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Above: U.S. Senator Robert Menendez speaking at a Congressional Dinner at the Minority Business Development Agency's summit in Washington, D.C. Report and interviews by Ibrahim Dabo. Photo Credit: Ibrahim Dabo and Christian Antalics.

The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) at the U.S. Department of Commerce held its second annual summit in Washington, D.C. between June 8 and June 9. The two-day event brought together minority entrepreneurs, thought leaders, practitioners and stakeholders.

Senator Menendez said minority businesses drive a good part of the U.S. economy

The main goal of the conference was to “strengthen public policies and programs directed at fostering the growth and competitiveness of Minority Business Enterprises.”

Discussions held at the summit included:

• the legal landscape confronting race-based business programs
• revised regulations and policies associated with minority business programs
• new programs and strategies for minority business growth
• legislative activities of stakeholders and Congress

A congressional reception was held in a historic room in the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill to mark the closing of the summit. 

The summit answered vitals questions from attendees and opened doors of opportunities and collaboration

U.S. Senator for New Jersey, Robert Menendez, who serves on the Senate Committees on Finance; Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; Energy and Natural Resources; and Foreign Relations, spoke at the gathering on access to capital, in terms of capital formation to be able to grow and expand.

Menendez said it then moves on to how do we get our community represented in the corporate boards of America.

He said being on a corporate board, having senior executive management and making sure that there is significant procurement by Corporate America into our respective communities is critically important for growth and for those companies.

Then they come to understand that members of our communities sitting on the corporate boards and the senior executive management can help their bottom-line, Menendez said, adding that “while at the same time creating investments in our community because we know where the opportunities are to make an investment that will produce income.”

Menendez said minority businesses drive a good part of the nation’s economy, even in difficult times.

He said as someone who voted for the Stimulus Package, he is disappointed about the way federal contracts are awarded under the Recovery Act to minority businesses.

Menendez said 18% has been awarded to minority businesses “and frankly 18% is not enough.”

“Minority-owned firms are less likely to receive loans than non-minority-owned firms regardless of their size,” Menendez said.

Congresswoman Judy Chu is interested in collaborating with the MBDA to help businesses thrive.

Judy Chu, member of the United States Congress, 32nd District, California, commended the MBDA for its role in helping with recovery from the economic recession.

“I am particularly interested in [working with] the MBDA and making sure that we make the connections that are necessary so that our businesses will be able to thrive,” Chu said.

Giving a reflection of the summit, Daniel Fahey, president/CEO of DanSources Technical Services, Inc., told Ib’s Blog in an interview that, “there is going to be some associations and synergies in business; it was interesting meeting the senator and the congresswoman and hearing what they had to say.”

L-R: Tim Fahey, Daniel Fahey, & Ibrahim Dabo

Fahey said he listened to the fact that there is a big interest in trying to do business with more small businesses instead of giving the work to large businesses that sometimes have high prices and kind of sluggish.

He said small businesses tend to be more flexible and in time to get work done because they have a little bit of pride.   

“One of the things I thought was interesting is that we went to the White House to find out more about what the administration is doing and they are very much on target on really supporting small business and minority-owned businesses here in D.C. and throughout the United States,” said Tim Fahey, president of Dirigo Agency.

Susan Eddington (R) is working on a project for the State of Louisiana.

“They are very sharp, very organized people, and I think all you have to do is ask a few questions and they have everything lined up.”

Susan J. Eddington, president of IMAGES-IMAGES, Inc., said the summit was very successful and she was able to make some connections for an energy efficiency conservation initiative she is working on for the State of Louisiana.

Linda Brown (L) relocated to D.C. a year ago and started a new company

“I wanted to get some knowledge base for what are some of the expectations from the different government agencies and what are some of the things they are looking for from minority businesses and also to network,” said Linda Brown, senior consultant, Brown Leadership Style Consulting.

“The last two days has been very informative,” Brown said, adding that the clientele of participants who sat on the panels shared information on who they are and what they are looking for as an agency for others to conduct business with them.

“Also what are some of the new programs that’s come about to be very inclusive and expansion of potential opportunities,” Brown said.

L-R: Wayne Frazier, Sr., (President, Md. Washington Minority Contractors' Association, Inc) & Martin O'Malley, Governor of Maryland. Report and photos by Ibrahim Dabo.

Md. Washington Minority Contractors’ Association, Inc. (MWMCA) on May 14, 2010, hosted its 7^th Annual Spring Breakfast/Annual Meeting at Martin’s West, Baltimore, Maryland.

