Wanted to first of all thank you for the opportunity to take Dr. Robinson’s class.  It was a turning point in my career.  I had never even considered the possibility of other career choices and he provided ideas, possibilities, encouragement and information to succeed in other avenues.  I gained an immense amount of confidence from this study and feel if possible it should be a part of the “unemployment compensation” process.  If these tools were provided at the beginning process, it might really minimize the length of unemployment in addition to helping our communities grow and prosper.
 
I am attaching a copy of a letter of appreciation I gave to Dr. Robinson in the hope that he will see he did make a difference and this class was a success.  Please keep a copy of this letter for future reference.
 
I am so happy to let you know that I start a new job tomorrow.  I submitted a resume to Mxxxxxxxxxn when I was first unemployed in September and this is their first opening.  I will be an accounts receivable specialist in the administration services.  It fulfills all of my 5 employment “wishes”.
 
1.  Full time position with medical insurance (also provides life ins, vacation, 401K & other benefits)
2.  Non-Profit
3.  Ability to make a difference in someone’s life
5.  Not to have to travel to Jacksonville
 
Wow, what an order!!
 
Thanks again for offering me the opportunity to take Dr. Robinson’s class and I wish you the best of luck.

The First Coast African American Chamber continues to contribute in multiple communities…more to come.

Purpose: Enhance employment opportunities through community partnerships and entrepreneurship.

Initial time commitment: 2-3 hours (Tentatively 11am-2p)

Objectives: Promote microentrepreneurship. Using social entrepreneurship and private sector participation educate participants on successful routes to employment and small business development. Many of our highly skilled/educated unemployed workers may have entrepreneurial opportunities.

Scheduled activities for initial workshop (to take place at each workshop):
 Networking/Introductions
 Lessons learned for the job seeker through state and local programs
 Overview of Workstations (workshop, training scholarship, available employment referrals)
 Local small business speaker
 Northeast Florida Small Business Support System Demo
 Partner participation

For more information contact Virginia White at 904-371-1979

Promoting entrepreneurship with our youth

If you would like to volunteer your time and promote entrepreneurship in Northeast Florida please contact Tia Mackey Leathers. 

Junior Achievment                                                                                                                                                                                                 4049 Woodcock Dr # 200
Jacksonville, FL 32207-2738
(904) 398-9944

JA Be Entrepreneurial, a new high school program, focuses on challenging students, through interactive classroom activities, to start their own entrepreneurial venture while still in high school. One of ten JA programs designed with the specific needs of upper grade students in mind, JA Be Entrepreneurial provides useful, practical content to assist students to transition into becoming productive, contributing members of society.

It helps bring these ideas to life. As a teacher I have to focus to get them interested in theory, but this really left me making a connection, getting practical applications. – (Teacher)

This program makes entrepreneurship seem like a more attainable goal. Most of the time when you think about people starting a business it seems really hard. With this you see the pros and cons of it and realize all that has gone into it. – (Student)

I’m an entrepreneur, so I’ve done what this is all about. In fact, I would give this teaching guide to a couple of my guys in the business with me. I think it’s very good. – (Volunteer)

Program Summary

Business Plan Template (for Students)

On Your Own Activities (for Students)

Podcasts (for Students, Volunteers, and Teachers)

Supplemental Sessions (for Volunteers and Teachers)

Be sure to visit the Resource Room for helpful links.

Due to the high unemployment and underemployment rates many are turning to entrepreneurship and micro-enterprises to weather the economy.  Learn from an experience to avoid similar mistakes.  Download content as a part of this recorded webinar. 

Through innovation we are able to support those who may lack resources and time as they move towards economic independence.  Visit the blog on the dates below:

November 10 Sponsored by FABC

December 10 Sponsored by Access Florida Finance

January 10 Sponsored by CSX

February 10 Sponsored by JaxPort

March 10 Sponsored by Prudential

The chamber is extending this program with 5 scheduled displaced worker session to encourage microenterprise development.  Stay tuned…

Training Link for November 10, 2010.

The First Coast African American Chamber of Commerce will launch a new program in the next 90 days to address dislocated workers.  The goal of the program is to assist participants in determining whether entrepreneurship is a viable option for them.  Participants will receive e-learning and Community Workstations.  Stay tuned…

1. Vote.  Every eligible individual has a right and responsibility to vote in an effort to help shape our communities.

2. Review the Nolan Chart to determine where your own individual values lie. Understand which issues are important to you and which candidate is running on them.

