound leadership and tragic assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., the Johnson Publishing Company, through its magazines, made a huge impact, resulting in international attention, including a Pulitzer Prize for the photography of Moneta Sleet, Jr.
The special also examines the impact of Johnson and his wife Eunice on the world of culture, fashion and beauty, through the creation of Ebony Fashion Fair, the traveling fashion show which focused attention on African American models and designers, and Fashion Fair Cosmetics, the first line of beauty products designed for African American skin and sold through department stores.
The John H. Johnson Story not only examines the company's legacy but also its future prospects, with CEO Linda Johnson Rice discussing her plans for strengthening and expanding the companys brands and growing the company.
The late John H. Johnson, legendary founder of the Jet/Ebony publishing empire, is featured in an original biography special premiering on TV One Sunday, Nov. 20 at 10 PM (photo: courtesy of Johnson Publishing Co.)
Silver Spring, MD - TV One celebrates the 60th anniversary of Ebony magazine and honors the life of its legendary and groundbreaking founder with the premiere of its original biography special, The John H. Johnson Story, on Sunday night, Nov. 20 at 10 PM (ET).
Hosted and narrated by actor Richard Roundtree, a former Ebony Fashion Fair model and longtime friend of the Johnson Publishing Company founder, the special details the history of the Ebony/Jet empire, examines the cultural and social impact of the magazines during the civil rights era and includes one of Johnson's last on-camera interviews before his passing last summer.
The special, which repeats Sunday, Nov. 27 at 5 PM, Saturday, Dec. 3 at noon and Monday, Dec. 5 at 8 PM (all times ET), also features interviews with Johnson Publishing President and CEO Linda Johnson Rice, who now runs the business empire her father founded; Ebony Executive Editor Emeritus Lerone Bennett; legendary music entrepreneur Quincy Jones; Radio One Chairperson and Founder Cathy Hughes; Chicago Crusader Publisher/Editor Dorothy Leavell; as well as other leading African American executives and social commentators.
Tracing Johnson's groundbreaking life and career, the special explores the roots of the publishing empire with the creation in 1942 of the first national publication for African Americans, Negro Digest, built from a $500 loan from Johnson's mother early in his life, to the launch in 1945 of Ebony, the first African-American picture magazine, and subsequent launch in 1951 of Jet, the first news weekly designed for African Americans. The biography explores the groundbreaking role Johnson played not only in creating these magazines, but in convincing corporations that there was an untapped black consumer market that his magazines could deliver to advertisers.
The documentary also focuses on the groundbreaking role Ebony and Jet played in bringing the world's attention to the degrading and often violent treatment of African Americans in the U.S. From its coverage of Emmett Till's funeral and the shocking photos that accompanied it to the massive and multi-faceted civil rights movement to the profound leadership and tragic assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., the Johnson Publishing Company, through its magazines, made a huge impact, resulting in international attention, including a Pulitzer Prize for the photography of Moneta Sleet, Jr.
The special also examines the impact of Johnson and his wife Eunice on the world of culture, fashion and beauty, through the creation of Ebony Fashion Fair, the traveling fashion show which focused attention on African American models and designers, and Fashion Fair Cosmetics, the first line of beauty products designed for African American skin and sold through department stores.
The John H. Johnson Story not only examines the company's legacy but also its future prospects, with CEO Linda Johnson Rice discussing her plans for strengthening and expanding the companys brands and growing the company.
Monday, November 14, 2005
The US Small Business Credit Card Market - Update 2005
The small business credit card market in the United States has grown enormously over the last five years, drawing the attention of nearly all of the major US Card Issuers. Major issuers like Citibank, JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, and MBNA have joined traditional powers American Express, Capital One, Advanta and US Bank to create a competitive and vibrant segment marked by varying strategies and products and robust growth.
Boston, MA November 14, 2005 -- In a new research report, the Mercator Advisory Group assess developments in the small business credit card market.
The small business credit card market in the United States has grown enormously over the last five years, drawing the attention of nearly all of the major US Card Issuers. Major issuers like Citibank, JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, and MBNA have joined traditional powers American Express, Capital One, Advanta and US Bank to create a competitive and vibrant segment marked by varying strategies and products and robust growth.
