This Week in BDPA (Dec 12-18)

BDPA has 45 chapters around the nation. You can always find programs, services or networking activity here or here. BDPA supports your efforts for career advancement in the IT industry. Our hope is that you will continue to support Our Cause!

Are you taking advantage of these programs? Here is a weekly preview of upcoming events gathered from the centralized BDPA calendar :

• Dec 14: National BDPA - Conference Call, 'Job Seekers Forum'
• Dec 15: St. Louis - Networking, 'Holiday Celebration'
• Dec 16: Baltimore, Northern Virginia and Washington DC - Networking, 'Annual Holiday Event and Open House'
• Dec 16: Greater Columbia - Networking, 'Annual Holiday Meeting'
• Dec 17: Philadelphia - Networking, 'Annual Pink Slip Networking Event'
• Dec 17: New York - Networking, 'Holiday Party and SITES Fundraiser'
• Dec 17: New Jersey - Networking, 'Annual Holiday Celebration'
• Dec 18: Los Angeles - Networking, 'Annual Scholarship and Awards Luncheon'

We encourage all BDPA leaders to take advantage of the centralized BDPA Groupsite Calendar to post your upcoming events! Please let us know of other BDPA events that we may have missed. Most importantly, let us know if you plan to attend any BDPA events this week.

The BDPA Insider - December 12, 2010

  

The BDPA Insider – December 12, 2010
 
What better way to start the day than with your weekly message from BDPA!
 
In this issue:

1. 11 Hot Skills for 2011
2. BDPA IT Institute Offers PMP Exam Prep Course thru Auburn University
3. Feedback: Parent of HSCC Alumni Tyrone Hinderson (Los Angeles, 2007-2010) 
4. So You Lost Your Job What Do You Do Now?
5. Tech Tip: Using iPad
6. Understand the Mind of the Interviewer
7. Unemployment Rate Remains High‏
8. Why BDPA Students Should Consider the US Air Force Academy

If you believe in what BDPA is trying to accomplish ... you can help us by supporting our scholarship fund!

Feedback: Parent of HSCC Alumni Tyrone Hinderson (Los Angeles, 2007-2010)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) provides funding for programs that advance its members in the IT industry from the classroom to the boardroom. Advancement comes from relationships and volunteer efforts taking place in 45 chapter cities around the country.

Sometimes we aren't sure if our efforts are making a difference. At those times of uncertainty ... it feels good to read a message like this one from the parent of Tyrone Hinderson.

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Our family began our journey with BDPA in January 2007. My son Tyrone reluctantly attended the orientation for the High School Computer Competition (HSCC) program.

After deciding to check the program out Tyrone became totally engrossed in the Saturday classes. The instructors, being African American IT professionals, have been great mentors and role models for my son. He has learned so many valuable things as a result of his four year experience. Tyrone has used his programming skills to create video games, build web sites, and enhance his ability to excel in his high school AP Computer Science course.

BDPA teaches the students teamwork and networking skills; how to facilitate, plan, organize and conduct meetings, deliver speeches, in addition, to developing programming skills. In addition, Tyrone was taught how to conduct himself at conventions, and has traveled to Washington DC, Atlanta, North Carolina, and Philadelphia to represent BDPA Los Angeles chapter in the High School Computer Competition (HSCC) at the annual BDPA National convention.

When Tyrone applied to colleges, he was able to use his BDPA experience to demonstrate skills by reference in his college and scholarship applications. Tyrone was accepted with scholarships to: Columbia University, Johns Hopkins University, Harvey Mudd College, Pomona College, Tufts University, UCLA, Wesleyan University and several other institutions. He is currently enrolled at Columbia University majoring in Computer Science and Biology.

Colleges are seeking students with the skills made available to dedicated students who participate in the BDPA HSCC program. I encourage all parents to introduce BDPA HSCC to other students, families and friends. Tyrone plans on being a lifetime member of BDPA, and will be a participant at future events and conventions, further expanding his knowledge base.

Thank you,
Mrs. Staci Evans Hinderson
Tyrone P. Hinderson’s parent

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I had a big smile on my face as I read this letter from Mrs. Hinderson. I hope this blog post has the same impact on you! If, in the future, you feel like you're uncertain about your future with BDPA ... just come back and read this letter!

