Days after the federal government shutdown, Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy arrived at Oxon Hill, Maryland’s MGM Harbor Hotel & Casino Grand Ballroom foyer on Oct. 3 with a mission to uplift entrepreneurship at the Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Business Awards Gala.
“My administration is focusing on the business cluster,” Braveboy said. “We are focusing on zoning and permitting practices that will make it easier for businesses to function.”
Having served in many capacities in Prince George’s and Maryland, Braveboy was pleased to now be attending the annual event as county executive and celebrate the work of local business owners.
“This is unbelievable,” Braveboy, donning a light-gray satin overlay dress, told The Informer. “This is so exciting. I have been here before as a staffer, delegate, the state’s attorney and now this is my first one as the county executive. This means a lot.”
The county executive joined more than five hundred guests at the gala, which serves as a fundraiser for the organization and a chance for it to highlight the work of Prince George’s entrepreneurs.
With the federal government shutdown affecting thousands of Prince Georgians, the county also continues to navigate other financial blows, including: the loss of the FBI headquarters, the Washington Commanders stadium and adjunct offices, and the shuttering of the USDA’s Beltsville Agriculture Research Center and Six Flags America.
Despite economic challenges, Braveboy emphasized the importance of the chamber during these trying times.
“We want it to be known,” the county executive said, “that doors are open to business in Prince George’s County.”
The Gala: Partying With a Purpose
In an event that included photo and 360 booths, salad, dinner and dessert bar, and exciting entertainment, the gala highlighted the strength of Prince George’s County.
On the stage, famed entertainer Anthony Anderson played with the age-old expression of how county residents once referred to themselves.
“Is this PG County?” Anderson asked the audience, to which they responded with a resounding “no.”
“Well, then it’s Prince George’s County,” he said to cheers. “I want to welcome you to Prince George’s County.”
Gala attendees included elected officials such as Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown,, Maryland state Sen. Nick Charles (D-District 25), Maryland Dels. Nicole Williams (D-District 22), Ken Harris (D-District 27A), and Prince George’s County Council members Calvin Hawkins (D-At Large), Wala Blegay (D-District 6) and Wanika Fisher (D-District 2).
Alexander Austin, the president and CEO of the Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce welcomed the many guests to the gala and proceeded to mention that Brown, Charles, Williams and Harris were in the audience.
Other local chamber leaders also attended the event, including: Corey Arnez Griffin, the chairman of the Greater Washington D.C. Black Chamber of Commerce board, Ron Busby, the president and CEO of the US Black Chambers Inc., and Angela Franco, president and CEO of the Montgomery County (Maryland) Chamber of Commerce.
“I wish to acknowledge all of the leaders of the chambers who are here today,” said Austin.
Attendee Ryan Middleton, who served as an aide to former County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and was a candidate for the Prince George’s County Council District 5 seat, emphasized the importance of such celebrations as the Excellence in Business Awards.
“So many local businesses fuel the engine of our economy,” said Middleton, who works as a government relations professional with PepsiCo, representing the company’s interests in Annapolis. “These businesses sustain our community and make it possible for Prince George’s County to be a great place to live, work and play.”
Honoring Local Business Leaders
With food, fun and entertainment from the likes of Frank Marshall, Joshua Adewami and Beau Talley — who played at various times to lead a night of dancing — the event also highlighted local business leaders who have forged paths, created opportunities and are working for a strong county overall.
Courtney Edmonds, board chair of the Prince George’s Chamber, said, “Prince George’s is a place where ideas become active as a result of the work of the organization and the energy in the region.”
“Tonight’s honorees are shining examples of that spirit,” she said. “They remind us that business is about more than profits — it is about building communities, creating jobs and leaving a legacy of impact.”
The Small Business of the Year was Alpha & Omega Martial Arts of Laurel, Maryland, and the Emerging Business of the Year recipient was Salon 809, a Dominican hair establishment based in Landover, Maryland. Quantum Startup Foundry at the University of Maryland, College Park, received the Economic Transformation Team of the Year Award and Dr. Madeline Ann Lewis, president and CEO of the Executive Women’s Success Institute, was honored as Business Leader of the Year.
The audience gave a standing ovation to Suzanne Hillman, David C. Harrington Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, for her years as CEO of Southern Management Companies.
The Corporate Citizenship Award went to Pepco, for its many years of supporting the chamber.
“We are a long-standing member of the chamber,” said Amber Perry, CEO of Pepco. “We are serious about doing business with Washington area businesses. In the past years, we have done $775 million in business with minority and diverse suppliers.”
The Community Impact Business of the Year was awarded to Prince George’s Cultural Arts Foundation, noted for their successful leadership of the Lake Arbor Jazz Festival.
“It feels great to know that the hard work we put in is recognized,” said Kevin Alexander, CEO of the foundation. “It is important for our mission and how we function.”
The Mirinda Jackson “Minority Business of the Year” award went to Darvincia Warren of CORE DMV, a financial strategy firm, who emphasized the magnitude of the citation.
“It is amazing to receive an honor named after Mirinda Jackson, who did so much to help minority businesses in this county,” Warren told The Informer. “This award will help us continue to educate people about the wealth gap and how to become financially empowered.”