(NNPA)—Much of America is still in the emergency room trying to recover from their economic wombs inflicted while Barack Obama was serving as U.S. senator for the great state of Illinois.

It is no surprise that if pain can be found on the body politic of the U.S. citizenry, a more severe economic discomfort is being felt by African-Americans. This represents a long tradition dating back to slavery: the last hired, the first fired and the least likely to be awarded a contract.

Spring job fair

MARCH 17—The Community College of Allegheny County will host a Spring Job Fair from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Boyce Campus Student Services Center, 2nd floor, 808 Ridge Ave., North Side. Attendees should dress to impress and bring several copies of their resume. For more information, call 412-237-2545.

(NNPA)—Black consumers are responding to tighter economic conditions by focusing more of their spending on products and services that improve their homes and lifestyle. That’s one of the trends revealed in the 15th annual report, “The Buying Power of Black America,” published by Target Market News.

From programs and services provided by the Community College of Allegheny County, legislative updates, how to acquire information on obtaining stimulus funding to obtaining financing, assessing current revenue streams and principles to operating a successful business, much information was to be had during the Western Pennsylvania Minority Supplier Development Council Supplier Diversity Town Hall Meeting.

With a special emphasis to help MBEs and corporations focus on the threats and opportunities they will face in 2010, to “adjust their headsets” and provide specific steps to take to grow their businesses, the affiliate of the National Minority Supplier Development Council hosted the event themed—“New Beginnings…Positioning for Success” Feb. 24 at the CCAC Student Services Center Auditorium. Sponsors included CCAC, PNC and RRI Energy, Inc.

SHARING A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE—Addressing issues affecting businesses in today’s economy during the town hall meeting held by the Western Pennsylvania Minority Supplier Development Council were, from left to right: Mark Harrison, Vic Tatum, Craig Bingham, Carl Knoblock, Naomi Moye, Robert Stein and Darrell Freeman.