Election Results: BDPA New York (2011-2012)

We are pleased to announce that Renetta English has been elected to serve as 2011-2012 chapter president by the members of the BDPA New York chapter.   BDPA New York chapter has a lengthy and important legacy ... and Renetta is making the commitment to lead her chapter to the next level as we enter into the new decade.

Renetta is one of the hardest-working members in BDPA. She has been a member of BDPA since 2004 serving in several leadership roles. In 2008, she was the chapter's director of human resources. Currently, she serves as the chapter's vice president of Membership Management. It is worth noting that BDPA New York chapter membership has grown by 30% since she accepted this leadership role.

Renetta is dedicated to BDPA and believes it to be a premiere organization for IT professionals.

"We must all work together to participate in and promote the goald and mission of BDPA."

Renetta laid out her campaign platform to the chapter membership prior to the election. She has strong ideas about the future direction of BDPA New York in areas such as Membership, Youth Programs, Finances, Corporate Sponsorships, Political Relationships, Small Business Owners, Strategic Partnerships and Community.

Please join me in welcoming Renetta as the newest member of the National BDPA Board of Directors.

Consortium for Enterprise Systems Management Scholarship for BDPA Students (Deadline Extended: 12/31/2010)

Consortium for Enterprise Systems Management (CESM) executive director Lonnie Emard is enthusiastic about his work. CESM is a collaboration of companies, colleges and universities, and community groups that share a mission: Increase the supply in the IT talent pipeline. As such, Mr. Emard thought it would be a great idea to offer a scholarship for any qualified high school student in BDPA-nation.

Applicants must excel academically, show exceptional leadership potential, and make an impact on their communities through service to others. Applicants need to (a) be from South Carolina or North Carolina or (b) attend a college in either of these two states.

Consortium/BDPA Scholars will be awarded a one-time $2,000 scholarship that may be used to pursue an information technology focused degree at an accredited four-year college or university of their choice located in South Carolina or North Carolina. The Consortium/BDPA scholarship may be used to supplement benefits from the college or university a student plans to attend and fellowships from other foundations or organizations. Students may use the scholarship to cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, room and board, and other college-related expenses.

Scholarship winners will be selected based on the application, essay, and letters of recommendation.

The deadline has been extended to December 31, 2010 and we want to see great activity from our students ... especially those in our BDPA chapters located in Charlotte, Greater Columbia or Triangle.

Download the application to see the details!

Grant Proposal: Costco Wholesale Foundation (BDPA Triangle)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) submitted a $2,000 grant proposal to the Costco Wholesale Regional Office in North Carolina on behalf of BDPA Triangle chapter. We're hopeful to get funding necessary to expand the Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) program in the Raleigh/Durham area.

Costco Wholesale's giving guidelines allow their warehouses and regional offices to support programs focusing on children, education and health and human services. Costco Wholesale is committed to supporting charitable and community activities in the markets where we do business.

We hope to get an answer by February 2011. Wish us luck!

Why BDPA Students Should Consider the US Air Force Academy

by Heather Roberts (US Air Force)
Originally posted 12/8/2009

When selecting a college or university to attend, high school students have a plethora of choices. However, in today's society attending the right institution has a direct impact one’s ability for future success. Coupled with the fact attending the right instruction is not cheap. Attending a service academy becomes a very attractive option because it provides a student with a quality education as well as guaranteed employment upon graduation.

A service academy is a undergraduate institution established to prepare young men and women to become officers in the military. There are five service academies in the United States. They are:

1. United States Military Academy (West Point)
2. United States Naval Academy
3. United States Air Force Academy
4. United States Merchant Marines
5. United States Coast Guard

When narrowing down your choice of these five academies a high school student should consider attending the Air Force Academy to pursue their education for the following reasons:

1. Become an officer of character to lead the Air Force and Nation in the future
   
2. Graduate with a bachelors of science and 2nd Lieutenant commission; earn a salary starting at approximately $40,000 per year and owe no college loans
   
