225 Spragins Street Suite E Huntsville, Alabama 35801 Office (256) 551-0673 * Fax: (256) 564-7344 Website * www.alblackcc.

org Email * wehelp@alblackcc.org

A-blast 051512 1. Legislative Update: The legislative session is coming to a close and the outcome of a few key bills is still in the air. In particular we await the conclusion of the debate on pending Immigration reform legislation (HB56 vs. HB658) with the impact on businesses still to be determined. HB 600 (Alabama Small Business Financing Act) a bill that would potentially provide increased access to capital to small businesses was carried over. HB 257(Spurring Investment in Struggling Communities) which authorizes tax credits on the states share of certain taxes for investments in qualified community businesses in low-income communities and SB 459 (Single Point Filing) which allows business owners with multiple locations to do single location tax filings passed and will be signed. 2. Coming Soon: Next month the ASBCC will formally announce the launch of its PAC and an updated website. Stay tuned. 3. NBCC Construction Committee. The National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) is assembling a national Construction Committee made up of NBCC members who are contractor, architects and engineers. The focus of the committee will be to increase procurement opportunities. We are pleased to have ASBCC Board Chairman and KHAFRA principal Brandon Hewitt represent the ASBCC on this committee. 4. Great Time: We had a great experience visiting with the Tri-County Branch of the NAACP in Florence and speaking at their Freedom Fund Banquet. Keep up the good work President Nellie Vinson. 5. Opportunities: The NBCCs 20th Annual Convention is schedule for July 19-21 in Atlanta, GA at the Four Seasons Hotel. At the convention SR Smoot Construction and H.J. Russell Construction will present strategies on how to do business with them on the $400 million Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. For registration and information go to www.nbccconvention.org.