By Megan Sayles,
AFRO Business Writer,
msayles@afro.com
The 15th annual MBE Night in Annapolis took place on Feb. 22, assembling local political leaders, members of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland and the minority business community. The conference exists to expose minority business enterprises (MBEs) to economic and procurement opportunities in the state.
Former Maryland Del. Herman Taylor, who founded MBE Night in Annapolis in 2009, opened up the program by discussing his devotion to supporting minority-owned businesses.
Former Delegate Herman Taylor welcomes legislators and minority business owners to MBE Night In Annapolis. Taylor founded the conference in 2009. (Photos courtesy of the Governor’s Press Office) 
Gov. Wes Moore gives an address at MBE Night in Annapolis. Moore touted the Maryland Board of Public Works’ efforts to award more contracting dollars to MBEs. (Photos courtesy of the Governor’s Press Office) Credit: JoeAndrucyk@gmail.com 410-991-4372 
Doyle Mitchell is the CEO of Industrial Bank, a historic Black-owned bank established in 1934. (Photos courtesy of the Governor’s Press Office) 
Warren Thompson is the CEO of Thompson Hospitality, the largest minority-owned food service provider in the country. (Photos courtesy of the Governor’s Press Office)
“I am steadfastly passionate about minority business inclusion and entrepreneurship because it gives people power—not power over other people but power over themselves,” said Taylor. “It gives them power to control their own lives, which is what we call self-determination, so they can create their own opportunity and destiny and live their own dream.”
Gov. Wes Moore also gave remarks during the event. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening Maryland’s MBE program and holding state agencies accountable for complying with the state’s aspirational goal of 29 percent MBE participation on government contracts.
Moore also highlighted his recent appointment of Nichelle Johnson as Maryland’s first MBE ombudsman, who will be instrumental in resolving contract issues between primes and MBEs and creating policies to streamline MBE program compliance.
“I’m proud of the fact that just in our first year, the Board of Public Works delivered $1.4 billion to MBEs, a $160 million increase compared to the year before despite the fact that we allocated $6 billion less than the year before,” said Moore. “There was a significant increase in how we evaluated and made sure there was significant MBE participation in the way that government dollars are allocated and treated.”
Minority business owners heard from two prominent Black CEOs on a panel covering growth and success during the conference. Del. Jazz Lewis (D-Pr. George’s) led the conversation with Warren Thomspon, CEO of Thompson Hospitality, and Doyle Mitchell, CEO of Industrial Bank.
Mitchell encouraged entrepreneurs to take advantage of Industrial Bank’s financial literacy workshops and resources.
“A bank is a very inexpensive place to get certain financial advice. We have borrowers who constantly talk to the lenders, and when they listen, they tend to do very well,” said Mitchell. “Our job is to try to grow businesses. The more they grow, the more we grow.”
Thompson said his company maintains a division dedicated to engaging small and minority businesses for contract work. The hospitality firm also aids entrepreneurs in getting certified as MBEs with the National Minority Supplier Development Council.
“It’s often said, ‘It’s lonely at the top,’ and it is,” said Thompson. “I think any good leader will realize that and surround himself or herself with smart people who are willing to give you good advice and tell you when you’re messing up.”
Megan Sayles is a Report For America corps member.