3. All training and education are interwoven with leadership and character development
• Military Training
• Academic Education
• Athletic/Physical Fitness
4. Training/Education programs valued over $403,000 with $894 monthly stipend
   
5. World Class facilities and faculty with an average class size of 18 cadets
• State of the Art Facilitates
• Student/Faculty ratio of 8 to 1
• 100% full-time faculty; both civilian and active duty AF officers
6. Recognized institution with 32 academic majors (102 hours core curriculum)
   
7. Athletic/Sports; 17 men/10 women Division I teams and 46 club sports
   
8. Aviation: free-fall parachuting, soaring gliders, and powered flight
   
9. Summer Training Programs; leadership training, cultural immersion, language immersion and character development

US News & World Reports recently ranked "Americas Best Colleges 2009" and the US Air Force Academy ranked:

• #1 Baccalaureate College (West)
• #1 Undergraduate Business Management
• #2 Aero & Astro Engineering
• #8 Undergraduate Engineering Programs
• #8 Electrical Engineering
• #8 Civil Engineering

US Air Force Academy students also compete for annual post-graduate opportunities that include:

• 30-40 National Competitive Scholarships
• Rhodes
• Truman
• Marshall
• 16 Graduate School Programs
  
• 17 Medical School Scholarships
  
• 2 Dental/Nursing Scholarships

There are other programs and opportunities that you will be available to you, including: Semester Abroad, Operations AF Tour, Cadet Training, Youth Programs, Aviation Programs, Satellite Applications, AF Basic Training, Combat Survival and AF Research/Engineering.

The admissions process is extensive and competitive. Only 18% of the students that apply are accepted for admission. However, BDPA students can expect assistance from the US Air Force if they consider the following admission tips:

1. Start before the end of your junior year (March/April)
2. Looking for leadership potential, athletic ability, academics and character
3. Dual but separate process to attend a military service academy; an appointment from USAFA and a Nomination from your Congressional Representative or Senator (other military-affiliated categories exist)
4. Complete a medical examination
5. Pass a candidate fitness assessment

I encourage all BDPAers to share this information with any young person between the ages of 17-23 who might be interested in attending the US Air Force Academy.

Tech Tip: Using iPad

BDPA member Kai Dupe' loves his iPad. He recently shared a Tech Tip about Apple's iPad that I thought would be of interest to BETF-Blog readers.






Kudos to Kai for making this Tech Tip available to us.

Do you own an iPad?

Grant Proposal: CIGNA Foundation (BDPA Philadelphia)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) partnered with BDPA Philadelphia chapter on a $5,000 grant proposal to CIGNA Foundation. We seek funding for the 2011 Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) program implemented by the 4-time defending Chapter of the Year.

We have a unique advantage in that two members of the BDPA Philadelphia chapter's board of director are employed by CIGNA. Also, Malcolm Jackson, one of our past corporate champions at CIGNA, was recently appointed by President Obama to a leadership position in the Environmental Protection Agency.

We should have an answer from the CIGNA Foundation sometime on or before the MLK Holiday.

BDPA IT Institute Offers PMP Exam Prep Course thru Auburn University

Now is a good time to begin to consider your career plans for the coming year. Have you been procrastinating about taking the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam? If so, then perhaps it is time to make that move!

The Winter 2011 enrollment period is now open for the BDPA IT Institute. The course, scheduled Feb-May, is a comprehensive preparation for the PMP Exam taught by Gregory Brown (PMP, MCSE, MCSA, ITIL). Gregory is an adjunct professor with Auburn University. Auburn University provides the academic discipline for this online course.

It is important to note that the course has been updated to align with the 4th edition of the PMBOK Guide and awards all 35 PDUs required to sit for the PMP Certification Exam.

Key benefits of PMP Certification include:

1. Career advancement, progression and promotion from sponsoring corporations or employers
2. Increased technology business acumen and leadership skills
3. Publication opportunities in field
4. Respect and prestige of being "certified"
5. Leadership, management and project management skill development

If you have questions or wish to discuss further, please contact Edwin Sapp, BDPA IT Institute director at (800) 727-2372.

The BDPA Insider - December 5, 2010

What better way to start the day than with your weekly message from BDPA!

