More than 300 People Fill Chamber of Commerce Networking Breakfast
The Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce hosted a networking breakfast at The Hotel in College Park with over 300 business owners and experts, lobbyists and elected officials in attendance.
The sold-out event provided the opportunity to connect with other business owners and listen to speakers about the future of the local Chamber of Commerce organization. One of the chamber’s main goals for 2024 is to go from its current 725 members to 800 members. Twenty-five members have been added since December.
Aruna Miller (D), the state’s first Asian-American lieutenant governor, provided the keynote address after an introduction from Chamber of Commerce President Alexander Austin. Miller praised Austin for his tireless fight to bring the FBI headquarters to Prince George’s.
“He continued to talk about it, he never gave up. You know who else never gave up in that fight,” said Miller, before commending other leaders. “Thank you to Gov. Wes Moore (D), Congressman Steny Hoyer (D), Congressman Glenn Ivey (D) and our amazing U.S. Senators and County Executive for never giving up. When you don’t give up, you can generate $4 billion in economic activity and create over 7,500 jobs.”
Miller noted that the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) program is essential to addressing Maryland’s wealth gap.
Moore recently enacted an executive order to better engage with Maryland’s MBEs and appointed the first MBE ombudsman for the state.
Prince George’s is the leader in state-recognized minority businesses with over 2,000.
“We know we have a lot of work to do,” said Miller. “We just released our budget for the upcoming fiscal year which makes our priorities crystal clear: we will invest in economic growth, support working families, and use the best data available to make Maryland a stronger, safer and better state.”
Austin spoke about the many benefits of Prince George’s County, including proximity to D.C., a highly educated workforce, four colleges, and more.
“We’re a county where history meets opportunity, where diversity meets innovation. We have to explore the opportunities as much as we face the challenges,” said Austin. “The issue of rising crime must be addressed, and this is the forum to do so. We have to safeguard assets and maintain customer trust. We also have technology, sustainable development, and more as unique opportunities.”
Cassius Priestly, the chair of the Prince George’s Chamber’s Board of Directors, acknowledged the impact that the organization has had, particularly with their renewed relationship with the gubernatorial administration and consistently sold-out events.
Addressing the wealth gap was also a key topic of discussion.
“It’s very important because we need to tap into more of the state’s businesses and contracting areas,” said Sean Stinnett, a Liaison and Compliance supervisor with the Office of State Procurement. “We’ve been lax in outreach and now we are being more proactive to connect MBEs with contracting opportunities, training and other necessary skills.”
We have previously covered events hosted by the Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce; read more here.
Prince George’s Family Justice Center Extend Hours
The Prince George’s Family Justice Center, an initiative of the Prince George’s County Circuit Court to provide resources for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and elder abuse, among other traumas, announced that they would extend their operating hours beginning on Feb. 2.
Some of the Center’s services include advocacy, legal support, social services, and basic support. Criminal justice services are also offered through law enforcement partners.
The center, located at 14757 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, Maryland, is now open from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Thursday; Fridays 8:30 a.m.- 9 p.m; Saturday 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; and closed on Sundays.
Services are available in person as well as over the phone. Appointments are not required, and walk-ins are welcome.
Bowie State Hosts Anti-Hunger Event
Bowie State University (BSU) students and volunteers packaged over 20,000 meals on Jan. 26, helping to tackle the worldwide issue of food access. In collaboration with Rise Against Hunger, the students came together to give back to those in need.
Several fraternities and sororities assisted along with representatives of the Student Government Association, Graduate Student Association, athletics and residential life.
“We will continue our partnership with Rise Against Hunger and will likely hold another event during New Student Orientation (August 2024). We also have a Nutrition Lounge on campus that is open to the campus community, free of charge, and provides food and other miscellaneous items to those in need. Our Nutrition Lounge is always open to donations and volunteers,” said Dean of Students Amani S. Jennings.
Jennings emphasized how helping others can improve the mental health and overall morale of students on campus.
“The mental health crisis in higher education existed pre-COVID and is still with us. Research indicates that service to others has a positive impact on mental health. When you do good, you feel good,” said Jennings. “We felt this was a great way to start the spring 2024 semester. And through existing and upcoming service events, we hope that our students adopt a servant leadership mentality they will carry at BSU and beyond.”