Happy New Year! As we step into the promising realms of 2024, we find ourselves at the threshold of new opportunities, fresh challenges, and boundless possibilities. The past year has been a journey of resilience, adaptability, and growth, and we are excited to embark on another chapter with you.

Before we dive into the future, let's take a moment to celebrate the milestones we achieved together in 2023. Whether it was our Minority Made Summit, our CEO Advisory Roundtables, or our one-on-one business counseling sessions we expanded our reach and impact.

N. Scott Phillips



Director

Mid-Atlantic Region MBDA

Advanced Manufacturing Center - Baltimore

Cameron Davis serves as Project Coordinator in his internship with the Baltimore MBDA Advanced Manufacturing Center, where he provides data and project support to Center consultants.

Cameron's experience as a Data Intern and Tech Intern showcases his ability to implement efficient solutions and strategic initiatives. As an Office Manager / Data Coordinator, he demonstrated strong organizational skills and contributed significantly to cyber threat reporting. With a GPA of 3.0 and a diverse skill set, Cameron is poised for continued success in the field of Information Systems.

Davis is a Junior at Bowie State University where he is studying Business - Information Systems. His technical familiarity includes AWS, data analysis, and proficiency in project management tools.

Along with other Advanced Manufacturing Centers and Business Centers across the country, the Baltimore MBDA Advanced Manufacturing Center assists its clients and customers with access to capital, contracts, markets, strategic consulting, specialized training, as well as through business and industry advocacy. (Baltimore MBDA AMC)

MBDA Centers and Projects customize their operations to address client and customer service delivery needs. In addition to consulting provided by the Center Director and the Center’s Business Consultants, specialized Baltimore MBDA AMC services and resources include:

Minority Made: A Minority Enterprise Development Symposium. The symposium is offered annually, bringing subject matter experts in a constantly evolving manufacturing industry into discussion with Center clients and other stakeholders to help minority manufacturers stay ahead of the curve. The Center collaborates with MiHUB and the Center Operator – the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Small and Minority Business Development and Advocacy – on this signature event.

CEO Roundtable. This newly re-engineered monthly meeting of Center client company leaders brings peers into discussion with each other, the Center Director, other members of the Center team, and special guests to address business and industry challenges faced by individual and groups of clients participating in the Roundtable.

Center Advisory Board. This group comprised of representatives from Center partnering organizations and Center clients typically meets quarterly with the Center Team and Operator to update each other on activities and opportunities of mutual interest to support Center client services and to provide feedback on Center operations.

Specialized Training & Events. The Center’s partnership with minority business development and manufacturing industry organizations opens doors for Center clients routinely to national, regional, state, and local training and events on industry trends and skills development; new business, resource, and consulting opportunities; networking and more.

Opportunity Briefings. Launched this past fall through a collaboration between MiHUB and the Center, this initiative will feature monthly sessions on business and resource opportunities for MiHUB members and Center clients.

Networking Gatherings. The Center enjoyed its first networking get together this month, and looks forward to future sessions. This month's event featured a company tour of client Oyin Handmade's new facility, biz briefs (see photos below), light fare, and beverages.

MiHUB Monday. Returning this season, MiHUB Monday Webinars gained popularity over recent years through collaboration between MiHUB and the Center to bring outstanding speakers from public and private sector organizations to talk to MiHUB and Center stakeholders about industry opportunities, current events, and trends.

Media Venues. The Center publishes the BaltimoreMBDA.com website; our Connections newsletter; opportunity announcements; social media posts; and Connecting blogs for stakeholders.

Underneath the expansive roof of Oyin Handmade, the heart of innovation and collaboration, the MBDA AMC clients, team members, valued partners, and associates united on the memorable Wednesday of January 24th for a dynamic networking gathering. This unique event not only provided attendees with an exclusive tour of the facility, but it also served as the nexus for building meaningful connections and exploring exciting opportunities. Against the backdrop of creativity, this gathering set the stage for defining the ambitious goals of MBDA AMC for the upcoming year.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the visionary owner, Jamyla Bennu, for generously opening the doors of her space to us. Her warmth and hospitality created an environment where ideas flowed and partnerships flourished. This marks just the beginning of a series of such gatherings. Our commitment is unwavering – we aim to host these enriching experiences regularly. Together, we're forging pathways to success, united by the spirit of collaboration and the pursuit of excellence.