In this issue: 

1. 5 Steps to a Remarkable Personal Brand Strategy
2. Advance your Career with a College Degree or Certificate 
3. A message to all members of Connectors Club
   
4. BDPA Students: HTML 1, Learn the Basics (Zack Garbow) 
5. BDPAToday (Dec 2, 2010)
6. BDPAtoday (Washington DC)
7. Gartner's Top 10 Technologies for 2011
8. IT Job Seeker Survey Results - Analysis Report Now Available  
9. Jonecia Keels and Jazmine Miller (Spelman College): Future Face of Technology 
10. Secrets to Being More Strategic
11. Slideshare, History: (BDPA New York) 
12. Three BDPA Students Showcase Entrepreneurial Talents with 3D Virtual Integration  of Facebook Called StartLounge 
13. Wintino Jones Memorial Award for Outstanding Member of the Year

It would be great to hear from you about this week's BDPA Insider.  Which of these articles or blog posts did you enjoy the most?   What issues or topics would you like to see covered in future weeks?

BDPA Students: HTML 1, Learn the Basics (Zack Garbow)

Zack Garbow would be in the BDPA Hall of Fame if we had such a thing. He is the long-time coordinator of the high school computer competition (HSCC) program hosted by our BDPA Southern Minnesota chapter. BDPA Southern Minnesota has won more national HSCC championships than any other chapter in the nation.  BDPA Southern Minnesota chapter has won 5 of the past 6 national championships (2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010)

Zack feels that building a strong HSCC program begins with the basics. Here is lesson that he uses to teach HTML basics to his students in Rochester, MN.







I look forward to seeing other HSCC tutorials being placed online! One BDPA!

Wintino Jones Memorial Award for Outstanding Member of the Year

Soulclap to BDPA Philadelphia chapter for taking steps to rename its local Outstanding Member of the Year Award after long-time member Wintino Jones (1958-2009). Wintino Jones joined BDPA Philadelphia in 1980.

During his 30 years of service Wintino was the unofficial spokesperson for his chapter. He would call members and friends of BDPA to invite them to program meetings and networking parties. Wintino also hosted fundraisers for young people that participated in the Student Information Technology Education and Scholarship (SITES) program. And he is famous around the nation for the joy in playing bid whist with his BDPA Family!

The Wintino Jones Memorial Award for Outstanding Member of the Year will be awarded to the chapter member who demonstrates passion and commitment to overall mission of BDPA Philadelphia. Very few in BDPA ever showed that high level of enthusiasm and dedication as we saw from Wintino. BDPA Philadelphia is proud to honor the light and joy that Wintino brought to everyone he touched in our BDPA family.

The Wintino Jones Memorial Award for Outstanding Member of the Year will be given out for the first time during the upcoming Awards Gala and Scholarship Fundraiser being held in downtown Philadelphia at the Hilton Garden Inn on Saturday, December 4.

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) created an online project to raise $5000 in scholarship funding for students that represent BDPA Philadelphia chapter at the 2011 National BDPA HSCC Championships to be held in Chicago. You can help right now if you would visit our secure online Crowdrise fundraising project.


If you knew Wintino ... or if you know others who loved BDPA as Wintino did ... we hope you will find a way to express your support. Even a simple REPLY or COMMENT to this post would be appreciated!

Jonecia Keels and Jazmine Miller (Spelman College): Future Face of Technology

Jonecia Keels and Jazmine Miller are full-time students at Spelman College. They are the 2010 Big Mobile on Campus winners.

There winning mobile application is called HBCU Buddy. HBCU Buddy is a mobile application created to educate and inform users, including both prospective and current college students, about Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) across the United States.

The application opens with a directory profiling each HBCU with information on academics, admissions, research, student life, alumni and other details. After selecting a school students can navigate through the school – literally – by accessing virtual tours of buildings, on-campus videos, and local GPS and directions. The application also provides students with customizable social networking features to connect with each other, their school and community. Students can use the application to follow the latest on school club and campus happenings, local events, hot spots around the community and more.

Here is interview that Ms. Keel and Ms. Miller gave to NBC on HBCU Buddy:






The future face of technology is all around us ... and that is good news!