The colorful event honored some of the State’s finest and most influential leaders.

Wayne Frazier, Sr., president of  MWMCA, a leading advocate for minority business inclusion, welcomed guests to one of the biggest celebrations of the year.

Martin O’Malley, Governor of Maryland, received the “Most Distinguished Leader of the Year for Minority Business Enterprise” Award.

Gov. O'Malley was named MWMCA's “Most Distinguished Leader of the Year for Minority Business Enterprise”

During his remarks, O’Malley gave a statistics on jobs that have been supported and those that will be created going forward.

These include 20,000 construction jobs that have been supported this year. As many as 800 jobs will be created when General Motors embarks on building electric motors for next generation in Maryland.

“And here is the good news,” said O’Malley, “according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, our State, Maryland, created more jobs in March than any other State in the union.”

Maryland reportedly created more than 35, 000 jobs.

Sen. Barbara Mikulski gave uplifting comments at the Spring Breakfast

Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski, while giving her remarks, talked about leadership creating the mindset, reminding Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) —and everyone in general—about the vital role leadership values play in attaining one’s goals.

“Leadership is about both management and vision,” Mikulski said.

Sen. Mikulski talked about the need for realistic goals to be set and taking the right measures to accomplish them.

Perhaps, one of the most captivating moments was when Andra Cain was announced the Minority Business Enterprise of the Year.

He marched on to the stage with a standing ovation.

Andra Cain received the "Minority Business Enterprise of the Year" Award

Cain is president of Cain Construction, Inc., a company he founded in April 2000, and has led it to becoming the Greater Baltimore area’s 3^rd largest Minority-owned Construction firm and the 15^th largest Minority Business Enterprise, according to the Baltimore Business Journal.

Cain Contracting, Inc. employs more than 65 people and undertakes projects in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.

In an interview, Cain said: “Cain Contracting takes MBE participation very seriously. Not only do we hold General Contractors to a higher standard, we also hold ourselves to that standard.”

Among other officials in attendance were Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Mayor of Baltimore; Congresswoman Donna Edwards, and Senator Benjamin Cardin.

Bernadette Woods, meteorologist at WJZ TV (Channel 13), also 2006 Emmy Award winner for Best Weathercast, was Master of Ceremonies at the Spring Breakfast.

MWMCA's Spring Breakfast was packed with professionals from all walks of life

The complete 2010 honoree listings are as follows:

Baltimore County Public Schools

“Public School District of the Year for Minority Business Enterprise”

Andra Cain

President

Cain Contracting, Inc.

“Minority Business Enterprise of the Year”

Concrete General, Inc.

“Prime Contractor of the Year for Minority Business Enterprise”

Luwanda Jenkins

Special Secretary

Governor’s Office of Minority Affairs

“Most Supportive Government Agency for Minority Business Enterprise”

Frances Borzymowski

President

Fleet Electric, Inc.

“Lifetime Achievement Award for Minority Business Enterprise”

Beverley K. Swaim-Staley

Secretary

Maryland Department of Transportation

“Most Inclusive Government Leader of the Year for Minority Business Enterprise”

Mansco Perry, III, CFA

Maryland State Retirement and Pension System

“Most Inclusive Investment Officer of the Year for Minority Business Enterprise”

Governor Martin O’Malley

“Most Distinguished Leader of the Year for Minority Business Enterprise”

Pepco Holdings, Inc.

“Most Inclusive Utility Company of the Year for Minority Business Enterprise”

PNC Bank

“Financial Institution of the Year for Minority Business Enterprise”

State Senator Catherine E. Pugh

“Legislator of the Year for Minority Business Enterprise”

Kinsley Construction
“Prime Contractor of the Year for Minority Business Enterprise”

See Photo Album Below:

MWMCA 2010 Annual Spring Breakfast

Also See:
·  Goal.com Exclusive Interview with former Africa Editor, Ibrahim Dabo
· MWMCA to Host Its 7th Annual Spring Breakfast; Gov. O’Malley and Other Influential Leaders To Be Honored
· Visionary Marketing Group Recognizes Diversity And Empowers Business Professionals At Its 11th Minority Business Summit
· University of Maryland Medical System Has Strengthened Ties with Minorities, Says COO Herbert Buchanan
. Exclusive Interview/Profile: How Randal Pinkett Pulled Off Five Degrees To Lead A Multimillion Dollar Company
. “Future 50” Executives Honored at SmartCEO’s Star-studded Awards Gala in Baltimore
. Minority Businesses Prepare For Multi-million Dollar Gaming Industry In Maryland

Above: Honorees pose for a photo. Green Energy Business Opportunity Conference honors companies and agencies that have contributed significantly to the Green Economy. Report and photos by Ibrahim Dabo.

