Message from the Editor, and COO of the of Black Dollar Days Task Force

The Black Dollar Days Task Force (BDDTF) is very happy to announce the publication of the 20th edition of the African American Business directory (AABD). When I took over this project in 2000, I couldn't imagine I would ever get to the 20th edition. But I knew the directory was a valuable community resource and I could not let it expire. It is with the help of businesses, supporters, sponsors, family and Seattle Publishing that trusted me, that I was able to get this far.

The directory is the only hard copy compilations of small businesses in the Greater Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, Vancouver and Portland areas. It is distributed to consumers who are looking for services and products to fulfill their needs. It represents one of the best values for your advertising and marketing dollar.

We continue to work on ways to expand the directory. This year, we included small businesses of all ethnicities. We consider a small business as any business that has 20 employees or less. In this world today we need to support each other to sustain. The directory will again be available online in a pdf form for easy download. Those listed in the directory, are also on the website and they can be linked directly to their websites. Anyone can search for businesses by name, category and city. Visit the BDDTF website at wwwblackdollar.org.

We encourage individuals, small and large businesses, corporations and organizations from all represented communities to promote themselves in this directory by purchasing ads and listings, sponsorship or donations, both to demonstrate economic independence and solidarity, and to support this worthy cause.

During these critical economic times, the only way we will survive is by helping each other. We have the merchants in place to do just that. For complete information about the BDDTF, and other efforts that promote and support the BDDTF mission and goals, visit the websites at www.blackdollar.org and www.cleangreensfarm.com.

We would like to extend our thanks to all of those who have helped make this directory a success. You have been financial contributors as well as generous givers of your time. Our thanks to all the businesses that trusted us with your advertisements and to all the sponsors who support the directory. My thanks to Peola (my sister) who helps with bulk mailing as well as event planners Nicole Bascomb-Aaron and Rokashia Miller for their assistance in putting together the Black & Gold Gala and bringing Judge Mathis as guest speaker.

We also have to recognize our publisher, Seattle Publishing. They do more than just produce the directory they guide the process and keep things on track. Claire takes all the time and has patience with me to make everything right. Even after all those years, I continue to give Rick and Amy some pretty hard ads to create and they make everything look great. We are grateful to Tim for setting up the new database. Jay and Ryan, thanks. We want everyone to know we recognize and appreciate your commitment. This was the most difficult year since I took over the directory, because of the economy we lost most of our large sponsors and some had to drastically reduce their donations. Money was slow coming in, which meant I had missed the publisher's payment deadlines. Thanks for your understanding and patience.

We value any comments you have about the directory and we look forward to publishing the 21st edition, which will be started immediately following this year's publication. The directory is updated each February. 15,000 are distributed in the Greater Seattle Area, Tacoma, Lacey/Olympia and Portland areas. We urge you to place your orders now, and take advantage of some discounts, and we invite you to encourage others to advertise in the directory

Have a great year!

Lottie Cross,
Chief Operating Officer (COO) Black Dollar Days Task Force (BDDTF)
Editor of the African American Business Directory (AABD)