Blacks In Technology Podcast #2: Kai Dupe' (Where Are The Blacks in Technology?)

This blog seeks to support the efforts of the Blacks In Technology folks as they interview remarkable IT professionals of color.

In this podcast Greg Greenlee spoke with Kai Dupe' back in November 2010.  Kai is a technical trainer and software development consultant with over 25 years of experience. He is also a educational technology doctoral student at Pepperdine University researching the lack of African American males in the information technology field. Kai is focused on technology integration in urban schools as well as societal digital equity issues and the educational failures of African American males. He utilizes his life lessons as well as his educational experiences expertise and skills to develop software for businesses large and small as well as promote technology integration in American schools, and encourage African Americans to participate in the digital society via workshops, seminars and speaking engagements.

Click the green arrow below to listen to the podcast interview.

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Kai is frequently featured on this blog and he has his own blog under the title, “Where Are the Blacks in Technology?” You can follow Kai on Twitter - @KaiDupe

Three BDPA Students Showcase Entrepreneurial Talents with 3D Virtual Integration of Facebook Called StartLounge

We often talk about BDPA being an organization that provides programs and services that advance the careers of our members from the 'classroom to the boardroom'. I think that we will find the reality behind those words in Rochester, MN. That is where three past national BDPA High School Computer Competition (HSCC) champions have joined together to create the StartLounge.

StartLounge is a visual, social interface that engages users with 3D-Facebook integration. StartLounge also gives you the power to preview your Facebook news feeds and pictures that you are tagged in. The co-founders indicate that the product is still in the development stages and will be continually updated with cool new features.

The co-founders are student members of our BDPA Southern Minnesota chapter: James Arama, Ahmed Mahamad and Adwait Walimbe.

James Arama, Ahmed Mahamad and Adwait Walimbe

Arama is a freshman majoring in Computer Science at Marist College. He specializes in information processing with emphasis on business based applications utilizing Open-Source Interfaces.

Mahamad is a sophomore majoring in Health Sciences at the University of Minnesota. He plans to continue his studies at Medical School while researching in the area of Bio-informatics. This is a topic that he researched for the 2010 BDPA IT Showcase held earlier this year in Philadelphia.


Walimbe is a senior at John Marshall High School. He is a developing programmer, aspiring entrepreneur, and business consultant with plans to major in Computer Science when he enters college next year. This isn't his first start-up business. In 2008, he created Socialdecks, a company geared towards online learning while focusing on the social aspect of education.

These three young men embody the spirit of  'classroom to the boardroom' more than most. I look forward to seeing where their current venture -- StartLounge -- takes them over the coming months and years. In the meantime, I hope that all of BDPA-Nation will share some love with these three young men.

Sometimes we wonder why we put in the hours that we do for BDPA. I suggest that it is young 'uns like James, Ahmed and Adwait that make it all worthwhile.  

You can help us create scholarship opportunities for other young men and women by making a donation to the Jesse Bemley Scholarship Fund. Every dollar makes a difference. Won't you share your blessings with these young people?

The BDPA Insider - November 28, 2010

 

The BDPA Insider – November 28, 2010

What better way to start the day than with your weekly message from BDPA!

In this issue:

1. Bemley Scholar Caroline Tremain Heads to University of Minnesota 
2. BETF Executive Director Wayne Hicks Voted One of the Top 50 Amazing Tech Tastemaker
3. Happy Birthday: George Williams, Past National BDPA President
4. HSCC Testimonial: Matthew Clark (Detroit, 2008-2010) 
5. The Power of 'Thank You' 
6. Winter 2011 enrollment period is open for the BDPA IT Institute
7. Zymic Webmaster Resources, 11/11/2010 (Nicholas Reid) 

Much love to National BDPA past president Milt Haynes for pulling this information together every week.  

Kudos to the following websites for providing the articles used in this week's BDPA Insider: BDPA Detroit Technology Automation Committee blog, BDPA Foundation blog, BDPA-In-The-News blog, BDPA Your Membership and Blacks Gone Geek.

