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Nat'l. Business League
Dallas, Texas
September, 1982
Theodore R. Hagens, Jr.
Executive Director

NATIONAL BUSINESS LEAGUE 
In the EIGHTIES

[[image]]
[[caption]] NBL President Theodore R. Hagans, Jr. presenting tribute to retiring General Motors Chairman Thomas Murphy during a special Minority Community Tribute Luncheon in Washington, D.C. [[/caption]]

INTRODUCTION:

From the earliest days of this country's beginnings, Black Americans have been engaged in business, industry and commercial pursuits. It was not until 1900, however, that an organized federation of merchants and tradesmen was established to promote and protect the financial and commercial interests of Black entrepreneurs. Under the leadership and guidance of the renowned educator, Dr. Booker T. Washington, a few hundred men and women launched the organization which has now become the National Business League.

Despite such modest origins, the National Business League has attained a national prominence while remaining in touch with the fundamental tenets of American life. And there is nothing more fundamental to America than business. Historically, the National Business League has recognized economic activity as the cornerstone of American growth and progress. Underscoring the importance of business enterprise, Dr. Washington observed: "No people ever got upon its feet and obtained respect and confidence of the world which did not lay its foundations in successful business enterprise. Although business and commerce do not embrace all the interests of our people, we believe that without a solid economic foundation, it is impossible for any race of people to make much enduring, or much permanent progress in any country of the world."

In existence 12 years before the U. S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Business League is the nation's oldest business organization. As a national federation of associations, corporations, individuals and business firms, our membership encompasses a broad spectrum of business enterprises ranging from international trading concerns and high technology manufacturers, to small service establishments and sole proprietorships. With a growing membership found in 120 chartered chapters in 37 states and the District of Columbia, the League's national network includes more than 50 national professional and trade associations, affiliated through the National Council for Policy Review, and more than 40 student chapters active through the National Student Business League.

As the primary national advocate for Black and minority economic development, the League seeks to ensure full and equitable participation for its constituency in the nation's business and commercial activities. Through its efforts to promote Black and minority business development and expansion, the League helps to address such broad national initiativs [[initiatives]] as job creation, urban revitalization, industrial and technological development, and the production of alternative energy sources. Guided by the fundamental belief that minority enterprise is vital to the sustained growth of our national economy, NBL has sought to generate a wide range of public and private sector programs to promote and encourage minority economic development.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the League provides advice and counsel to all branches of the federal government involved in the design and implementation of federal minority business enterprise efforts, and regularly monitors the performance of federal agencies charged with minority business enterprise initiatives. In addition, NBL utilizes a variety of tactics, including constituency services, communications, research and development, and advocacy activities, to further its historic mission in pursuit of full and equitable participation for minorities in the American economic mainstream.

Theodore R. Hagans, Jr., the 11th and current president of the League has inspired the continuing growth and development of this broad-based minority organization. An active supporter of the League from more than 20 years, Hagans had served three terms as Senior Vice President during the previous administration, and, as president and chairman of the board of the D.C. Chamber of Commerce, had contributed much to the development of the NBL's local chapter affiliate in Washington, D.C.

A highly successful businessman who has established a number of thriving enterprises in the areas of real estate, land development, parking, and property management, Hagans in perhaps most renowned for his development of Fort Lincoln New Town. Designed as a model "new town in town," Fort Lincoln rests on a 360-acre site and represents one of the largest real estate ventures operated by a Black entrepreneur in this country.

Since his election as president of the League, Hagans has sought to expand the organization and secure an independent financial base. Through his efforts, NBL has instituted a Capital Fund, the League has acquired a Minority Enterprises Small Business Investment Company (MESBIC), and re-incorporated it as the NBL Capital Corporation. Once properly capitalized, the NBL Capital Corporation will operate in much the same way as the National Negro Finance Corporation, and provide a pool of resources for the benefit of established and emerging minority enterprises.

Hagans has also moved the League closer to achieving one of its historic goals-the acquisition of a national headquarters. Through his efforts, NBL has been awarded rights to develop a parcel of land in southwest Washington, and construct a 130,000 square foot building for its national headquarters. With plans for office space, meeting, facilities, underground parking, and a rooftop terrace, the building may also house other minority associations, as well as the Booker T. Washington Foundation and the National Council for Policy Review.

In late October, the League held the groundbreaking ceremony for the new headquarters building. Hagans, calling the ceremony a fulfillment of the Booker T. Washington legacy, stated, "When I assumed the presidency of the National  Business League in 1979, one of my primary objectives was to rekindle the philosophy of our founder, Dr. Booker T. Washington. That philosophy was based on the principles of self-help and self-sufficiency. The establishment of a national headquarters building, which has been an official mandate since 1949, clearly furthers that object."

Upon completion, the building will become the first office complex developed and controlled by a Black or minority business organization. The construction of the $10 million dollar headquarters building, slated for completion by the end of 1982, will include the use of Black and minority contractors and sub-contractors.

MAJOR INITIATIVES AND CURRENT PROGRAMS:

Through its national office in Washington, D.C., its 120 chartered chapters, and the more than 50 national minority professional and trade association affiliates, the League conducts a broad range of program activities each year. Many projects, such as constituency services, educational seminars, and communications, are continuous throughout the year. For example, information about business opportunities and economic trends is provided through two monthly publications, a membership newsletter, the National Memo, and a business bulletin, "The Briefs...". In addition, a variety of business development seminars are conducted by local chapters, and the highly acclaimed Certificate Institute Series is a featured part of the Annual Convention program. 

The League also provides a number of services in conjunction with federally funded grants and projects. In the past year, for example, through a contract with the Minority Business Development Agency, the League has conducted research on business opportunities for minorities in growth industries, and has established a data base to identify areas of growth potential and target the industries with maximum viability for Black and minority firms. With a grant from the Small Business Administration, the League conducted a survey of Black and minority women in business, to identify the barriers, beyond sex, that have inhibited the successful growth and development of their enterprises. Pursuant to a contract with the U.S. Department of Labor, the League has compiled a business assistance handbook for small and minority business owners to encourage their participation in the Private Sector Initiative Program.

In addition to such cooperative efforts with the federal government, the League has established a working partnership with the private sector as well. From its earliest beginnings, NBL has enlisted corporate America to further its programs and objectives. Early supporters included John D. Rockefeller and Julius Rosenwald, and current League programs and activities are supported by a wide range of Fortune 500 firms. Recognizing the vital importance of corporate sector opportunities to the viability of minority business enterprises, the League has sought to foster dealer development programs, procurement activities, joint ventures, and investment practices between minority firms and the nation's leading corporations.

While a host of other associations and groups focus on the provision of direct management and technical assistance to individual entrepreneurs, the Leagu's [[League's]] activities address broad national initiatives, and aim to expand business opportunities for Blacks and other minorities within both the private and public sectors. Moreover, the League projects and programs are targeted to a broadly based constituency, and are widely available without regard to industrial classification, category of business, geographical area, or other distinctions that could limit the accessibility of assistance. 

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