July 29 , 2010

The California Black Chamber of Commerce is excited and energized about our 15th Anniversary Ron Brown Business/Economic Summit & Gala held at the beautiful Marriott Manhattan Beach complex in Manhattan Beach, CA. Our theme “15 Years of Continuous Service, Commitment, & Excellence” reflects the vital role the Chamber and Foundation has represented predominately in the African American community over the last 15 years.This representation of African American Business and Civic organizations have entered through the halls of National and State government to public and private business entities to protect and expand on business opportunities for community growth and sustainability.I look forward to meeting and interacting with each of you personally, as we move to the next level of business success together. Respectfully,Aubry L. StonePresident/CEOCalifornia Black Chamber of Commerce Ron Brown Summit Co- ChairsWalter Rhodes is CEO of Shiloh Energy Group, a renewable energy company located in San Jose, California.

The firm was founded by a group of officer level African Americans from Fortune 500 Energy companies including General Electric, Williams, CenterPoint, PG&E, Entergy and Western Gas. Shiloh designs and builds renewable energy systems utilizing “best in industry” alliances with partners such as Solon, GE, Satcon and WESCO. Walter is a 30 year veteran of corporate America. Prior to founding the Shiloh Energy Group he served as Vice President of Shared Services at PG&E and Vice President of Supply Chain and Support Operations with Entergy Inc. Walter spent the bulk of his professional career with General Electric where he held key management positions at GE Energy and GE Nuclear.

A graduate of Grambling State University he holds Bachelor of Science degrees in economics and finance. He also holds a Master of Business Administration from UCLA. He is a former board member of the University of Louisiana System. Walter is a member of Omega Psi Phi and Sigma Pi Phi Fraternities. James Shelby, of Citrus Heights, has been appointed to the Gambling Control Commission. Since 1996, he has been a member of the Citrus Heights City Council, where he served as mayor in 1999, 2003, 2006 and 2009. Shelby was president and chief executive officer for the Greater Sacramento Urban League from 1992 to 2009. Prior to that, he was manager of employee relations and executive assistant to the general manager for the Sacramento Municipal Utility District from 1990 to 1992. Shelby was senior apprenticeship consultant for the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards from 1977 to 1990. This position requires Senate confirmation.

Inside This Comminique Ron Brown Summit Co-Chairs Summit Overview Leonard E. Robinson — Where Are All of the Green Business Opportunities? Gerry Foster—Brand and Market Yourself Like Your Life Depended on it! Kevin Bracy, Youth Summit Keynote Speaker 15th Annual Youth Scholarship Golf Classic Marriott Manhattan Beach Complex Join the CBCC

Summit Overview Ron Brown Business and Economic Summit’s 15th Year Anniversary Celebrates Entrpreneurship in a Down Economy As California continues to limp through the worst economic condition since the Great Depression, the California Black Chamber of Commerce Foundation provides business opportunities and advocacy for African American community growth and sustainability.The 15th Annual Ron Brown Business and Economic Summit (August 19-21, Marriott Hotel -Manhattan Beach, California) showcases prominent public and private business leaders, sharing the most innovative and effective strategies to thrive during this challenging business landscape.The three-day summit features special guest speakers Gerry Foster and Kristene Smith. Foster, otherwise known as the “Branding Evangelist” will provide a presentation entitled, “Brand and Market Yourself Like Your Life Depended on It.” This workshop promises to show participants how to make their businesses, “unforgettable by transforming your products and services into a powerful brand so you can have more sales, more customers and more money,” according to Foster.

Kristene Smith

Smith, founder and CEO of Kristene Smith, Incorporated provides CBCCF members and guests with a dynamic presentation about social media and new and innovative home-based marketing strategies. Her discussion will define social media, new media and current trends to advance small business success. “We are very excited about sharing new and critical approaches to business development in a down economy for our members and summit participants,” said Aubry Stone, President and CEO of the California Black Chamber of Commerce Foundation, “Our theme, 15 Years of Continuous Service, Commitment, & Excellence reflects the vital role the Chamber and Foundation has represented predominately in the African American community.”The summit begins with its annual golf tournament to raise scholarship funds for students and young business entrepreneurs during their first years in college.

CBCCF Summit plenary sessions also include workshops on financial literacy, green business development, access to capital and youth entrepreneurship. The summit’s market place serves as a popular commerce section for small business vendors with unique African American products and services. Keynote presenters include Leonard Robinson, Chief Deputy Director CA Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Toxic Substances Control speaking on “Where Are The Green Business Opportunities” (Friday Plenary Session), Kevin Bracey, representing Life Changers International (Chairman’s Scholarship Lunch), Cecil House representing Southern California Edison (President’s Corporate Appreciation Luncheon) and Julia Hubbel representing the Hub Factor (Power Breakfast).

-Staff Reports