In an era where almost every major organization and government agency—and individuals, too—are thinking “green”, also comes opportunities and education in a move to help foster the technologies that make green energy initiatives a reality.

The Energy Power Reception provided networking opportunities for organizations and agencies actively involved in the Green Economy.

Energy, Efficiency, and Renewables are seen as “The New Frontier.”

That is why between May 12-13, 2010, The Presidents’ Roundtable, Inc. powered the Green Energy Business Opportunity Conference, held at the Baltimore Convention Center in Maryland.

The event featured high profile speakers, moderators and panelists.

An Energy Power Reception, which provided an unprecedented opportunity for business and government agencies with active roles in the Green Economy to network, kicked off the entire conference.

The reception was followed by an Energy Star Award ceremony.

The Energy Star Award Recipients were chosen from the following categories: Education (Baltimore City Community College and LA Trade-Technical College), Green Economy Innovator (The Dream Collaborative), Public/Private Partnership (Department of General Services and BITHGROUP Technologies, Inc), and Diverse Supplier Outreach (Johnson Controls, Inc).

Stanley W. Tucker, President of The Presidents' RoundTable, welcomed participants at the conference and presented the awards.

Stanley W. Tucker, president of The Presidents’ RoundTable said his organization is pleased to support the green initiative, especially as this year promises vital developments for minority entrepreneurs and businesses in general.

“We are all facing challenges not imagined,” Tucker said. “This economic climate and emergence of focus on the green economy and energy efficiency is going to change the landscape, which makes this Green Energy Business Opportunity Conference a valuable venue for obtaining critical and current information.”

Representing Governor Martin O’Malley and Lt. Governor Anthony Brown was Raymond Skinner, secretary of the Department of Housing and Community Development.

Ray Skinner spoke on Maryland's Weatherization Assistance Program. More than $61 million in federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds will be geared toward that program.

“We are very fortunate here in Maryland that the Federal priorities and the State’s priorities are so closely intertwined,” Skinner said, adding that Governor O’Malley’s EmPOWER Maryland Program aims to reduce energy consumption by 15 percent by 2015.

“Under the governor’s leadership, our State has embarked on an ambitious initiative to include energy efficiency of our homes and communities in new ways to reduce our carbon footprint and to make smarter choices about how we plan our communities,” Skinner said, adding that this is what Maryland’s Smart, Green & Growing Initiative is about.

Mr. Skinner said his agency has received over $61 million for their Weatherization Assistance Program to conduct energy audits and improve energy efficiency in the homes of more than 6,800 working families while creating more than 300 green technology jobs.

Mr. Skinner said the average family will save about $413 a year in their energy bill once their home is weatherized.

An expo and industry networking added a monumental value to a well worth and well attended two-day event.

L-R: Stanley Tucker and Lucious Anderson (Vice-President for Business & Continuing Education, Baltimore City Community College).

Some of many key names to have participated in the conference include Elijah Cummings (United States Congress), Alvin Collins (Secretary, Maryland Department of General Services), Christian Johansson (Secretary, Maryalnd Department of Business and Economic Development), Luwanda Jenkins (Special Secretary, Governor’s Office of Minority Affairs), Gregory Minott (Founding principal, D.R.E.A.M Collaborative), Robert Wallace (President, BITHGROUP Technologies, Inc), Douglas Nazarian (Chairman, Maryland Public Service Commission), and Kenneth W. DeFontes Jr. (President and Chief Executive Officer, Baltimore Gas and Electric Company – BGE).

See Photo Album Below:

Green Energy Business Opportunity Conference – 2010

Also See:
·  Goal.com Exclusive Interview with former Africa Editor, Ibrahim Dabo
·  Cain Contracting Named MWMCA’s MBE of the Year; Governor O’Malley Talks about Maryland’s Positive Job Creation
· MWMCA to Host Its 7th Annual Spring Breakfast; Gov. O’Malley and Other Influential Leaders To Be Honored
· Visionary Marketing Group Recognizes Diversity And Empowers Business Professionals At Its 11th Minority Business Summit
· University of Maryland Medical System Has Strengthened Ties with Minorities, Says COO Herbert Buchanan
. Exclusive Interview/Profile: How Randal Pinkett Pulled Off Five Degrees To Lead A Multimillion Dollar Company
. “Future 50” Executives Honored at SmartCEO’s Star-studded Awards Gala in Baltimore
. Minority Businesses Prepare For Multi-million Dollar Gaming Industry In Maryland

MWMCA will host its annual Spring Breakfast/Annual Meeting at Martin's West on May 14.

