Per the State of Maryland: Governor Wes Moore today signed an executive order to underscore his administration’s commitment to strengthening participation, compliance, and accountability for Maryland’s Minority Business Enterprise program. The executive order—the first minority business enterprise-related order issued by any Maryland governor—will provide the Moore-Miller administration with data to assess Maryland’s current Minority Business Enterprise program performance and inform program development strategy.
“I’ve said this before and I will say this again, I am data driven and heart-led; the data shows that we are not meeting the mark in our Minority Business Enterprise program, so my heart is saying we must do everything we can to not only meet our goals, but exceed them,” said Governor Moore. “Our administration has the most diverse cabinet in history, and it’s critical that we take the first step forward in delivering more access and opportunities to our minority-owned businesses in order to create a more economically competitive and inclusive state.”
The State of Maryland established the Minority Business Enterprise program in 1978 to increase economic opportunity and participation for minority and women-owned firms to compete in state government procurement. In 2013, Maryland established a 29% Minority Business Enterprise participation goal in all qualifying state procurement expenditures, which the state has consistently failed to meet.
Today’s executive order requires:
- Participating agencies that have not yet submitted mandatory Minority Business Enterprise data for FY22 to the Governor’s Office of Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs must do so within 15 days.
- Within 60 days, the 70 agency program participants must report certain procurement activity since July 1, 2022, in addition to Minority Business Enterprise goals and benchmarks;
- Within 60 days, participating agencies must report on the outreach and marketing efforts conducted to Minority Business Enterprises since July 1, 2022;
- Within 60 days, the Maryland Department of Transportation, as the state’s Minority Business Enterprise certification agency, will report to the governor the current number of firms certified as Minority Business Enterprises, broken down by jurisdiction, race, and gender.
“As secretary, my goal is to work in partnership with Governor Moore to ensure we are greater in tune with our minority-owned businesses,” said Maryland Department of Commerce Acting Secretary Kevin Anderson. “What we learn will enable us to strengthen our partnership with our minority-owned businesses, which in turn will help strengthen our state’s economy.”
Data submitted to the governor from the participating agencies will guide the administration’s work in improving and strengthening the Minority Business Enterprise program through policies, procedures, initiatives, and legislation.
To learn more about the Maryland’s Minority Business Enterprise program, visit the Governor’s Office of Small, Minority, Women Business Affairs website.
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17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Now in its 17th year, the Kensington Day of the Book Festival is a family-friendly street festival featuring 150+ renowned authors, poets, and literary organizations. Enjoy live music on five stages, special guest speakers, military veteran writers and comedians, poetry readings, cookbook demos, children's program, and much more.
Admission is free, and attendees will also be able to explore a marketplace of books and food offerings from local vendors.
Not your average book festival! This festival offers something for everyone!
17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Sunday, April 21, 2024, 11am-4pm (held rain or shine!)
Howard Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895
www.dayofthebook.com
Instagram: @kensingtonbookfestival
Contact: Elisenda Sola-Sole, Festival Director
301-949-9416 (text preferred)
FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.
Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.
As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.
LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!
MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME
2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES
KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!
