This 'BDPA Monthly Newsletter' was published in November 2002. National president Milt Haynes shares his advice on employment search; updates from major corporate sponsor (FleetBoston Financial); BDPA Cleveland chapter review of recent community outreach efforts and information on 2003 BDPA Technology Conference.

1. BDPA MISSION
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY THOUGHT LEADERS BDPA is a global member
The focused organization that
positions its members at
the forefront of the IT indus-
try. BDPA is committed to
delivering IT excellence to
Monthly Newsletter our members, strategic
partners, and community.
The official newsletter of the BDPA Information Technology Thought Leaders
Volume 1 Number 11 NOVEMBER 2002
President's Message The BDPA online community of over 15,000 subscribers is constantly
growing and this forum provides access a vast pool of talented individ-
uals. By connecting through email distribution lists, company represen-
tatives are able to post jobs and attract the best candidates. Corporate
Employee Search Advice recruiters are encouraged to join our yahoogroups (e.g. BDPA-Jobs and
BDPA-Chicago-Jobs) and to register their job opportunities with BDPA.
In order to stay competitive, especially during Companies can also advertise career opportunities through BDPA to
tough economic times, companies need to con- attract the hard-to-find candidates. BDPA offers a variety of unique
tinually recruit talented Information Technology advertising opportunities in the monthly newsletters, the annual Career
professionals. This is easier said than done. Fair Guide and on the weekly National BDPA Internet Radio Show, and
Corporate recruiters have trouble finding quali- BDPA Cable TV shows.
fied employment candidates because profession-
als with above average technical, leadership and Sometimes the best way to locate hard to find candidates is through
business skills are always in demand, even during executive search firms. BDPA has relationships with African American
times of high unemployment. Corporate recruiters need to constantly search firms that can help find diversity candidates with advanced tech-
look for innovative ways to meet this challenge. BDPA, the Premier nical skill sets. Additionally, we have affiliations with consultant com-
Organization for African Americans in Information Technology, offers panies that have direct access to the BDPA talent pool for staff aug-
access to an extensive network of potential candidates through career mentation and project work. These African American businesses set
fairs, resume banks, program meetings, technology forums, online themselves apart from the competition by staffing hard to find technical
communities and other venues. experts with specialized skills.
To attract the best candidates, companies have to be known as a great Want to learn more about BDPA? Please visit our website at
place for African Americans in Information Technology to work. By www.bdpa.org or give us a call at 800-727-BDPA.
participating in surveys conducted by magazines and trade journals,
companies can gain valuable industry recognition as a great place to Milt Haynes
work. Gaining recognition through BDPA awards programs is another National BDPA President
high honor that attracts great candidates. To achieve BDPA recognition, November 2002
companies need to get involved in BDPA programs and activities to president@bdpa.org
demonstrate that they are great corporate citizens.
One of the best sources of qualified candidates is the BDPA Career Fair REMINDER
at the Annual Conference. By sponsoring a career fair booth, companies Register and pay for the
gain direct access to thousands of prospective candidates. Year after BDPA 2003 25th Annual National Conference
year, BDPA has received numerous accolades for the quality of the can- by December 31, 2002
didates attending the career fair. After the conference, companies can
to take advantage of the
gain access to career fair attendees and other prospective candidates
through the BDPA Resume Bank. $200 discount
Discount is based on the price of full registration after 6/30/03.
