By James Clingman | SPECIAL TO SACOBSERVER.COM

(NNPA) - When Chris Kinard and Dr. Robert Ford called me about coming to the annual conference of the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE, pronounced No-be-shay), my first thought was, why? Chemistry? Engineering? “Oh nooo,” I thought, “I don’t know anything about chemistry and engineering.”

My tentativeness was allayed when they asked me to lead a panel discussion on entrepreneurship. You know me; say the magic word, “entrepreneurship,” and I’m there. Man, am I glad I accepted that assignment!

The 30th Annual Conference of NOBCChE was held in Indianapolis, Ind., April 13-18, 2003. This year’s theme was “Advancing Science & Technology Through Innovation and Creativity.” It was a pleasure to see so many Black scientists, engineers, chemists, university professors and businesspersons on hand. It was especially pleasing to see 100 or so college students from across the country, as well as the high school students in attendance. But, back to why I was there.

I served as moderator for NOBCChE’s Entrepreneurial Forum, whose theme was “Creating New Opportunities.” Considering that the U.S. chemical industry is being negatively affected by growing competition from emerging global markets, it is incumbent upon workers to consider other options. Certainly entrepreneurship is one of those options, and NOBCChE brought a strong, enlightened and experienced panel together to impart much-needed information on how to get started.

There was the energetic entrepreneur, Brenda Truedell-Bell, owner of Khem-Sci Research and Development Co., Indianapolis; the insightful entrepreneur, John Thompson, Thompson Distributing Co., Indianapolis; the innovative husband and wife entrepreneurs, Andre and Sherry Warren, owners of WLS Enterprises Inc., Indianapolis; the young and relentless entrepreneur, Dr. Barry Self, Southeastern Dental Research Corp., Port Allen, La.; and then there was the trailblazing and tenacious entrepreneur, William “Bill” Mays, owner, Mays Chemical Co., Indianapolis. What an august group of entrepreneurs!

In addition to being very intelligent (what else did we expect? After all, they are Chemists and MBA’s), this was a group of entrepreneurs par excellence who were ready, willing and quite able to share information on the opportunities and challenges of business ownership.

Truedell-Bell, after working for Eli Lilly as that company’s first Black female chemist and obtaining four patents on antibiotics, started a research company that specializes in nutraceuticals for children’s health. She gives credit to George Washington Carver for her inspiration and guidance. Brenda is a dynamo, always pressing forward in her business and helping children at the same time.

Thompson, the pragmatic, bottom-line oriented, go-getter, is in the business of buying businesses. He shared his experience and expertise in an area of entrepreneurship that is too often overlooked by Blacks in our quest of business ownership. His practical advice on how and when to purchase an existing business surely gave the attendees something to think about as they explore business options.

The tag-team of Andre and Sherry Warren, relatively new entrepreneurs, disclosed some of their “secrets” on How to Succeed in Business and Stay Married. They talked about one of the principles of what our ancestors called Ma’at: Balance. Parents of a young daughter, two full-time careers, and a new business are enough to make the best of us lose it from time to time. But the Warrens, while they do face challenges, have figured out how to take full advantage of their individual talents and strengths, and how to balance the many tasks they face on a daily basis. They designated a special corner in their 19,000-square-foot warehouse as their daughter’s homework and play area, setting the stage for another young entrepreneur a few years from now.

The young Barry Self was quite impressive. He definitely has a grasp on how to get things done. Having listened to and followed his father’s advice, Barry has done a tremendous job working on his vision. He shared his trials and his victories, and he provided examples of how determination and commitment to a sound, well-researched, and well-planned business concept will lead to success. Barry could have given up and taken a more comfortable road in life, but he chose the entrepreneurial path instead and is making the best of it.

Finally, the venerable William G. Mays, chemistry major, MBA in marketing and finance, having worked for Procter and Gamble and Eli Lilly before starting Mays Chemical Co. over 20 years ago, willingly shared his wisdom with the attendees. What impressed me most were his candor regarding his business and his understanding of the oft-quoted Luke 12:48—“To whom much is given, much is required.”

Mays extolled the virtues of striving for the top, where there is “plenty of room,” unlike at the bottom, where “it’s very crowded.” He warned future entrepreneurs about failing to prepare, educationally, emotionally and financially for the venture at hand. He substantiated what I tell my students, “Nobody is going to finance your dream for you.” You must bring some of your own money to the table.

Mays shared insights on political involvement by entrepreneurs, saying business and politics are “different sides of the same coin.” He also discussed the importance of providing a working atmosphere in his company that inspires and supports entrepreneurial ventures by his employees, which was validated by Andre Warren, who currently works for Mays Chemical, and John Thompson, who used to work there. Mays is a Black businessman with a commitment to help others. What a combination for our collective success.

Thanks, NOBCChE, for your progressiveness and for inviting me to be a part of such an outstanding conference. Maybe I will see you in San Diego in 2004.

For more information on NOBCChE, visit www.nobcche.org.

James E. Clingman, an adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati’s African-American Studies department, is former editor of the Cincinnati Herald Newspaper and founder of the Greater Cincinnati African American Chamber of Commerce. He hosts the radio program, "Blackonomics," and is the author of the book, "Economic Empowerment or Economic Enslavement–We have a Choice." He can be reached at (513) 489-4132, or by e-mail at jclingman@blackonomics.com.