The group picture of the attendees Includes:

Baltimore MBDA AMC - N. Scott Phillips, Latoya Staten, Chris Plater , Uchenna Udeh

Baltimore City Mayor's Office of Minority and Women Business Development and Advocacy (Center Operator) - Paul Taylor, Reginald Mack

Partners & Associates- Mike Galiazzo (RMI); Stanley Tucker (MMG); Y. Maria Martinez, Lisa Mitchell Sennaar, Nichelle Johnson, Davon Gardner (Maryland Office of Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs)

Client Companies in Attendance: Jamyla Bennu (Oyin Handmade), Antoine Hutchins and Jillian Willis (Fabpro Technologies), Matthew Featherstone and Brandon Wiles (Hiatus Cheesecake), Renata Phillipe (Black Squirrel), Cynthia Johnson (Cindy J Cosmetics), Saundra and Michael Lamb (Semforex), Luke Chow (Prime Manufacturing Technologies), Kendrick Tilghman (5 Starr Productions)

Embarking on an exclusive tour led by Jamyla Bennu, the visionary mixer and creator behind Oyin Handmade, our journey unveiled the intricate workings of her innovative facility. Captured in this snapshot is a glimpse of her remarkable creations, with the spotlight on the 'Oh My Glide' prestyling detangler – just one of the many exquisite products born out of Jamyla's creative prowess. Joining us on this tour was an enlightening immersion into the craftsmanship and dedication that defines Oyin Handmade's unique identity.

Click here to see more of Oyin Handmade products

Jamyla Bennu graciously showcased her state-of-the-art machinery, featuring noteworthy equipment such as this impressive mixer. As we toured the facility, Jamyla shared her vision and aspirations, revealing her current pursuit of a grant to acquire a sophisticated chain-like production machine. This investment is poised to revolutionize and elevate her operations, underscoring Jamyla's commitment to excellence and continuous innovation at Oyin Handmade.

Click to view more pictures from the event.

The Manufacturing Innovation Hub Cooperative (MiHUB) is an outgrowth of the Minority Business Development Administration (MBDA) Advanced Manufacturing Center – Baltimore’s support to minority manufacturers and collaborates routinely with the Center's team on client services and opportunities. The MiHUB Board and ongoing consultants comprise the organization's core team.

The Manufacturing Innovation Hub Cooperative is a member owned and operated entity committed to supporting the shared growth and development of minority manufactures and their communities. Our facility is located in Baltimore at 1100 Wicomico Street. We are co-located with our strategic partner Harbor Design. We provide shared services to include product design, marketing, financing, and administrative support. The self-sustaining co-op leverages member and stakeholder investments to develop systems and infrastructure to support core operations.

MiHUB is a member owned and operated entity committed to supporting the shared growth and development of minority manufactures and their communities. Our facility is located in Baltimore at 1100 Wicomico Street. We are co-located with our strategic partner Harbor Design. We provide shared services to include product design, marketing, financing, and administrative support. The self-sustaining co-op leverages member and stakeholder investments to develop systems and infrastructure to support core operations.

Read More | MiHUB is accepting applications for membership. For information, contact Mark Lawrence.

Pictured on left: From left to right: Baltimore MBDA AMC Director N. Scott Phillips; Maryland Office of Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs Special Secretary Yolanda Maria Martinez; M. Luis Products, LLC Chairman and Co-CEO Natalia Luis; Baltimore City Mayor's Office of Small and Minority Business Development and Advocacy Director Christopher Lundy.

Pictured on right: From left to right: Maryland Governor Wes Moore; Program Manager Jayson Williams of Mason Dixon; Baltimore County Executive John Olszewski, Jr.

Governor Moore (front, center) and Baltimore County Executive Olszewski, Jr. (back, center) joined the Tradepoint Atlantic team in congratulating the Academy graduates.

Makers in the Square | Manufacturers Meet With Virginia Legislators | February 5, 2024 | Richmond, VA | Read More

Day on the Hill: Makers in the Square | VMA | February 5, 2024 | Read More

Productivity Power-up: Building a High-Performance Culture in Manufacturing Teams | Wednesday, February 14, 2024 | Register



Lean Six Black Belt Virtual Training | MD MEP | Begins February 22, 2024 |

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TechTrends 2024 | SMART | April 3-4, 2024 | Atlantic City, NJ | Drive for Data Across America | Spring 2024 | Read More

NMSDC Annual Conference & Exchange 2024 | Atlanta, Georgia, October 20-23, 2024 | Read More