Archives by: Chris Plater

The manufacturing industry is the nation's largest contributors to the gross national product. Here are links to four national entities that publish news pages routinely on information pertaining to the industry. MANUFACTURING EXTENSION PARTNERSHIP (MEP) NATIONAL NETWORK | "The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is part of the [U.S.] Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The MEP National Network, whose mission is to strengthen and empower U.S. manufacturers, comprises the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST ... Read more

"Since 1987, March has been the time for our nation to pause to reflect on the amazing contributions of women who have set the stage, raised the bar, and made their distinctive mark on the advancement of minority business enterprises....Follow us...@USMBDA, as we highlight the extraordinary accomplishments of women who have refused to be denied and charted a new course for Enterprising Women of Color across the nation and around the world. Join the conversation by using the hashtags #MBDAWHM and ... Read more

Missed an issue of our first quarter Connections newsletter in 2024? Here’s a chance to get caught up! March 2024 | Celebrating Women’s History Month February 2024 | Celebrate, Recognize, Welcome January 2024 | New Year Plus! | 2023 Newsletters Read more

In recognition of Black History Month 2024, communities across the country offer ways to celebrate the contributions of African Americans to our nation and globally in all walks of life. This year's theme is African Americans and the Arts. Don't miss the national acknowledgements. The Origin of Black History Month Proclamation of Black History Month National Museum of African American History & Culture Read more

"For the 5th consecutive year, the Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council has earned its place among the Top 25 Largest Business Advocacy Groups in Greater Washington Region. What’s even more remarkable is that we have not only maintained our position but have ascended from 12th to an impressive 7th place." Read more. Read more

Missed an issue of our Connections newsletter in 2023? Here's a chance to get caught up! February 2023 | New Year Exciting Opportunities IssueMay 2023 | Minority Made IssueJune 2023 | Summer School IssueJuly 2023 | Reset, Refresh, Refocus IssueAugust 2023 | Refresh IssueOctober 2023 | Reset IssueNovember 2023 | Refocus IssueDecember 2023 | Year End Issue Read more

"Welcome to the Maryland Manufacturing Data Dashboard. This dashboard provides a snapshot of how the state's economy is performing in general, and in particular in the manufacturing sector." (Md MEP) Read more. Read more

"The Virginia MFG Competitiveness Index represents 55 metrics divided into five categories...." (Virginia Manufacturers Association) Read more. Read more

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) announced that Under Secretary Donald “Don” Cravins will be stepping down from his role as MBDA Under Secretary. Under Secretary Cravins was the first-ever Under Secretary to lead the bureau, which operates within the Department of Commerce. During his tenure, the agency helped minority business enterprises secure more than $8.2 billion in capital and private and government contracts. “Through his historic appointment and tenure here at the Department, Under Secretary Cravins paved the way ... Read more

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Donald R. Cravins, Jr., Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development, announced the formation of the U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency’s (MBDA) Minority Business Enterprise Advisory Council. As stated in The Minority Business Development Act of 2021, this council will advise and assist MBDA in their mission to promote the growth of minority owned businesses.    The Council is composed of nine private sector members and one representative from each of ten Federal agencies that ... Read more