2008 MBE Capital Call
Connecting Entrepreneurs and Capital
September 26th, 2008   Homewood Suites by Hilton   Richmond, Virginia

Mr. Derrick L. Alford, RFC, IAR
What Wall Street Isn't Talking About

Derrick L. Alford is a Registered Financial Consultant (RFC) and Investment Advisor Representative (IAR)).  Derrick is CEO of Richmond, Virginia based Fiscal Fitness Tax & Financial Services, Inc., serving individuals, families, and businesses with comprehensive financial guidance in tax strategies, estate planning, wealth management, and insurance services.

Derrick is an Alumnus of Howard University with a Bachelors Degree in Finance.  The former U.S. Government Compliance Officer has been providing a full range of tax & financial products and services to individuals and businesses for over 20 years.  In addition to his multiple years of financial/business experience, Derrick is also a member of the Better Business Bureau, Richmond Chamber of Commerce and the Metropolitan Business League.  Since 2004, Derrick has worked with the Junior Achievement of Central Virginia Inc. as a Volunteer Economic Principles Instructor and facilitated numerous financial seminars for area churches and non-profit organizations.  He serves as a member of the Advisory Board at Bryant & Stratton College, the Board of Directors of Virginia Housing and Community Development Corporation (VHCDC), and an Elections officer for Chesterfield County, VA.- Board of elections.   Derrick has been a financial expert guest on a host of radio & television shows.

Mr. Winston Bersch
The Franchise Advantage

Winston Bersch brings over 20 years of business experience to his practice.  As General Manager, Winston developed and grew a company division from one to 25 employees and $25 million in revenues in support of a major national retailer.  This success has brought him expertise in Marketing, Sales, Customer Service, Customer Management, Research & Development, Procurement, Warehousing, Production, Quality Control, Human Capital, Training, and overall Business Planning.

Winston coaches his clients to be open to the possibilities, without prejudice, in making business a vehicle that successfully supports and fits into their life, instead of their life fitting into the business.

Timothy S. Hayes, the Executive Director of Second Look Capital (SLC), an organization committed to the development of small and minority owned businesses.  Since SLC's inception, it has trained in excess of 200 entrepreneurs.  Business receiving financing from SLC now employ more than 150 and have annual revenues upwards of $40 million.  Second Look Capital received the United States Small Business Administration’s Best Urban Micro Lender in the Nation, Metropolitan Business Leagues Vision of Excellence and many other awards.

Tim is an honors graduate of Virginia State University where he majored in accounting.  After graduating he worked on the Audit Staff at Price Waterhouse Coopers.  He later joined Dominion Resources as a lead accountant.  Tim currently serves on several boards in the Richmond Metro Area.

Mr. Terrence H. Hicks
Introduction to Angel Investing (For Investors Only)

Mr. Christopher A. Hilbert
Real Estate Development Finance

Christopher A. Hilbert is a Senior Community Housing Officer with the Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA), where he serves as the Authority’s non-profit liaison and is an underwriter of multifamily rental projects.  Chris is a member of the REACH Virginia (Resources Enabling Affordable Community Housing in Virginia) team where he provides financing and technical support for “hard to do” projects. Chris is the REACH team’s specialist regarding the issue of homelessness.  Before taking his current position at VHDA, he had an 18-year banking career, focusing on real estate lending.

In November 2004, Chris was elected to Richmond City Council, representing the 3rd District, which includes Virginia Union University and other Northside neighborhoods. A native of Tennessee, Chris received his BS in Finance and an MBA from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Mr. Lorne O. Joseph, CISA, CISSP, ISSMP, ISSAP
Wow!...  But Will It Make Money?

Lorne O. Joseph is Principal Consultant of Richmond, Virginia based Corporate Advisory Group International, LLC.  With more than 18 years of experience in information systems and 14 years in information security and auditing, Lorne Joseph is a recognized expert on Information security management, technology audit and security controls. 

Lorne focuses on security strategy, regulatory compliance and auditing as well as risk and control reviews in complex information system environments.  He started his career as an employment law paralegal where he honed his ability to interpret complex regulatory requirements along with his policy writing and contract negotiation proficiency.  Having held various technical and information security positions throughout his career, he has fine tuned the expertise necessary to bridge the gap between business needs and technology / security enablers. 

Lorne’s diversified vertical experience provides him with the unique situational awareness and team conflict resolution skills that are necessary to navigate the complex politics of Technology Risk Management.  His clients represent "Who's Who" in Corporate America.