Minority Business Enterprise University Western Maryland

Governor Martin O'Malley and Lt. Governor Anthony Brown invite Maryland's minority and women small business owners to attend the Western Maryland stop on the MBE University Tour.  The theme, "Collaborations:Teaming Small and Minority Businesses with Public/Private Opportunities," highlights today's business trends and provides real-time resources for businesses to be able to thrive in every environment.

Designed to support minority and women-owned small businesses, this is a full-day FREE event presented in collaboration with the State's minority business coordinating agencies and Hagerstown Community College.  The robust curriculum educates business owners about the State's procurement process and provides information about upcoming contracting opportunities in both the public and private sectors.  Companies certified as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), as well as business owners seeking certification of their business as a MBE, are encouraged to attend.

MBE University Western Maryland will be held at Hagerstown Community College, beginning in the Kepler Theater for Continental Breakfast and Opening remarks.  The workshops, luncheon, and exhibitors' gallery will be held in the Career Program Building's Conference Center.   PLEASE WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES FOR THE SHORT WALK FROM THE KEPLER THEATER TO THE CONFERENCE CENTER.

Event Overview:

8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. ~ Registration is open and Continental Breakfast will be served. Sign in, pick up the day's agenda, and enjoy breakfast while you start networking!

 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. ~ Opening Session
Remarks by:

Luwanda W. Jenkins, Special Secretary, Governor's Office of Minority Affairs Guy Altieri, President, Hagerstown Community College
Kenneth Clark, President, MD/DC Minority Supplier Development Council
Beverly Swaim-Staley, Secretary, Maryland Department of Transportation (invited)
Shari Wilson, Secretary, Maryland Department of the Environment (invited)

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. ~ Concurrent Workshop Tracks:

~Meet the State Panel Discussion: Tips and resources that can trun contacts into contracts.  Hear from experts from the Governor's Office of Minority Affairs, Departments of Business and Economic Development, General Services, and Housing and Community Development on how to strategically do business with the State of Maryland. 

~Procurement Opportunities in the Public/Private Sector: This panel will consist of representatives from State Highway, Environment, Natural Resources and public/private educational systems on upcoming procurement opportunities for MBE participation.  If you are interested in projects with highway construction, waste water treatment, environmental and school construction projects, this workshop is for you!

~Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Opportunities with Intelligence Agencies 101: This workshop will focus on security clearances and steps for doing business with the FBI, CIA, NSA and others.

11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. ~ Concurrent Workshop Tracks:

~Demsytifying the MBE/DBE Certification Process - Gain useful insights into how to successfully market your MBE/DBE status with the public/private sector. Learn how to build relationships that position your MBE/DBE status for real opportunities.

~Collaborations: Partnering & Teaming Arrangements- Understand the risks and benefits of teaming and learn how developing the right relationships can lead to real opportunities.

 ~Niche Marketing: Green Energy Field - Learn how you can match your core skills with what is needed in this emerging market. 

12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m: Lunch & Networking  - Exhibitors' Gallery Opens

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.  Exhibitors' Gallery  

4:00 p.m. Departure