Throughout the year, BDPA hosts professional development workshops
and seminars geared toward helping Information Technology profes-
sionals advance their careers. This includes technical certification study
groups (e.g. Novell, Microsoft), career development workshops and INSIDE
entrepreneur training. Many companies partner with BDPA to host tech- BDPA Annual National Conference. . . . . . . . . . . . .2
nical forums and networking receptions so BDPA members can get to
FleetBoston Financial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
know the company. These are great opportunities to network with
BDPA members. Additionally, companies are welcome to attend BDPA
BDPA IT International Connection . . . . . . . . . .4
Monthly Program meetings in order to announce job opportunities and 25th Annual National Conference . . . . . . . . . .5
to distribute job postings. There is time allotted at each meeting for job 2003 Corporate Support Levels . . . . . . . . . . . .6
seekers to introduce themselves and for companies to announce job CTC-BDPA Cleveland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
postings. Resumes are submitted and preliminary interviews are held at BDPA Chapter Anniversaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
that time. Member Services “Sounding Board” . . . . . . . .7
BDPA Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
The BDPA Monthly Newsletter

2. The BDPA Annual National Conference
and Career Fair/Tech Expo provides sponsors:
Welcome to the
! National exposure through over 40 chapters nationwide with 3,000 members and an online
BDPA Monthly community of over 16,000.
Newsletter ! An opportunity to showcase your company's products, services and career opportunities.
Quality professionals for recruitment - because our conference attracts large numbers of IT
As a service to our members, the professionals, we provide corporate sponsors and ideal opportunity to recruit IT professionals
BDPA Monthly Newsletter is dis- qualified in leading-edge technologies.
tributed to provide pertinent
information on National BDPA The Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA), founded in 1975, is celebrating over 27-years of commit-
activities. ment "to closing the Digital Divide." BDPA encompasses 40 chapters and over 3,000 members in the
United States, Canada and around the world. BDPA is committed to the development of valuable minority
The BDPA Monthly Newsletter resources in the information technology industry.
will entail such things as: Career
and Professional Development The organization's primary objective is to accumulate a pool of information technology knowledge and
guidelines, “hot” technical skills, business expertise in order to:
job opportunities, member pro- ! Support the interest of those exploring the IT field as a career or business opportunity.
files, upcoming Professional and ! Provide a forum for the development of minority of skills and interests within the IT industry.
Social events, vision and thought ! Enhance awareness of the IT industry within the minority community.
leadership articles from the ! Actively participate in events supporting IT industry goals.
National Executive Committee as
well as other BDPA members. The Annual National Conference is BDPA's largest professional networking opportunity of the year. This
event drawing hundreds of professionals, students, entrepreneurs, educators, researchers, and corporate
Hopefully, you will find this publi- participants from across the country.
cation to be informative and
insightful. We welcome your During the 5-day event, African-American CIO's share their experience with their peers, while participants
input on the newsletter. from across the country take part in our Career Fair, explore the displays at our Technology Expo, and
attend seminars and workshops reflecting leading-edge technologies and strategies for IT professionals.
Comments, suggestions, and
opinions can be sent to: The annual National High School Student Computer Competition became a part of our Annual National
editor@BDPA.org. Conference in 1986. What started as a 2-team event has grown to over 30 teams of high school students
competing for scholarships and prizes. This event introduces African American youth to the field of IT,
encourages the youth to seek higher education and build the foundation for them to become our next gen-
ENJOY!
eration of IT professionals.
Reginald J. Gardner
National BDPA Vice Our annual awards banquet honors students, members and businesses through scholarship awards, Chapter
President, Member Services achievement awards and sponsor recognition awards.
Publication Committee: The BDPA Annual National Conference provides an invaluable opportunity for your corporation to invest
in the future, while taking advantage of this event as a resource for recruitment of high-level talented IT
Reggie Gardner professionals and students. The BDPA National Conference provides a total information technology expe-
(Sears, Roebuck & Co.) rience to high school students, college students, IT professionals, entrepreneurs, IT senior managers, cor-
porations, academia, government agencies and the research community. This value-packed slate of offer-
Wayne Hicks ings given by field experts, exemplifies the BDPA commitment to provide state-of-the-art training, profes-
(Hicks Enterprises) sional growth, technical development, entrepreneurial opportunity and access to leading edge technology
to its members, strategic partners, and the community.
Anita L.Vega
(OCCI-NY) BDPA offers a wide variety of professional development programs in Information Technology,
Professional Development, Career Development and Leadership Development to help members advance
their careers. It doesn't matter whether you aspire to be a technical expert, IT manager or an entrepreneur,
BDPA offers programs to take you every step of the way, from the classroom to the boardroom.
