CONNECTIONS | JULY 2020
Welcome National MBDA
Headquarters Director David Byrd
David Byrd, National Director
N. Scott Phillips, Center Director
On behalf of our team at the Mid-Atlantic Region MBDA Advanced Manufacturing Center-Baltimore, I would like to extend both a hearty welcome and introduction to David Byrd, appointed the National Director of the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development agency and the 18th MBDA National Director.

You will learn more about National Director Byrd as you read his bio , but in this forum, I am pleased to share the following about this distinguished public servant and experienced entrepreneur. His more than 28 years of dedicated public service at the county, state, and federal levels have prepared him to lead MBDA. He understands how government works at all levels. David is an entrepreneur and brings his experience as CEO/Founder of Byrd’s Eye, LLC, a consulting firm that offers government relations, political consulting, and executive and life skills coaching to his new role.

I am also excited about the timing of David's appointment as MBDA's Director as a proposed Minority Business Resiliency Act of 2020 makes its way through the Senate. The Bill will create permanency for MBDA. The legislation addresses the disparate impact COVID-19 has had on minority businesses, provides certainty by placing MBDA in statute, spurs entrepreneurial development through Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions and expands the MBDA's geographical coverage. (More information.)

In many ways while we remain physically distant we have found ourselves more engaged with one another through virtual meetings, social media and good old fashion telephone communication. For the center we continue to host our monthly CEO Advisory Sessions and our MiHUB Monday Seminars . I encourage you to visit us on the web to learn more about what we are doing and events hosted by our strategic partners. 
N. Scott Phillips
Project Director
MSBDFA COVID-19 Emergency Relief Loan Fund
The Meridian Management Group (MMG) has announced receipt of funding for The MSBDFA COVID-19 Emergency Relief Loan Fund program. The program was established to provide financial relief to businesses that have experienced economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. This will be accomplished with low interest rate and low documentation loans to eligible Maryland businesses. All loans will be in the form of term loans from $25,000 to $200,000. The term of the loans will be 5 years.

MBDA Maryland clients interested in applying for the funds should review and follow the program guidelines and may contact their MBDA consultant for assistance.
A Mid-Atlantic Region MBDA AMC-Baltimore strategic partner, the Maryland Small Business Development Financing Authority (MSBDFA) is an agency under the Maryland Department of Commerce and is managed by Meridian Management Group, Inc. (MMG)
Interlink
Two Mid-Atlantic Region MBDA AMC
Strategic Partners Announce...
The Regional Manufacturing Institute of Maryland (RMI) invites submissions for 2020 Champions of Maryland Manufacturing. Individuals, companies, organizations, and agencies deserving recognition for their exemplary efforts in any one of the following categories may be submitted: Battling COVID-19 in Manufacturing, Digital Transformation, Workforce, Diversity and Inclusion, Community Engagement, and Energy Efficiency and Sustainability. Submit your story. Read stories. More. The Mid-Atlantic Region MBDA AMC is a program partner for this industry recognition and advocacy initiative. Get the Details.

Plus, join the Regional Manufacturing Institute of Maryland, the Mid-Atlantic Region MBDA AMC, and other Maryland manufacturing stakeholders in I95 Business magazine's August 2020 Tribute to Maryland Manufacturing. Inquire now.

The Virginia Manufacturers Association has announced an extensive lineup of virtual events for Virginia manufacturers, to include Intelligent Manufacturing in Europe Coffee Chat: Germany/Austria/Belgium; Western Hemisphere Energy Projects Webinar Series: Central America; WiM Virtual Learning Series: Adaptability and Leading Change, and more. Register.
Plus | National, Regional & State
Covid-19 Information & Resource Links