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NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACK SUPPLIERS (NABS) EMERGES WITH EXPANDED FOCUS AND REDEDICATED MISSION OF HELPING BLACK ENTREPRENEURS SUCCEED

(BlackNews.com) -- The National Association of Black Automotive Suppliers (NABAS) announced today the changing of its name to The National Association of Black Suppliers (NABS) to reflect the expanded focus the organization has in being the leading resource for Black Industrial entrepreneurs beyond the automotive industry.

Founded in 1987 by eleven Black business owners as the National Association of Black Automotive Suppliers, the previous entity was more narrowly focused on Black entrepreneurs whose primary customers were automotive manufacturers. The influence and impact of the organization was limited primarily to the upper Midwest region of the United States where a majority of automotive industry decisions were made.

"The original mission of the organization was to communicate to automotive manufacturers about the products we produced and delivered as well as issues that were unique to the Black Industrial entrepreneur," said Leon C. Richardson, Chairman of NABS. "Our new mission is to be the leading voice of the Black Industrialist and advocate for the success of our members while expanding our influence into emerging industries."

The membership of NABS is comprised by Black Industrial entrepreneurs who started companies and bootstrapped them during their growth phases and now successfully provide products and services to Fortune 100 companies.

The retraction of the automotive industry created an opportunity for NABS to evaluate its membership, along with the skills and expertise they deliver to customers. Six industry sectors, emerging sectors, were identified as industries that are experiencing growth and the skills and services offered by member companies were transferrable and relevant. These industries represent opportunities that members can pursue and leverage their investment in processes, infrastructure and resources to grow their businesses.

Those sectors are: Healthcare; Casinos/Hotels; Education/Institutions; Utilities; Government/Defense and Alternative Energy.

"We realized that the skills that were honed through nearly 25 years of servicing the automotive industry were also applicable to other industry sectors," continued Richardson. "Since we've identified those emerging sectors we have members actively pursuing opportunities and building relationships with new companies."

The group's membership was originally comprised almost entirely of automotive-related companies. As the organization evolved into NABS, the membership base broadened to include Black Industrial entrepreneurs running companies that provide goods and services to non-automotive companies, yet wanted to have a forum that addresses issues unique to Black entrepreneurs and not available through other groups.

"NABS will fill the need of a strong, advocacy organization that speaks to the issues confronting the Black Industrial entrepreneur," said Roderick K. Rickman, NABS Immediate Past Chairman and current Chairman of the NABS Advocacy Committee. "We are committed to helping our members achieve the success they aspire to."

About NABS

The National Association of Black Suppliers (NABS) is the leading voice of the Black Industrialist and is committed to advocating for the success of our members, customers, and other stakeholders. Membership is comprised of companies that are minority-certified, and deliver quality products to customers globally. Additionally, many of our member companies have operations in numerous foreign countries.

NABS is a 501(C)6 organization that works to promote long-term, mutually beneficial relationships for its broad and diverse membership base. Member companies receive a wide array of exclusive benefits and services.

More information about membership, benefits and NABS information can be found on their website at www.nationalblacksuppliers.org.

CONTACT:
Roderick K. Rickman
NABS Advocacy Chairman
(313) 363-0675
rr@rickmanenterprise.com