"Information Technology: From the Classroom to the Boardroom"
(See page 5 for Conference Pricing)
The BDPA Monthly Newsletter BDPA Internet Radio Show
Mailed and electronically forwarded to over 15,000 of our mem-
$75 per 30-second ad
bers, friends and supporters.
$350 per 15-minute sponsorship
1-Page rate: $1500.00
$650 per 30-minute sponsorship
1/2-Page rate: $1000.00
$900 per 60-minute sponsorship
Two page limit on ad space each month. Act right away!
For information, contact BDPA National Office at :(800) 727-BDPA or info@BDPA.org
2 The BDPA Monthly Newsletter

3. Volume 1 Number 11
FleetBoston Financial
BDPA Platinum Sponsor
FleetBoston Financial is the seventh-largest financial holding pares staff to assume leadership challenges. This wide array of
company in the United States, with assets of $191 billion. The development options helps blend IT skills and certifications
company's principal businesses, Personal Financial Services and with the strong business acumen that is needed.
Wholesale Banking, offer a comprehensive array of innovative
financial solutions to 20 million customers. The Fleet Workplace
The Fleet IT environment boasts more than 3,000 IT Fleet epitomizes an energizing workplace that is positive and
professionals primarily spread throughout the Northeast and inclusive. Females and minorities make up more than 50% of
some international locations. Fleet IT associates collaborate our IT workforce, and our associates appreciate Fleet's sensitivi-
with internal business partners to develop and implement lead- ty to the needs of a diverse workforce.
ing-edge technology solutions; take advantage of innovative
training opportunities; and enjoy being a part of a vibrant cor- Fleet's commitment to its employees and community is
porate culture. renowned and continually honored by leading associations.
Implementing Leading-Edge Technology ! Ranked 10th on Historic List for "100 Best Places to Work
in IT," Computerworld Magazine, 2002.
Technology-driven products and services are a major part of ! Top 10 company for Diversity, DiversityInc., 2002.
Fleet's customer focus. IT staff are extensively integrated into ! Recognized four years in a row, 1999 through 2002, by
business projects that foster across-the-board team efforts to Working Mother Magazine as one of the 100 Best
provide appropriate solutions to meet customer needs. The staff Companies for working mothers and as one of the 50 Best
has the opportunity to define and deploy sophisticated technolo- Companies for Latinas by LatinaStyle Magazine.
gy solutions through mid-range, client-server, object oriented ! Top 50 Powerful and Gay Friendly Companies in 2001,
and Web systems. Gay Financial Network, 2001.
! Top 50 Companies that Give the Most, Worth Magazine,
! Fleet HomelinkSM, one of the nation's leading on-line 2001.
banking platforms.
! InvestmentLinkSM for traders. Fleet's dedication to:
! Leading-edge ATM technology, including on-screen - Employee involvement (annual employee surveys and
language and talking ATMs for the visually impaired. quarterly town hall meetings)
! Intranet applications for employee self-service. - Work-life integration (telecommuting, physical wellness
programs)
Recent employee survey results show that over 75% of our IT - Employee resource groups for Black professionals,
staff like the kind of work they do and a majority acknowledges Latino professionals, Asian professional, Gays and
a strong atmosphere of cooperation. Such spirit and connection Lesbians, Parents, Women and individuals with disabili
prompted over 80% of the IT staff to declare that they are very ties
committed to Fleet's success. - Community involvement and volunteerism (2 paid days
off a year to serve the community); and
Innovative Training - Industry-leading benefits
contributes to a culture that engenders pride and the sense that
Fleet's greatest strength is its thoughtful and talented people. Fleet is a compelling place to work.
