Earl Cooper, II, known as “Skip to friends and colleagues, is the resident/CEO of the Black Business Association (BBA), headquartered in Los Angeles, California one of the oldest, active, ethnic business organization on the west coast. In addition ‘Skip’ is a Vietnam veteran who served in the U. S. Army currently with a 100% service-connected disability. He has been a leader of the BBA since 1974 occupying positions as Member of the Board, Executive Director, President, General Manager, and President/Chief Executive Officer. Under his leadership, the BBA has become recognized as one of the most viable minority business organizations in the nation. “Skip” is also Publisher/Editor-In-Chief of the Black Business News Group which publishes the award-winning Black Business News, Black Business News International and Black Business News Travel Africa.