"Overall consumer concern over debt levels, an improving economy, and cheap and readily available home equity-backed debt have all conspired to slow the growth rate of consumer credit card loans. There are, however, some segments of the general-purpose card business that hold the promise of growth," according to Brian O'Keeffe, Director of Mercator Advisory Group's Credit Service and principal analyst on the report. "The commercial card category has shown better growth than consumer cards in the last several years, and within that, the small business card segment has been a notable bright spot."
In The US Small Business Credit Card Market - Update, 2005, Mercator Advisory Group expands on its 2004 report covering the small business segment. The report answers several key questions:
* How many potential small business customers are there?
* How much of their spending could potentially move to payment cards?
* What are the key differences between consumer cards, corporate cards, and small business cards; and how do these differences effect strategy and product design?
* What have been the most effective distribution channels for small business cards?
* Given the large number of consumer card conversions, are the 27% segment growth rate really as healthy as it seems?
Report Highlights:
This report provides:
* A discussion of the potential US market for small business cards
* The current market environment for small business cards – associations and issuers
* Product evolution – rates, rewards and other selling features
* Analysis of the varying distribution channels for small business cards
Members of Mercator Advisory Group have access to these reports as well as the upcoming research for the year ahead, presentations, analyst access and other membership benefits. Please visit us online at www.mercatoradvisorygroup.com.
For more information call Mercator Advisory Group's main line: 781-419-1700.
Boston, MA November 14, 2005 -- In a new research report, the Mercator Advisory Group assess developments in the small business credit card market.
The small business credit card market in the United States has grown enormously over the last five years, drawing the attention of nearly all of the major US Card Issuers. Major issuers like Citibank, JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, and MBNA have joined traditional powers American Express, Capital One, Advanta and US Bank to create a competitive and vibrant segment marked by varying strategies and products and robust growth.
"Overall consumer concern over debt levels, an improving economy, and cheap and readily available home equity-backed debt have all conspired to slow the growth rate of consumer credit card loans. There are, however, some segments of the general-purpose card business that hold the promise of growth," according to Brian O'Keeffe, Director of Mercator Advisory Group's Credit Service and principal analyst on the report. "The commercial card category has shown better growth than consumer cards in the last several years, and within that, the small business card segment has been a notable bright spot."
In The US Small Business Credit Card Market - Update, 2005, Mercator Advisory Group expands on its 2004 report covering the small business segment. The report answers several key questions:
* How many potential small business customers are there?
* How much of their spending could potentially move to payment cards?
* What are the key differences between consumer cards, corporate cards, and small business cards; and how do these differences effect strategy and product design?
* What have been the most effective distribution channels for small business cards?
* Given the large number of consumer card conversions, are the 27% segment growth rate really as healthy as it seems?
Report Highlights:
This report provides:
* A discussion of the potential US market for small business cards
* The current market environment for small business cards – associations and issuers
* Product evolution – rates, rewards and other selling features
* Analysis of the varying distribution channels for small business cards
Members of Mercator Advisory Group have access to these reports as well as the upcoming research for the year ahead, presentations, analyst access and other membership benefits. Please visit us online at www.mercatoradvisorygroup.com.
For more information call Mercator Advisory Group's main line: 781-419-1700.
APPLICATIONS FOR 2006 BARBARA JORDAN HEALTH POLICY SCHOLARS PROGRAM NOW BEING ACCEPTED
Applications are Due January 9, 2006, for Summer 2006.
CONTACT: Jomo Kassaye, (202) 238-2385 or bjscholars(replace with @)howard.edu
The Kaiser Family Foundation's Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program brings talented African American, Latino, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Asian/Pacific Islander college seniors and recent graduates to Washington, D.C., during which time the Scholars are placed in Congressional offices in order to learn first-hand how health policy is developed and implemented.
Through the nine-week program (May 23- July 28, 2006), Scholars will learn about federal legislative procedure and health policy issues, while further developing their critical thinking and leadership skills. In addition to gaining experience in a Congressional office, Scholars participate in seminars and site visits to enhance their knowledge of health care issues. Upon completion of the session, Scholars write and present a health policy research memo.
PURPOSE
The Kaiser Family Foundation established the Scholars Program to honor the legacy of late U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, who was a Foundation Trustee, and to expand the pool of students of color interested in the field of health policy.