Every employee is encouraged to maximize their potential and
is rewarded for forward-thinking behaviors and actions. FleetBoston Financial Proud to Partner with BDPA
At Fleet, the role of the IT professional has rapidly evolved to FleetBoston Financial is a proud BDPA sponsor with employee
being a true business partner. In recognition of that role, our members in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York and New
NOVEMBER 2002
training portfolio stresses "whole-person professional develop- Jersey. Fleet sponsored the new BDPA chapter in Providence,
ment." For example, Capability Maturity Model (CMMSM), an Rhode Island and is supporting the emerging chapter in Albany,
offshoot of the program developed by Carnegie Mellon for proj- New York. As a BDPA partner, Fleet recognizes the advantages
ect management and system development, builds skills in of "bridging the digital divide" for its customers, employees and
process and methodology. Web-based Harvard Manage industry partners, and values the direction BDPA sets in build-
MentorSM provides training in "soft skills," such as negotiation, ing a talented and diverse IT workforce.
delegation, consensus building and coaching; "Books 24 x 7SM"
delivers an on-line library of technical books from top Forward. Thinking.
publishers; and, Building Leadership EquitySM pre-
The BDPA Monthly Newsletter 3

4. 4 The BDPA Monthly Newsletter

5. Volume 1 Number 11
BDPA 2003
25th ANNUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE
"Information Technology: From the Classroom to the Boardroom"
August 13-17, 2003
PHILADELPHIA MARRIOTT
1201 MARKET STREET, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19107
PHONE: 215-625-2900 FAX: 215-625-6097
2003 CONFERENCE PRICING LIST CAREER FAIR & TECHNOLOGY EXPO
ADVERTISING Friday and Saturday, August 15th and 16th
Program Guide Black & White
" Full Page $1,000 LEADING EDGE SEMINAR TRACKS:
" ½ Page $750 I. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
" Inside Front Cover $1,500
II. LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
" Inside Back Cover $1,500
III. ENTREPRENEURS & SMALL BUSINESS
Career Fair Guide Black & White IV. CAREER DEVELOPMENT
" Full Page $1,500 V. ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT
" ½ Page $1,000
VI. COLLEGE STUDENT TRACK
CONFERENCE PROMOTION
" Newsletter Sponsorship $2,500 IT SENIOR MANAGEMENT FORUM (ITSMF)
" Web Banner $1,500 (3 months) Network with CIOs and Senior Management Professionals
" Conference Tote Bags $10,000
" Internet Radio Show $900 HIGH SCHOOL COMPUTER COMPETITION (HSCC)
Experience the excitement as high school students from over 25
RECEPTIONS & MEAL FUNCTIONS Sponsorship Attendees
" BDPA IT Golf Classic $35,000 144 golfers urban communities display their skills and expertise in program-
" Chapter Officers Luncheon $5,000 150 ming and technical presentations.
" Chapter Presidents Luncheon $7,500 250
" Community Service Recognition Dinner$10,000 250 YOUTH CONFERENCE
" Corporate Hospitality Suites $3,000 250 Hands-on training and workshops in technology, PCBuilding
" Chapter Presidents Brunch $2,500 55
" Board of Directors Luncheon $3,000 80 Race and IT Knowledge Quiz Bowl, and IT Showcase
" Dignitaries Reception $15,000 350
" Awards Executive Reception $5,000 250 NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
" Executive Reception $3,500 150 Meet IT Professionals from over 40 BDPA chapters across the
" Hospitality Receptions $6,000 each 250-300 nation.