HSCC Testimonial: Matthew Clark (Detroit, 2008-2010)

BDPA Detroit is a historically strong chapter when it comes to the national high school computer competition (HSCC) championships. In fact, there is only one chapter (Southern Minnesota) with more championships than Detroit. One reason for the success in Motor City is the strong coaches and students in the program. One of the strong students over the past three years (2008-2010) has been Matthew Clark.

Matthew shared his thoughts on his HSCC career with us:

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My name is Matthew Clark. I was born in December 1991. I have been participating in BDPA for three years. Before my dad introduced me to this program I had no idea about how web sites worked, let alone how to build them myself. When I first came to the program I was kind of shy and did not talk much. After a couple of weeks and the teaching of my instructors (Tonji, “Coach G” and Ms. Glynis) I began to open up and become more confident in myself.

As I began to get better and better it made me feel great about myself, and influenced me to do other things. One of my most memorable moments was in my first year when we traveled to the national BDPA HSCC championships in Atlanta. I wasn’t feeling really well, but my teammates cheered me up by dancing around to music. I really enjoyed myself and couldn’t wait to come back.

After three years, we experienced the ‘highs’ (2nd place in 2009), the ‘lows’ (10th place in 2008) and the ‘mediums’ (4th place in 2010). Throughout it all I had fun and learned things I could take with me for the rest of my life. I won $3,000 in Jesse Bemley Scholarships, plus other gifts our instructors gave us (iPods, gift cards, etc.). I hope that people will read this and be inspired to join the BDPA program, because it is truly a great experience.

My career goal is to be the world’s greatest architect. I am currently enrolled in Lawrence Technological University, and will be studying Architecture as my major.

For the last couple of years I have been working with my church. Our duties were to clean and maintain the building and its surroundings. Whenever I was not working with my church I would go to work with my dad. He owns his own construction/remodeling business. These jobs and BDPA have taught me responsibility and perseverance, things I will be able to use for the rest of my life.

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My first exposure to BDPA came when I lived in Detroit. As such, I am very proud of Matthew Clark. Often Detroit is only shown in a negative light by the national media. It is a pleasure to share this 'good news' story about a young African American man in Detroit. We wish Matthew nothing but success at Lawrence Tech University!

Matching Gift Statistics

Soulclap to the folks over at FirstGiving for sharing the following statistics on Matching Gift programs around the nation.

• On average one in ten donors is matching gift eligible. 
• Approximately 50% of the Fortune 500 companies have matching gift programs.
• In the 2007 Council for Aid to Education (CAE) survey, 749 institutions reported over $169 million in matching gift dollars.
• LSU received one matching gift check last year for over a million dollars from Exxon-Mobil.
• The American Cancer Society has quadrupled matching gifts in the last three years to over $10 million dollars.
• On average, 4-12% of donors are matching gift eligible and are not identified as such. 
• 13% of companies match at 2 to 1.
• 4,009 companies and subsidiaries match volunteer time.

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) has not aggressively pursued matching gifts in the past.   We will be looking at it much more closely in the weeks to come.

Does your employer have a Matching Gift program?

Grant Declination: Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation (BDPA Charlotte)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) and BDPA Charlotte were disappointed to learn that our online grant proposal seeking $5,000 in support for the Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) program has been declined by the Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation.

The declination email read as follows:

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Mr. Wayne Hicks, Executive Director
BDPA Education and Technology Foundation
4423 Lehigh Road, #277
College Park, MD 20740-3127

Dear Mr. Hicks:

Thank you for your request seeking support from Wells Fargo for BDPA Education and Technology Foundation in support of Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES).

As you can imagine, we receive many requests for financial support - far more than we can grant. Although we recognize the importance of your efforts, we are not able to make a contribution at this time.

Our mission at Wells Fargo is to build strong and vibrant communities, improve the quality of life, and make a positive difference. Your organization is vital in accomplishing these goals and many others.

We appreciate your giving us the opportunity to consider your request and wish you great success with your community efforts.

Jay Everette
Community Affairs Manager (Greater Charlotte)
301 South College Street
Charlotte, NC 28288
(704) 383-8287

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We have a strong base of BDPA members employed at Wells Fargo. It is likely that we will seek out funding from them again in the future.