ELIGIBILITY
Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens who will be seniors or recent graduates of an accredited U.S. college or university in the fall of 2006. Currently enrolled law, medical, and graduate students are not eligible to apply. Successful applicants will show evidence of academic achievement and will demonstrate the following:
* Be a member of a population that is adversely affected by racial or ethnic health disparities; and
* Have experience working in or with programs that address health disparities (e.g. local health departments, community health centers, inner city/ rural hospitals or organizations that conduct research on or develop policy related to health or healthcare disparities) or have done previous academic work (e.g. taken courses, written papers or participate in research projects) related to health disparities.
SELECTION
Candidates are selected based on academic performance, demonstrated leadership potential, and interest in health policy. A distinguished National Advisory Committee guides the program's highly competitive selection process and strives to select a class of Scholars who are academically, geographically, and culturally diverse.
COMPENSATION
Scholars receive approximately $7,000 in support, which includes a stipend, daily expense allowance, airfare, and lodging. While in Washington, D.C., Scholars reside at Howard University.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Application materials will be accepted starting November 1, 2005. Please be advised that applications will be processed and reviewed as they are received. APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER JANUARY 9, 2006. Application forms and additional information about the Scholars Program are available online Kaiser Family Foundation. For further information, contact program manager Jomo Kassaye at (202) 238-2385 or bjscholarsathoward.edu.
The Kaiser Family Foundation is a non-profit, private operating foundation dedicated to providing information and analysis on health care issues to policymakers, the media, the health care community, and the general public. The Foundation is not associated with Kaiser Permanente or Kaiser Industries.
____________________________
If you know anyone who would be interested in this alert, please pass it on.
Union County One Stop Career Center
Business Resource Center
200 West 2nd Street
Plainfield, New Jersey 07060
center: (908) 412- 7975
fax: (908) 412-2673
UnionBRC(replace with @)chdol.state.nj.us
CONTACT: Jomo Kassaye, (202) 238-2385 or bjscholars(replace with @)howard.edu
The Kaiser Family Foundation's Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program brings talented African American, Latino, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Asian/Pacific Islander college seniors and recent graduates to Washington, D.C., during which time the Scholars are placed in Congressional offices in order to learn first-hand how health policy is developed and implemented.
Through the nine-week program (May 23- July 28, 2006), Scholars will learn about federal legislative procedure and health policy issues, while further developing their critical thinking and leadership skills. In addition to gaining experience in a Congressional office, Scholars participate in seminars and site visits to enhance their knowledge of health care issues. Upon completion of the session, Scholars write and present a health policy research memo.
PURPOSE
The Kaiser Family Foundation established the Scholars Program to honor the legacy of late U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, who was a Foundation Trustee, and to expand the pool of students of color interested in the field of health policy.
ELIGIBILITY
Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens who will be seniors or recent graduates of an accredited U.S. college or university in the fall of 2006. Currently enrolled law, medical, and graduate students are not eligible to apply. Successful applicants will show evidence of academic achievement and will demonstrate the following:
* Be a member of a population that is adversely affected by racial or ethnic health disparities; and
* Have experience working in or with programs that address health disparities (e.g. local health departments, community health centers, inner city/ rural hospitals or organizations that conduct research on or develop policy related to health or healthcare disparities) or have done previous academic work (e.g. taken courses, written papers or participate in research projects) related to health disparities.
SELECTION
Candidates are selected based on academic performance, demonstrated leadership potential, and interest in health policy. A distinguished National Advisory Committee guides the program's highly competitive selection process and strives to select a class of Scholars who are academically, geographically, and culturally diverse.
COMPENSATION
Scholars receive approximately $7,000 in support, which includes a stipend, daily expense allowance, airfare, and lodging. While in Washington, D.C., Scholars reside at Howard University.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Application materials will be accepted starting November 1, 2005. Please be advised that applications will be processed and reviewed as they are received. APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER JANUARY 9, 2006. Application forms and additional information about the Scholars Program are available online Kaiser Family Foundation. For further information, contact program manager Jomo Kassaye at (202) 238-2385 or bjscholarsathoward.edu.
The Kaiser Family Foundation is a non-profit, private operating foundation dedicated to providing information and analysis on health care issues to policymakers, the media, the health care community, and the general public. The Foundation is not associated with Kaiser Permanente or Kaiser Industries.
____________________________
If you know anyone who would be interested in this alert, please pass it on.
Union County One Stop Career Center
Business Resource Center
200 West 2nd Street
Plainfield, New Jersey 07060
center: (908) 412- 7975
fax: (908) 412-2673
UnionBRC(replace with @)chdol.state.nj.us