Maryland’s premier advocate for Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) inclusion, Md. Washington Minority Contractors’ Association, Inc (MWMCA), will on Friday, May 14, host its 7^th Annual Spring Breakfast/Annual Meeting.

L-R: Gov. Martin O'Malley & Ibrahim Dabo. Gov. O'Malley will receive the “Most Distinguished Leader of the Year for Minority Business Enterprise” Award

The theme for this year’s event is “ONE MARYLAND, #1 In America For Minority Business.”

Among this year’s 12 honorees are Martin O’Malley, Governor of Maryland, who will receive the “Most Distinguished Leader of the Year for Minority Business Enterprise” Award.

Catherine E. Pugh, State Senator, District 40, Baltimore City, has been named “Legislator of the Year for Minority Business Enterprise”; and Andra Cain, President, Cain Contracting, Inc., has been named “Minority Business Enterprise of the Year”.

Luwanda Jenkins, Special Secretary, Governor’s Office of Minority Affairs, has been named “Most Supportive Government Agency for Minority Business Enterprise”.

L-R: Sen. Catherine Pugh & Ibrahim Dabo. Sen. Pugh will receive the “Legislator of the Year for Minority Business Enterprise”

“MWMCA plays a very, very important connecting role for minority-owned businesses in our State.

“In this time, where we are powering through this national and global recession, it is critically important for us to be connected to information, technical assistance, and the opportunities that allow us to start growing the economic power in our State,” said Gov. O’Malley.

Gov. O’Malley added that minority businesses are a very, very important part of our economic development strategy in Maryland.

“The fact that we have a diverse contractor and subcontractor pool means that we are far more competitive than other States in attracting federal investment for the important national missions that go on within Maryland, and were it not for the minority businesses, those dollars would not be coming to Maryland,” Gov. O’Malley said.

L-R: Ibrahim Dabo & Wayne Frazier, Sr., president of MWMCA

Wayne Frazier, Sr., president of MWMCA said: “Having Governor O’Malley and The Cordish Company in the same room at the same time discussing the future of our State in regards to gaming is a very powerful occurrence.”

The Cordish Company, which was recently awarded a two billion-dollar Las Vegas sports and entertainment complex development, will present a video plan of a major project they will undertake in developing Maryland’s first entertainment and casino complex at Arundel Mills.

L-R: Luwanda Jenkins & Ibrahim Dabo. Secretary Jenkins will receive the "Most Supportive Government Agency for Minority Business Enterprise” Award

Andra Cain, president of Cain Contracting, Inc., continues to excel.

“Cain Contracting takes MBE participation very seriously. Not only do we hold General Contractors to a higher standard, we also hold ourselves to that standard,” Cain said. 

Sharing advice with other Minority Business Enterprises, Mr. Cain said: “The best advice I can give to other MBEs you have to sustain, know where you stand, and your limitations and qualifications.

“Build your resume; and the most important thing I can tell you is that you cannot start out on the $10 million-dollar projects. Start where you are comfortable and build your business from there.”

More than 1,000 guests from private and government agency sectors have already registered to attend MWMCA’s breakfast, which has been dubbed as the biggest networking event of the year.

There will be a vendor expo before and after the event, which has been slated for 7:30am to 11:00am at Martin’s West, 6817 Dogwood Road, Baltimore, MD 21244. For more information, visit http://www.mwmca.org/home.

The complete 2010 honoree listings are as follows:

Baltimore County Public Schools

“Public School District of the Year for Minority Business Enterprise”

L-R: Andra Cain & Ibrahim Dabo. Mr. Cain will receive the “Minority Business Enterprise of the Year” Award

Andra Cain

President

Cain Contracting, Inc.

“Minority Business Enterprise of the Year”

Concrete General, Inc.

“Prime Contractor of the Year for Minority Business Enterprise”

Luwanda Jenkins

Special Secretary

Governor’s Office of Minority Affairs

“Most Supportive Government Agency for Minority Business Enterprise”

Frances Borzymowski

President

Fleet Electric, Inc.

