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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

SMART is re-starting our founding TechTrends series of major annual events addressing current tech enterprise opportunities (both public and private) and as important, the significant tech workforce requirements. This R&D-focused series was conducted from 1999 to 2004 in Philadelphia, Atlantic City, Baltimore, Wilmington and Pittsburgh. It was replaced by an annual procurement-focused series, SMART PROC GOVCON, from 2004 to the present held in Frederick MD to leverage Washington DC proximity for our Federal speakers. We will re-start TechTrends 2024 in Atlantic City in the Spring and retain SMART ... Read more

"Celebrating 40 Years of MBDA's National MED Week “MBDA and NMSDC share a mission to create an equitable business ecosystem in order to unlock our Nation’s economic potential. With historic investments across sectors and industries, the opportunity is here. MBDA and NMSDC have the tools and the reach to make this moment count by expanding access to capital, contracts, networks, and opportunities that every American entrepreneur deserves.” Donald R. Cravins, Jr., Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development A Brief Recap Read more

RICHMOND, VA - The Women in Manufacturing (WiM) Virginia Leadership Conference and Awards Gala held at the Williamsburg Lodge on October 27, 2023, brought togetger industry leaders and professionals to celebrate and recognize the significant contributions of women in the manufacturing sector. The event featured a series of informative sessions and inspiring keynotes, highlighting the importance of women in shaping the industry and their role in keeping manufacturing competitive in Virginia. Read more. Read more

RICHMOND, VA - The Virginia Manufacturers Association (VMA) celebrated excellence and innovation in the manufacturing sector at its annual Virginia Manufacturing Gala held October 27th at the Williamsburg Lodge. The event brought together industry leaders to recognize "the coolest things" made in Virginia and their companies. The Virginia Manufacturing Cup category awards recognized top products in nine categories. Read more. Read more

On Tuesday, October 3, 2023, Maryland MEP and RMI of Maryland hosted the 4th annual Maryland Manufacturing Innovation Conference 2023 (MMI 2023). This event was designed to provide manufacturers with the opportunity to learn about the latest trends in industry, share lessons learned and best practices and connect with their peers and colleagues from around the State. Over 150 manufacturers and industry stakeholders attended this year’s event, held at the HOTEL at the University of Maryland.  MMI 2023 kicked off Maryland Manufacturing Month and ... Read more

BALTIMORE, MD (Friday, October 6, 2023) – Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott joined Sharon R. Pinder, CEO and president, Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council (CRMSDC), Ying McGuire, CEO and president, National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) and Donald R. Cravins, Jr., Under Secretary, U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) to announce the arrival of the prestigious NMSDC Annual Conference & Exchange in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s MBDA 40th Anniversary of Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week ... Read more

Betting on manufacturing is a sure thing, say legislators who attended. On September 14, over 100 manufacturing stakeholders, including an impressive group of Maryland legislators, discussed the future of Maryland manufacturing. The RMI/MEP reception was a social networking event followed by a community conversation led by Senate President Bill Ferguson and RMI President Dr. Mike Galiazzo. The message from legislators who spoke was that manufacturing is an important industry, and technology is changing how we make things. The legislators underscored the need for training talent to ... Read more

The Coolest Thing Made in Virginia! Product Nominations: September 1 – September 22Popular Round: September 25 – October 6Top Three in Each Category: October 9 – October 20Winner Announcement: October 27 Help us choose the COOLEST THING MADE IN VIRGINIA! The Virginia Manufacturers Association is thrilled to announce the launch of the highly anticipated “2023 Virginia Manufacturing Cup,” an annual competition that shines a spotlight on the remarkable diversity and innovation within Virginia’s thriving manufacturing sector. Hosted by the Virginia Manufacturers Association, this competition pays tribute ... Read more