President and CEO Report President An

Upcoming Events Sports and Events Marketing Advisory Council Formed In late 2020, the GBC formed the Sports and Events Marketing Advisory Council to actively support and promote the economic benefit of Baltimore’s major sports teamsNewsmaker —the Orioles andSpeaker Ravens Series — and other with major Police sports Commissioner and entertainment Michael events. HarrisonThe council will assist in efforts to attract and market major sporting andPublic entertainment Safety events in Baltimore in the Greater - Does Baltimore Progress region. LieFormer Ahead? Board Chair Paul A. Tiburzi, Esq. will lead the new council, which will become actively engaged in supporting and promoting Baltimore’s major sports franchises and other goals in 2021. March 4, 2020 • 7:30 a.m. registration, 8 a.m. program President and CEO Report Greater Baltimore Committee, 111 S. Calvert Street, Suite 1700, Baltimore, MD 21202 President and CEO's Report Advocacy StudentsOne of the of hallmarkslocal history of the know GBC that during in 1955 its 65-year – 65 years history ago has – been83 Baltimore the ability business to bring leaders, private-sector including leadership, luminaries ofin thenovative time suchapproaches as developer and collaboration James W. Rouse to address and attorneypublic challenges Clarence facing W. Miles, the Esq.,Greate launchedr Baltimore the region. Greater Baltimore City Baltimore Women’s Advisory Board: Fearless Leadership: Baltimore Committee as an “action-oriented” organization dedicated to providing private-sector solutions to public-sectorI’m proud to reportchallenges. that despite the disruptions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the GBC was successfully able to pivot and remain as active as ever on these fronts and more in 2020. The GBC created the Baltimore City GovernmentTake Risks and Ethic ands Refor Abandonm Task Force Your in Comfort2020 to take Zone an active - Sold role inOut the debate surrounding major structural changes to Baltimore City government. Chaired by Charles O. Monk II, Baltimore Office Managing Partner, Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP, WhatAs detailed is sometimes in this missed,report, thehowever, GBC is is poised just how to close action-oriented out its 65th the year organization with a num wasber ofin strongits formative successes. years, a the task force evaluated a number of charter amendmentsMarch 18, 2020 proposed • 7:30 by a.m. members registration, of the Baltimore 8 a.m. program City Council. that would restructure legacyThese ofinclude: achievement that continues today. the operations of city government, as well as bills to improve ethics and transparency in city government. More than 15 proposals to change 901 S. Bond Street, Suite 400, Baltimore, MD 21231 Issues the GBC tackled in its early years included the development of Charles Center, expedited construction the existing government structure were considered by the Baltimore City Council. With guidance provided by the Task Force, the GBC shared its This event is sold out, call the GBC at 410-727-2820 to be added to the waitlist. of• the Jones Voicing Falls its commitmentExpressway, expansionto working ofon Friendship one of the mostAirport, important construction issues todayof the – Baltimore the need toCivic address Center racial and positions on most of the proposals, including highlighting the need for a Charter Review Commission to thoroughly examine major structural creationeq ofuity the and Maryland social justice Transit Authority. All of these were transformational projects for Baltimore City and the changes. An amendment to require a Charter Review Commission passed, and was approved by the voters in the November General Election. region. • Launching the Covid-19 Business Recovery Advisory Council to advocate for support at the local, state and 65th Annual Meeting federal levels for small and minority businesses and to provide education and resources to assist companies State and Region If theseto projects recover alone from the were economic the GBC’s challenges only achievements, caused by the some pandemic might say they were enough. But the GBC has May 11, 2020 • 5:30 p.m. never rested on its laurels and today it continues to take on with urgency many complex issues, such as fighting for equitable state transportation funding for the region, helping improve public safety in Baltimore City, GBC Active on Key Issues in 2020 LegislativeRenaissance Session Harborplace Hotel, 202 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 • Releasing the report, Preparing for the Future: A Regional Workforce Development Initiative, which identifies the As it does annually, the GBC took an active role in the 2020 legislative session of the Maryland General Assembly, which started in January with workingtop to 20 enhance family-supporting minority and occupations women-owned in business businesses sectors thatand areensuring expected adequate to see the workforce greatest training job growth for thein knowledge-based jobs that will fuel tthehe nextregion’s decade future and economy. sets forth recommendations to ensure that our region is prepared to meet the growth two new presiding officers, Senate President Bill Ferguson and House Speaker Adrienne Jones. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 90-day session adjourned early - on March 18 rather than April 6. DespiteGBC the shortened Golf Classic session, the GBC remained engaged with legislators and policy This action-oriented culture is very much alive in the GBC’s 65th anniversary year – a milestone the GBC will be celebrating at its Annual proposals, and submitted testimony on 102 proposed bills. Key policy proposals the GBC was actively engaged with included: •Meeting Educating on May and 11. informing We anticipate voters aboutmore thethan election 1,000 will for Mayorattend and this City year’s Council event. President July 15, 2020 • 7:30 a.m. registration, 8 a.m. program • Engaging in efforts to enhance transportation and mobility in the Greater Baltimore region GBC Backs Blueprint for Maryland’s Future with Recommendations It’s important to keep in mind as we look back on the organization’s history and ahead to the work in 2020 that the GBC’s core strength lies Greystone Golf Course, 2115 White Hall Road, White Hall, MD 21161 House Bill 1300, the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future—Implementation, passed the legislature at the close of session but was vetoed by Governor •in its Advocating ability