CONNECTIONS | September 2024 | |
From the Director | Making It in America | |
This month I will start by saying welcome to National Hispanic Heritage Month. I want to highlight this vibrant celebration which honors the rich histories, diverse cultures, and remarkable contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. Our country is so rich in its diversity of ethnicities, diversity of thought, diversity of gender and cultural backgrounds. I truly believe it is our diversity that makes our country great. It is from this diversity that we lead in innovation. As we consider the innovative products developed in the United States, the MBDA AMC team is focused on helping to ensure that those products developed in the U.S. are also manufactured here. | |
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We want to "Make It in America," an agenda that Maryland Congressman Steny Hoyer has lead since 2010." On October 17 we will host Minority Made to Wear, a novel concept adapted from our friends at RMI's 2020 Maryland Made to Wear event, on which we were privileged to partner. We will use a runway show format to highlight the innovative products being developed and produced by our clients, from fashion, personal care items, and home goods to medical devices, electronics, and metal fabrication. If it can be worn, held, pushed, or pulled look for it on the runway.
During the month of September, we spent time at MBDA for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference. We also collaborated with The National MBDA Office, the MBDA Federal Procurement Center, and the Prince George's County Economic Development Council to host Nigeria's Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule and other dignitaries.
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This month we joined manufacturing industry stakeholders from different areas of the country in Atlanta to be a part of the National MBE Manufacturers Summit and to congratulate Center client Marta Ali, founder and CEO of MARTA ALI STUDIOS, who received this year's Breaking the Mold Award. Read more about this phenomenal client in this issue of Connections.
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As we move into October we are poised for another extremely active month, to include Manufacturing Month and Day, October 4, and in addition to Minority Made to Wear, the National MBDA MED Week and the NMSDC Annual Conference and Exchange in Atlanta. Stay tuned. In October we will announce two new initiatives. The first is a pilot program with Grantvest and the second is a new MBDA AMC web experience that we plan to launch in the fourth quarter.
We are also a program partner for RMI's and MD MEP's Maryland Manufacturing Stars Celebration on November 14, featured below, and enjoyed seeing a number of you at these two partnering organizations' Artists as Manufacturers event this past week - both to be featured in our photo gallery as part of our new web experience.
I hope to see you at one of our many stops next month. Stay engaged and let us know how we can be of assistance. We are here for you.
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N. Scott Phillips
Director
Baltimore MBDA Advanced Manufacturing Center
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NMSDC Annual Conference & Exchange
& MBDA MED Week
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Join us at the 2024 NMSDC Annual Conference & Exchange and MBDA National MED Week in Atlanta, Georgia October 20-23, 2024. Help rewrite the rules and propel us toward a future of inclusivity, prosperity, and equity! | |
Our 2024 Cornerstone Event | |
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Manufacturing industry service and resource providers, OEMs, buyers, procurement officers, be prepared to be inspired by the creativity and talent of minority manufacturing industry entrepreneurs and designers.
This runway showcase of wearable products features models sporting minority-made products, from fashionable apparel and accessories to personal care products and health and medical care devices.
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Leaders & Legends
Awards Nominations & Ceremony
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CRMSDC’s Annual Leaders & Legends Awards Ceremony recognizes those enterprising minority entrepreneurs, corporations and government entities that have made courageous decisions in the support and development of supplier diversity and inclusion programs.
The Top 100 MBE awards recognizes enterprising minority business owners who are living their dreams and making significant contributions to their clients, professions, industries and communities. Their stories are real and their contributions are inspiring.
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RMI – MD MEP Feature Stars Stories
Plus Gala Celebration
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Join Center Clients Already Being Recognized as 2024 Maryland Manufacturing Stars! Deadline: September 30, 2024.
Submit Your Stars Story or...
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The Baltimore MBDA Advanced Manufacturing Center is a Program Partner for the 2024 Maryland Manufacturing Celebration of Stars. This Regional Manufacturing Institute of Maryland (RMI) and Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MD MEP) celebration recognizes “Maryland Manufacturing Stars” – people who work in business, education, government, or nonprofits who have made meaningful contributions to Maryland’s manufacturing industry.
The stories of these exemplary Marylanders are being featured in the Directory of Stars and will be celebrated at the Stars Celebration dinner to be held the evening of November 14, 2024, at Martin's West in Baltimore County.
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...By Partnering Organizations & Friends! | |
MBDA AMC CLIENT HIGHLIGHTS | |
See What Some of Our Clients are Up To... | | |
Advanced Design and Manufacturing | |
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MARTA ALI STUDIOS was honored with this year's Breaking the Mold Award at the 2024 National MBE Manufacturers Summit, held in Atlanta, Georgia September 22-24, This prestigious national recognition is awarded annually to a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE). The award recognizes the recipient as a trailblazer in the manufacturing industry, honoring those that forged their way through unique industries that had very little to no MBE manufacturing presence.