" Evening Hospitality Suites $2,000 each 100
" Opening Reception $15,000 500 · CIO ROUNDTABLE
" Youth/HSCC Conference Breakfast $3,500 each 250 · ENTREPRENEUR SHOWCASE
" Youth/HSCC Lunch $5,000 each 250 · COLLEGE & HBCU ROUNDTABLE
" Youth/HSCC Dinner $7,500 each 250
· TOWN HALL MEETING
" Plenary Session (3) $4,000 each 200 · AWARDS BANQUET
" Prayer Breakfast $10,000 350 · BDPA IT GOLF CLASSIC
" Awards Banquet Reception $6,000 400-600 · PRAYER BREAKFAST
" Awards Banquet Sponsorship $50,000 800-1000
" Awards Banquet Table (10 per table) $750 /table
" Awards Banquet Corporate Package* $2,000
" Prayer Breakfast (10 per table) $400 /table
* Ten (10) invitations to Awards Banquet Executive Reception, one (1) banquet
table, prime location for banquet table, full page ad in the banquet program book
(deadlines apply) MEMBER / NON MEMBER CONFERENCE PRICING
Register By Member Non-Member
IN-KIND
" Youth Conference Workstations 30 Computers and printers ADULT-FULL
" HSCC Workstations 30 Computers and printers 12/31/02 $350 $500
" Workshop/Internet 30 Computers 06/30/03 $450 $600
" Cyber Café 20 Computers after 6/30/03 $550 $700
NOVEMBER 2002
" HSCC Program Support Contribution
" Youth Conference Program Support Contribution COLLEGE STUDENT
" Conference Printing Program Guide, Proceedings 12/31/02 $150 $200
Guide, Youth, Career Fair Guide after 01/01/03 $200 $250
ENTREPRENEUR SHOWCASE
HSCC/YOUTH
" Breakfast $4,000 $150 $150
" Lunch $4,500
REGISTER NOW! TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE DISCOUNT RATES!!
CORPORATE Pay by Pay after
CONFERENCE PRICING 3/28/03 3/28/03 TO CONTACT BDPA:
" Platinum Conference Partner $50,000 $50,000
" Gold Conference Partner $20,000 $20,000
PHONE: (800) 727-BDPA, (301) 220-2180 FAX: (301) 220-2185
" Silver Conference Partner $8,000 $10,000 WEBSITE: WWW.BDPA.ORG
" Bronze Conference Partner $4,500 $5,000 6401 Golden Triangle Drive, Suite 450 , Greenbelt, MD 20770
The BDPA Monthly Newsletter 5

6. 6 The BDPA Monthly Newsletter

7. Volume 1 Number 11
AROUND & ABOUT BDPA
The Community Technology Center
BDPA Cleveland Chapter Member Services "Sounding Board"
From Vision(ary) to Implementation in less than ten months!
Member Benefits and Services are an integral part of any
How quickly can an idea for a technology resource center go from
discussion to dedication and grand opening? Not very long if the
Professional Organization. A list of all BDPA benefits and
visionary is Norman R. Mays. This man has been a major player in services can be found on the BDPA website at
the Black Data Processing Associates since the late seventies. He is http://www.bdpa.org/benefits.cfm
the founder of the third chapter in Cleveland, Ohio and the
number one reason I joined BDPA in 1980. In an effort to provide continuous improvement and value to our
On May 6, 2002, BDPA and Allstate Insurance hosted members, the Member Services Department welcomes your
the Grand Opening and Dedication of the John F. feedback to the following survey. Please send your responses to
Kennedy High (JFK) School Community memberservices@bdpa.org
Technology Center. Why? Because Norman lis-
tened, heard, and shared with us the ideas of 1. Are you aware of the benefits and services
Mr. Frank Pollard of Allstate Insurance, the available to you as a BDPA Member?
corporate sponsor had for a technology center.
Why? Because Norman inspired us in Cleveland 2. On a scale of 1-5 (5 being the highest), how
with the vision of offering a technology center for would you rate BDPA Member Benefits?
the students and the community. Why? Because 3. What member benefits have you utilized?
Norman's drive and focus to use technology, educate people and What is your satisfaction level with those
reduce the digital divide has never wavered since I met him in 1980.
benefits?
Vision is not the only thing Norman brought to the table. He met 4. What benefits are most valuable/important
with Allstate Insurance many times, cultivated the resources at JFK,
to you?
while encouraging a star teacher at JFK,
Mr. Ed Young, to lead the charge with the students and school staff. 5. What benefits should be added?
