Due to the current state of our country, we are about to embark upon an election that will more than likely be the most important election many of us have had the opportunity to vote in. As Election Day approaches, I urge all of you to get out and vote early. If you cannot vote early than make sure that you at least vote on November 4th. Do not give up your right to vote in any election, but most importantly this election. I encourage you all to take it upon yourself to make sure that at least five of your friends or family members go out and vote as well, as every vote can make a difference.
We are truly in unique times here in Tampa Bay and in the United States of America. The state of the economy is affecting us all and I am certain that you would agree that these are very challenging times that we have all recently been encountered with. For those of you who were fortunate enough to partake in the 30th Annual conference of the National Black MBA Association in Washington D.C., you would agree that the tone of the conference was heavily influenced by the current economic crisis we are in. The following article highlights comments made by Bank of America CEO Ken Lewis, who gave his perspective on the current issues in the banking industry at a luncheon during the conference:
http://blogs.wsj.com/deals/2008/09/19/ken-lewis-hearts-regulators-more-regulations-not-so-much/
The article below provides views from fellow MBA’s at the conference:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94881415&sc=emaf
Despite the current troubles we are facing both locally and nationally, it was very refreshing to see how well attended this years annual career fair was, both by corporations looking to fill key positions and applicants looking for opportunities. In the wake of rising unemployment the career fair boasted in excess of 400 corporations looking to hire talented MBA’s.
The rest of the conference was filled with influential speakers such Magic Johnson, Colin Powell, Earl Graves, and Roland Martin, informative break out sessions, and social functions that were truly memorable.
For those of you who were unable to make it to the conference this year, please begin to save now for next year’s conference, which is scheduled to be held in New Orleans, LA. Once information becomes available I will forward it on as I am sure that it will be an event you won’t want to miss.
On Tuesday, your local chapter will provide a truly beneficial program for those of you with aspirations for becoming an entrepreneur or if you are interested in hearing about a success story within the Tampa Bay Business world. Oscar Horton, is President and CEO of Sun State International Trucks, Inc., a leading black owned businesses both locally and nationally. The program will begin at 5:30 at the Children’s Board in Ybor City. This is a program you won’t want to miss. Feel free to invite anyone you feel would benefit from this event.
Finally as shared by our national chairman of the board, Bill Wells “We must continue our journey to being a catalyst for change and also in the pursuit of excellence”. With that being said, I would like to share a well written article by a British attendee of our annual conference in Washington D.C. This article truly depicts the values and objectives of this great organization that we have all chosen to become a part of. Enjoy.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2008/sep/22/race.usa?gusrc=rss&feed=worldnews
Max Oligario
President