What set MARTA ALI STUDIOS apart as a groundbreaking candidate for the "Breaking the Mold" recognition is the role the company plays as a leader pushing the boundaries of building architecture and advanced manufacturing while making a significant contribution locally and globally.
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MARTA ALI STUDIOS is considered one of the pioneering companies in the building industry, specializing in advanced design and manufacturing to deliver groundbreaking solutions. The company's commitment to innovation goes beyond the ordinary, integrating manufacturing technologies to radically enhance and evolve conventional construction methods by helping accelerate the sector’s transformation at an unprecedented pace. The company was featured with other MBEs in a poster walk at the summit.
Read more about MARTA ALI STUDIOS and its Founder and CEO, Marta Ali, above in this issue and in RMI's and MD MEP's 2024 Directory of Maryland Manufacturing Stars.
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Support Black Squirrel Company!
Mark your calendars for the 27th Annual Craft Show at the Academy Art Museum on October 26 & 27, 2024! This vibrant event will feature over 60 talented artists from across the country, showcasing their incredible work in various mediums, one of which will be our very own, Black Squirrel Company.
Come out to support Black Squirrel Company and discover a diverse array of beautifully crafted goods. It’s a wonderful opportunity to find one-of-a-kind pieces while enjoying the creativity of the craft community.
For more details about the event, Click here, and click to visit Black Squirrel. We hope to see you there!
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Owner, Renata Phillipe
Black Squirrel Company
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Different Regard in BWI!
We’re excited to share that DifferentRegard has expanded its reach by opening a new store at Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI)! Located in Concourse D at Gate D4, this shop offers a fantastic selection of sustainable apparel for both men and women.
Open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm daily, DifferentRegard is perfect for travelers looking to make eco-friendly fashion choices on the go. With stylish options that prioritize sustainability, it’s a great place to refresh your wardrobe or pick up a thoughtful gift.
Next time you’re at BWI, be sure to stop by and experience this unique shopping destination. Don’t forget to spread the word to family and friends—they’ll thank you for it!
Click here to visit DifferentRegard.
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Pictured from Left to Right:
Dominick Davis and Steven White
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The Cindy J Expo: Creating Beauty Together
Join Cindy J Cosmetics Lab on Sat, Oct 19, 2024 at 1100 Wicomico St. in Baltimore for a day filled with innovative cosmetic workshops, expert-led masterclasses, and dynamic exhibitor displays, all tailored to help you elevate your beauty business.
| Our friends at MiHUB Co-op is a sponsor. | |
This Cindy J event is more than just an expo—it's an opportunity to learn from industry leaders, gain access to invaluable business resources, and connect with a vibrant community of like-minded individuals. Get ready to discover new products, learn from beauty experts, and connect with fellow beauty enthusiasts. | |
PLUS! Cindy J Cosmetics presents at Spelman Inaugural Black Beauty ‘STEMinist’ Lab Intensive and Symposia
Spelman College recently hosted the Cosmetic Science Lab Intensive Summer Program, designed to provide students with a deep dive into the dynamic and innovative field of cosmetic science. This hands-on program was tailored for individuals aspiring to carve out careers in cosmetic formulation, product development, and the broader beauty industry.
Click here to read more
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Pictured, Owner of Cindy J Cosmetics, Cynthia Johnson. | |
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OCTOBER IS MANUFACTURING MONTH
Minority Made to Wear | Baltimore MBDA AMC | Baltimore, Maryland | October 17, 2024 | Hold the Date
The 2024 WiM Virginia Leadership Conference | WiM Virginia Chapter | October 28, 2024 | Register
Mid-Atlantic Region Specialized Manufacturing Industry Training | Manufacturing Extension Partnership Network | Find Out What MEPs are doing in the Mid-Atlantic Region and Around the Country | Learn More
NMSDC Annual Conference & Exchange 2024 & MBDA MED Week | NMSDC & MBDA | Atlanta, Georgia, October 20-23, 2024 | Read More
2024 T.I.P.S. Small Business Business Webinar Series | Twice Monthly thru December, 2024 | Maryland Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs | Virtual | Learn More
Virginia Manufacturing Gala | Virginia Manufacturers Association | November 8, 2024 | Register
Maryland Manufacturing Celebration of Stars | RMI of Maryland & MD MEP | November 14, 2024 | Details
39th Annual Leaders & Legends Awards Ceremony | CRMSDC | November 19, 2024 | Sneak Preview
TechTrends 2025 | SMART | April 3-4, 2025 | Atlantic City, NJ | Drive for Data Across America | Spring 2025 | Read More
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PLUS | Visit Baltimore City SourceLink
Events, services, resources, more for small businesses operating in Baltimore City.
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SourceLink is hosted by our Center's operator, the Baltimore City Mayor's Office of Small & Minority Business Advocacy & Development. | |
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NATIONAL, REGIONAL & STATE
COVID-19 NOTICE, RESOURCE, SERVICE LINKS
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Stay Updated on Our Social Media Platforms | | | | |