Norman was the contact person on this project, assisting with the
coordination. He made the contacts with Cleveland Municipal Thank you for your feedback.
School District administration to confirm the necessary steps were Reginald Gardner
fulfilled to allow the project to take place. National BDPA Vice President, Member Services
On May 6, Norman was at JFK on the phone making sure all the
technical requirements were taken care of for the grand opening.
Norman facilitated two sessions of the interactive educational soft-
ware demonstrations, LearningIdeas, and they went smoothly! Attention Job Seekers!
Those of us in the IT field know that never happens on 'show and Get practical advice and tips on managing your job
tell' day! But it did! Because our founder and leader, Norman R. search, submitted by our very own BDPA members!
Mays, was at the helm. BDPA Jobs at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BDPA-Jobs/
In June 2002, the Cleveland BDPA Chapter added another benefit At these sites, you’ll find a treasure trove of suggestions and
for our members. Norman R. Mays hosts a Leadership Series presen- information based on the real-life job-search experiences of
tation at each of our monthly Information Exchange meetings. our own BDPA members. Topics include:
Norman is a leader who never stops giving and sharing for the bet- ! Subscribing to Job Search Email Groups
terment of us all. ! Organizing and Managing Your Email
! Finding Job Leads
Beverly J. Peterson, President BDPA Cleveland Chapter ! Marketing Yourself
! Preserving Your Sanity
! Evaluating Your Salary Requirements vs. Your
Expectations
NOVEMBER 2002
More tips will be added based on member experiences and
feedback! Don’t delay! Join one or both of the BDPA Jobs
BDPA CHAPTER ANNIVERSARIES groups TODAY!
DECEMBER 2002
11th Anniversary Northwest Indiana Chapter
13th Anniversary BDPA Cincinnati Chapter If you are interested in contributing an article to
14th Anniversary BDPA Ft. Wayne Chapter
be published in the BDPA Monthly Newsletter,
please contact:
16th Anniversary BDPA Phoenix Chapter editor@bdpa.org
The BDPA Monthly Newsletter 7

8. UPCOMING EVENTS NOVEMBER 2002 ISSUE
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2002 Information Technology Thought Leaders
Every Thursday @ 10:30am ET - BDPA Internet Radio Show The BDPA Monthly Newsletter
http://www.tbwt.com
NOVEMBER
2nd Annual Anniversary The newsletter designed to keep our members informed
BDPA Virginia State University Chapter of news, events and perspectives important to our
5th Annual Scholarship & Awards Banquet
community.
BDPA Greater Columbia (SC) Chapter
Annual Scholarship Banquet
BDPA Atlanta Chapter We welcome your comments: editor@BDPA.org
Annual CIO Reception
BDPA Chicago Chapter Read our Online Journal for breaking news, information
Annual Education Banquet
BDPA Greater Tampa Bay Chapter and updates: www.BDPAjournal.org
8 NEC Meeting (Columbia SC)
9-10 4Q-2002 NBOD Meeting (Columbia SC)
"Strategy and Planning
(Business Plan, Project Plan, Budget)" BDPA 2003
16 Annual Awards Banquet 25th ANNUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE
BDPA Northwest Indiana Chapter
DECEMBER “Information Technology:
Annual Awards Banquet From the Classroom to the Boardroom”
BDPA Charlotte Chapter
6 Annual Kwanzaa Celebration August 13-17, 2003
BDPA Washington DC Chapter
Philadelphia Marriott Hotel - Philadelphia, PA
Chapters may send their information on upcoming events to:
Platinum Level Conference Partner:
info@bdpa.org.
FleetBoston Financial
PRE-SORTED
BDPA Information Technology Thought Leaders FIRST CLASS
National Headquarters U.S. POSTAGE PAID
6401 Golden Triangle Drive, Suite 450 PERMIT NO. 24460
Greenbelt, MD 20770 MERRIFIELD, VA
www.bdpa.org