3. Research candidates rather than depending solely on paid advertisements. Too often voters align themselves with one party and miss the issue at critical levels in their immediate community.  Use a search engine for local newspapers and carefully read what has been investigated and what has been reported.  There is a difference between the two.

4.  Review a sample ballot prior to voting.  Do not allow yourself to be surprised in the ballot box and then choose a candidate solely because of party affiliation.

5.  Pay attention to the issues beyond the popular names on the ballot:

a. The order of the names on the ballot mean nothing.

b. Attorney General

c. Chief Financial Officer

d. Commissioner of Agriculture

e. County Commissioner

f. Supreme Court (retained?)

g. District Court of Appeal (retained?)

This is a critical year for Florida Voters regarding amendments. They will shape our future for the next decade in some very key areas.  Read them now and do not allow yourself to be surprised in the booth.  Are your candidates in alignment with your values on these key amendments?  You will be voting Yes or No on each amendment listed below:

NO. 1
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
ARTICLE VI, SECTION 7
Repeal of Public Campaign Financing
Requirement
Proposing the repeal of the provision in the
State Constitution that requires public
financing of campaigns of candidates for
elective statewide office who agree to
campaign spending limits.

PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
NO 2
(Vote Yes or No)
NO. 2
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
ARTICLE VII, SECTION 3
ARTICLE XII, SECTION 31
Homestead Ad Valorem Tax Credit For Deployed Military Personnel
Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to require the Legislature to provide an additional homestead property tax exemption by law for members of the United States military or military reserves, the United States Coast Guard or its reserves, or the Florida National Guard who receive a homestead exemption and were deployed in the
previous year on active duty outside the continental United States, Alaska, or Hawaii in support of military operations designated by the Legislature. The exempt amount will be based upon the number of days in the previous calendar year that the person was deployed on active duty outside the continental United States, Alaska, or Hawaii in
support of military operations designated by the Legislature. The amendment is scheduled to take effect January 1, 2011.

PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
NO 4
(Vote Yes or No)
NO. 4
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
ARTICLE II, SECTION 7
Referenda Required For Adoption And
Amendment Of Local Government
Comprehensive Land Use Plans
Establishes that before a local government may adopt a new comprehensive land use plan, or amend a comprehensive land use plan, the proposed plan or amendment shall be subject to vote of the electors of the local government by
referendum, following preparation by the local planning agency, consideration by the governing body and notice. Provides definitions. The amendment’s impact on local government expenditures cannot be estimated precisely. Local governments will incur additional costs due to the requirement to conduct referenda in order to adopt
comprehensive plans or amendments thereto. The amount of such costs depends upon the frequency,
timing and method of the referenda, and includes the costs of ballot preparation, election administration, and associated expenses. The impact on state government expenditures will be insignificant.

PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
NO 5
(Vote Yes or No)
NO. 5
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
ARTICLE III, SECTION 21
Standards For Legislature To Follow In
Legislative Redistricting
Legislative districts or districting plans may not be drawn to favor or disfavor an incumbent or political party. Districts shall not be drawn to deny racial or language minorities the equal opportunity to participate in the political process and elect representatives of their choice. Districts must be contiguous. Unless otherwise required, districts
must be compact, as equal in population as feasible, and where feasible must make use of existing city, county and geographical boundaries. The fiscal impact cannot be determined precisely. State government and state courts may incur additional costs if litigation increases beyond the number or complexity of cases which would have
occurred in the amendment’s absence.

PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
NO 6
(Vote Yes or No)
NO. 6
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
ARTICLE III, SECTION 20
Standards For Legislature To Follow In
Congressional Redistricting
Congressional districts or districting plans may not be drawn to favor or disfavor an incumbent or political party. Districts shall not be drawn to deny racial or language minorities the equal opportunity to participate in the political process and elect representatives of their choice. Districts must be contiguous. Unless otherwise required, districts
must be compact, as equal in population as feasible, and where feasible must make use of existing city, county and geographical boundaries. The fiscal impact cannot be determined precisely. State government and state courts may incur additional costs if litigation increases beyond the number or complexity of cases which would have
occurred in the amendment’s absence.

PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
NO 8
(Vote Yes or No)
NO. 8
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
ARTICLE IX, SECTION 1
ARTICLE XII, SECTION 31
Revision Of The Class Size Requirements For
Public Schools
The Florida Constitution currently limits the maximum number of students assigned to each teacher in public school classrooms in the following grade groupings: for prekindergarten through grade 3, 18 students; for grades 4 through 8, 22 students; and for grades 9 through 12, 25 students. Under this amendment, the current limits on the maximum
number of students assigned to each teacher in public school classrooms would become limits on the average number of students assigned per class to each teacher, by specified grade grouping, in each public school. This amendment also adopts new limits on the maximum number of students assigned to each teacher in an individual classroom
as follows: for prekindergarten through grade 3, 21 students; for grades 4 through 8, 27 students; and
for grades 9 through 12, 30 students. This amendment specifies that class size limits do not apply to virtual classes, requires the Legislature to provide sufficient funds to maintain the average number of students required by this amendment, and schedules these revisions to take effect upon approval by the electors of this state and to operate
retroactively to the beginning of the 2010-2011 school

REFERENDUMS
YES
NO
NONBINDING STATEWIDE ADVISORY
REFERENDUM
(Vote Yes or No)
Balancing the Federal Budget
A Nonbinding Referendum Calling for an Amendment to the United States Constitution In order to stop the uncontrolled growth of our national debt and prevent excessive borrowing by the Federal Government, which threatens our economy and national security, should the United States Constitution be amended to require a
balanced federal budget without raising taxes?
YES = For authority to grant
exemptions
NO = Against authority to grant
exemptions

PROPOSED REFERENDUM
(Vote Yes or No)
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AD
VALOREM TAX EXEMPTION
UNDER SECTION 196.1955 FLORIDA
STATUTES
Shall the Board of County Commissioners of this county be authorized to grant,pursuant to S.3, ART.VII of the State
Constitution, property tax exemptions to new businesses and expansions of existing businesses?
YES = For the Tourist Development
Tax
NO = AGAINST the Tourist
Development Tax

PROPOSED REFERENDUM
(Vote Yes or No)
TOURIST DEVELOPMENT TAX
UNDER “LOCAL OPTION TOURIST
DEVELOPMENT ACT”,
SECTION 125.0104, FLORIDA
STATUTES
Shall an ordinance, as adopted by the Board of County Commissioners, be approved, which provides for a two
percent (2%) tourist development tax on motels, hotels, and other transient or short term living accommodation rentals? The tourist development tax will not be on food or beverage, or other items for sale. The tax proceeds are to be used to enhance, promote, and advertise Desoto County, and develop tourism, as described in the ordinance.
YES = FOR giving the authority to the school board to levy 0.25 mills for CRITICAL OPERATING NEEDS for the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 fiscal years by an annual super majority
vote of the board.
NO = AGAINST giving the authority to the school board to levy 0.25 mills for CRITICAL OPERATING NEEDS
for the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 fiscal years by an annual super majority vote of the board.

PROPOSED REFERENDUM
(Vote Yes or No)
REFERENDUM REGARDING THE AUTHORITY OF THE SCHOOL BOARD TO LEVY, BY AN ANNUAL SUPER
MAJORITY VOTE, 0.25 MILLS FOR CRITICAL OPERATING NEEDS.
The school board shall have the authority by an annual super majority vote for the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 fiscal years to levy 0.25 mills for CRITICAL OPERATING NEEDS pursuant to 1011.71(3)(b), Florida Statutes.

What is Junior Achievement?

What are the outcomes?

The First Coast African American Chamber of Commerce has been in existence since 1999.  A primary goal of the chamber is to contribute to the First Coast Community by increasing the business participation rate of African Americans.  Throughout the nation this subgroup has a lower BPR than non-minority firms.  Increasing that rate has the potential to increase the region’s per capita income which is affects us all.

There have been a wide range of black chambers and other organizations representing the African American community.  The First Coast African American Chamber of Commerce seeks to distinguish itself by advocating for the small business communtiy. 

