Page 7 - Greater Baltimore Committee - 2017

MINORITY AND WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES ENSURE “ALL CYLINDERS” WORKING
IN THE ECONOMIC ENGINE
As you read about the businesses that received recognition at the GBC’s 2016 Annual Bridging the Gap Achievement Awards, I’m convinced that you will come away with the same thoughts I had while reviewing the many award nominees:
First, the founders and leaders of these businesses are remarkable role models of entrepreneurship, business savvy and hard work. They also have a deep appreciation that minority and women-owned businesses can be — and are — absolutely vital to a dynamic, thriving economy.
Second, minority and women-owned businesses, whether young companies getting going or mature companies branching out, bring a diversity of ideas, passion for their work, and a commitment to make the business climate in the Baltimore region the best it can be.
As I am often known to say on this topic, our regional economy operates much like a car engine. Unless all cylinders of the economic engine are firing properly, the engine sputters along. But if all cylinders are connecting, the engine moves us forward. Successful minority and women-owned businesses ensure the economic engine is well-tuned so it can work at top performance — fueling jobs and generational wealth.
The GBC’s Bridging the Gap program was created in 2003 to educate and engage the private sector in the support and recognition of minority and women- owned business enterprises (MWBEs).
We have come a long way in 13 years with many minority and women-owned companies being created and succeeding. We have also seen more majority-owned companies partnering with
and hiring MWBEs to provide products, services and expertise.
To expand this partnering and
business networking, I’m
pleased to announce that in
2017 the GBC plans to launch
a portal on our website where
certified MWBEs will be able
to create a profile and GBC
member companies will be
able to search for MWBEs that
provide a needed product or
service they have an interest in. I’m hopeful this program will help address an important issue: Majority-owned companies looking for an MWBE to do business with, and minority and women- owned businesses being exposed to the broader business community. Currently, neither is quite sure where to turn. The GBC hopes to be the organization that bridges this gap.
The Bridging the Gap program also hopes to launch a quarterly newsletter in 2017 to keep members informed and educated about the strides being made in this sector of our regional economy.
In closing, let me note that it is always very rewarding to recognize the finalists and winners of our Bridging the Gap Awards. But it is also a privilege to get to know the founders and hard- working employees behind these companies. They live and breathe their passion for their companies.
The health of our region’s economy is tied to this passion.
I appreciate your interest and support of the Bridging the Gap program and thank the GBC members and the Baltimore business community for their commitment to ensure that there are business opportunities for all.
Donald C. Fry
President & CEO, Greater Baltimore Committee
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