“Lifetime Achievement Award for Minority Business Enterprise”

Beverley K. Swaim-Staley

Secretary

 Maryland Department of Transportation

“Most Inclusive Government Leader of the Year for Minority Business Enterprise”

 Mansco Perry, III, CFA

 Maryland State Retirement and Pension System

“Most Inclusive Investment Officer of the Year for Minority Business Enterprise”

 Governor Martin O’Malley

“Most Distinguished Leader of the Year for Minority Business Enterprise”

 Pepco Holdings, Inc.

“Most Inclusive Utility Company of the Year for Minority Business Enterprise”

 PNC Bank

“Financial Institution of the Year for Minority Business Enterprise”

 State Senator Catherine E. Pugh

“Legislator of the Year for Minority Business Enterprise”

 Kinsley Construction
“Prime Contractor of the Year for Minority Business Enterprise”

Also See:
· Visionary Marketing Group Recognizes Diversity And Empowers Business Professionals At Its 11th Minority Business Summit
· University of Maryland Medical System Has Strengthened Ties with Minorities, Says COO Herbert Buchanan
. Exclusive Interview/Profile: How Randal Pinkett Pulled Off Five Degrees To Lead A Multimillion Dollar Company
. “Future 50” Executives Honored at SmartCEO’s Star-studded Awards Gala in Baltimore
. Minority Businesses Prepare For Multi-million Dollar Gaming Industry In Maryland

L-R: David Troy (founder of Roundhouse Technologies) receives his award from John Dinkel (Publisher, Baltimore Business Journal). Photo Credit: Ibrahim Dabo.

Baltimore Business Journal on Feb. 25, 2010 hosted its POWER 20 event at the Hilton Baltimore Hotel. A fine selection of beer and wine got the evening to a perfect start as business professionals, senior-level executives, along with Ib’s Blog mixed and mingled.

L-R: Ibrahim Dabo congratulates POWER 20 honoree Atwood "Woody" Collins III, (Mid-Atlantic region president & chief operating officer at M&T Bank). Photo Credit: Olivier Rousset.

The prestigious cocktail reception and awards ceremony honored a list of 20 men and women who are changing the shape of Greater Baltimore’s business landscape.

“Despite a challenging economy, there are still many businesses out there that are thriving. The Baltimore Business Journal’s POWER 20 award winners are an attestation that success can be achieved not matter what the circumstances are,” said Ibrahim Dabo, founder/blogger of Ib’s Blog.

“I congratulate and wish all the honorees continued success.”

POWER 20 WINNERS LIST

Lt. Gen. Keith Alexander – Director, National Security Agency 

Peter G. Angelos – Head of Law Offices of Peter G. Angelos/majority owner of Baltimore Orioles 

Anirban Basu – CEO, Sage Policy Group 

Dr. Peter Beilenson – Howard County Health Officer 

Atwood “Woody” Collins III – Mid-Atlantic region president, M&T Bank 

David S. Cordish – President, The Cordish Cos. 

Jim Davis – Chairman & Founder, Allegis Group Inc. 

Donald C. Fry – President & CEO, Greater Baltimore Committee 

Randall M. Griffin – CEO, Corporate Office Properties Trust 

Willard Hackerman – CEO, Whiting-Turner Co. 

Freeman A. Hrabowski III – President, University of Maryland, Baltimore County 

John F. Lundgren – CEO & Chairman, Stanley Works 

Dr. Edward D. Miller – CEO, Johns Hopkins Medicine; Dean, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine 

Mayo A. Shattuck III – Chairman & CEO, Constellation Energy Group Inc. 

Gary B. Smith – President/CEO/Director, Ciena Corp. 

Kathleen T. Snyder – President/CEO, Maryland Chamber of Commerce 

Julie Ellen Squire – Assistant Secretary, Division of Unemployment Insurance 

Maurice B. Tosé – Founder, CEO, President & Chairman, TeleCommunication Systems Inc. 

David Troy – Founder, Roundhouse Technologies 

Arnold M. Weiner – Managing Partner, Law Offices of Arnold M. Weiner

Click on album below for photos:

Baltimore Business Journal’s POWER 20

Also see:
· About Ibrahim | About Ib’s Blog | Testimonials | Ib’s Blog Home
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· Ibrahim Dabo to Speak at Harford Day School on International Day
· 24th BEYA Global Competitiveness Conference Opens Doors Of Opportunities In STEM Programs And Celebrates Excellence
· Visionary Marketing Group Recognizes Diversity And Empowers Business Professionals At Its 11th Minority Business Summit
· University of Maryland Medical System Has Strengthened Ties with Minorities, Says COO Herbert Buchanan