Recently the chamber, September 10,  held a business summit sponsored by Access Florida Finance Corporation, CSX, Jaxport, and State Farm.  Highlights below:

Access Florida Finance Corporation crowned the winner of its statewide small business plan contest at the economic summit.  The business participation rate for African American business in Florida needs to increase in order for our state to achieve its goal of increased per capita income.  The Black Business Support Corporation (AFFC) works to contribute to that goal through a legislative program.  A local Jacksonville business placed in the event.  Read more…

Advocating for small businesses by hosting the mayoral candidates.  All candidates were invited read here to see who participated.  Dr. Robinson introduced the Nolan Chart to the audience, stressed the BPR of African Americans, per capita income, and a whopping $450 million dollars of unrealized revenue. Read more…

Developing international relationships.  Senator Hill and Dr. Robinson shared experiences and opportunities from trip to the Republic of Benin.  Joanne Kazmierski of Jaxport helped highlight obstacles and opportunites of international trading.  Dr. Robinson will have a follow-up meeting/networker in November to share updates regarding The Republic of Benin and Paris, France.  He also created a website to share pictures and videos of their visit.  View pictures/videos on Business Tourism page…

Employment was addressed at the summit by professionals in the field and corporations like CSX who is currently hiring.  The focus for the chamber was not on the individual but how the chamber could promote Private Sector Participation to help candidates prepare for employment.  The chamber works with a number of agencies who work with thousands on the First Coast.  The session allowed agencies to hear a list of obstacles to help candidates avoid during their employment search.

The Florida Asset Building Coalition had its initial Network Weaving Circles at teh annual economic summit.  With visitors from around the state of Florida (Tampa Bay, Pensacola, Tallahassee, Sout Florida, and Orlando).  It is the first in a series of events aimed at moving people and communities toward economic independence and economic security,
defining asset building and assessing readiness, identifying issues and prioritizing for the area.  The top 3 priorities, economic development, healthcare and social justice.  Fred Seamon led a highly interactive session, and we were able to capture relevant information, as well as peak interest in participating in FABC and supporting the
implementation and advocacy efforts.

The statistical facts:

Common sense apart, there are statistical evidence to proof that social media is gaining popularity among small business owners as well. Recently, The University of Maryland’s Smith School of Business in collaboration with Network Solutions published the Small Business Success Index (SBSI). It is a study that discloses the degree to which small businesses are accepting social media. According to the report, social media adoption among U.S. small businesses doubled in the past year from 12% to 24%.

The report follows a list of extensive figures. Following are the rest of the interesting facts of the study:

• 75% have a business page on a social network site like LinkedIn or Facebook.
• 69% enthusiastically post status updates and articles of interests.
• 57% are building networks through sites like LinkedIn or Facebook.
• 54% monitor customer feedback of their business on social networks.
• 39% run a blog on their area of proficiency or interest.
• 26% tweet information related to their area of interest or knowledge.
• 16% use twitter to provide customer service.
• (Read more)

As part of the fiftieth anniversary of independence of African States , the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Benin , organized from July 29 to 30 the ” Economic Forum “in the capital, Porto Novo. Many sites are open in the city, which is preparing for a metamorphosis in terms of infrastructure and updating its rich cultural heritage . Led by its dynamic president Ataou Soufiano , CCIB has succeeded in bringing this forum for over 350 of the 250 people expected, including many young professionals from all sectors and participants from Europe and USA. The two axes thoughts set by the forum were the one hand the adequacy Business / Training and other private sector funding . The government was represented by the Minister of SMEs , Youth and Employment , Ms Reckya Mandougou And Mrs. Ouissavi , Minister of Industry and Commerce, who respectively introduced and concluded the forum . The discussions were led by the wise and talented professor Aguessy . The wealth of forums held between other under cross- national professionals and those in the diaspora . The presence of a delegation of Jacksonville , Florida , represented by Dr. Carlton Robinson and Senator Tony Hill has opened special discussion. AGADD for his part presented a paper on ” Green Business, what opportunities for Benin ? ” . After the exchange, lively and constructive, a list of recommendations has been prepared and will be submitted to the government . Our readers will find on our website as its official publication .

The success of this forum has confirmed the development options taken by the Chamber of Commerce. We recommend that means be implemented to support the efforts of the team in place with the President Soufiano . The support that the BCCI gives companies in terms of training , information monitoring and reflection is large, the president’s cabinet , young and dynamic team should be supported so that these initiatives can also be extended .

Go t AGAAD BLOG