to bring and being private the sector voice ofleadership, business on innovative major policies thinking, and issuesand collaboration before the Maryland to address General tough Assembly public-sector during challenges the 2020 session, facing the Larry Hogan. If the legislature overrides the veto, the bill would establish in law the policies and accountability recommendations of the entireinc ludingregion public– Baltimore education City reform,and Anne public Arundel, safety, Baltimore, transportation Carroll, and Harford a plan to and renovate Howard Pimlico counties. Race Course and preserve the running of the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education (a.k.a. the Kirwan Commission), which made numerous recommendations to overhaul That leadership, innovative thinking, and collaboration emanates from GBC’s Board of Directors and the many committed GBC members who funding formulas and requirements for education. With an eye on accountability, achievability and economic development, the GBC supported Allparticipate of this work on positionscommittees, the task GBC forces, to have programs an engaged and andwhom active attend year GBC ahead. events. Programs, With this projects in mind, and the initiatives GBC remains on the even horizon more include:committed the legislation with recommendations that sought to address a number of concerns, including funding and accountability. than ever to its vision and mission: • Organizational focus on racial equity and social justice Vision: Greater Baltimore — Baltimore City and the five surrounding counties, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties GBC Supports Public Safety Proposals • Actively engaging in policy discussions before the Maryland General Assembly during its upcoming 90-day session, which begins January 13, The GBC supported numerous public safety proposals and played a central role in demonstrating the business community’s commitment to — willespecially be recognized proposals as that a leader advance in the or globalhinder economy.the region’s economic competitiveness reducing crime during the 2020 legislative session. Key legislation that passed included strengthened witness intimidation laws and increased • Mission:Engaging The withmission Baltimore of the GreaterCity’s newly Baltimore elected Committee officials, including is to improve Mayor the Brandon business Scott, climate City of Council the Greater President Baltimore Nick Mosby,region byComptroller organizing Bill its Henry penalties for failure to report the loss or theft of a gun. Legislation to establish the Law Enforcement Coordinating Council to ensure corporateand newly and electedcivic leadership city council to develop members solutions to ensure to thethe problemsGBC and businessthat affect community the region’s are competitiveness influential in discussions and viability. to drive economic growth, interagency communications and intelligence sharing and a bill to create 10 micro-zones to target high-crime areas were vetoed by the job creation and a successful recovery from the pandemic Governor. The GBC plans to support an override of the Governor’s vetoes on public safety legislation in the 2021 legislative session. It gives me great pride to work with the GBC Board of Directors and all GBC members. For event information and sponsorship opportunities: • Advocating for local, state and federal programs to assist businesses, especially small and minority businesses, to recover from the pandemic I’m proud to report that the GBC closed out 2019 with several big successes. These include: Baltimore City police officials deciding to move GBC Supports Pimlico/Preakness Legislation • Implementation of recommendations contained in the Preparing for the Future: A Regional Workforce Development Initiative report The GBC supportedLisa Senate Byrd,Bill 987, the Director Racing and Community of Events Development and Act Businessof 2020, which passed Development on Sine Die, the last day of the forward with testing of an aerial surveillance technology to help investigate crimes; CSX Transportation and state officials providing full funding to improve the Howard Street Tunnel in Baltimore so it can accommodate double-stacked rail cargo; and advocacy for equitable legislative session. The legislation represents a comprehensive agreement that provides for the renovation of the Pimlico Race Course, preserves • Advocating for the Baltimore region’s future transportation needs to be equitably funded [email protected] or 410-727-2820 ext. 40. state transportation funding for the Baltimore region. the historic tradition of the running of the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore, enhances the horse racing industry in Maryland and spurs economic Driving all of this work is the GBC’s vision and mission: development in adjacent communities surrounding the race course. The GBC commended the commitment and dedication of the negotiating Looking forward to 2020, the GBC will be extremely active on a number of complex issues. These include state legislation to adopt and Vision: Greater Baltimore — Baltimore City and the five surrounding counties, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties — will be parties to reach the agreement reflected in the legislation and the General Assembly for passing the important bill. Actions set forth in this recognizedfund the Kirwanas a leader Commission's in the global educational economy. reform recommendations, working to protect meaningful and effective business tax incentives, legislation are being closely monitored for progress by the GBC. seeking to ensure a balanced transportation policy and funding, and adding resources to address crime in Baltimore. Additionally, the GBC Mission:will engage The missionin a comprehensive, of the Greater Baltimorenon-partisan Committee effort isto to educate improve and the businessengage climatevoters about of the GreaterBaltimore Baltimore election region issues by and organizing the candidates its corporate for Transportation Proposal Garners GBC Support andMayor civic and leadership City Council. to develop solutions to the problems that affect the region’s competitiveness and viability. The GBC supported House Bill 368/Senate Bill 424, the Transit Safety and Investment Act, which would have guaranteed capital funding for I’mAs proud these toinitiatives be part ofhighlight, this legacy these and are appreciate interesting the times many full engaged of challenges members and who opportunities work hard to for assure the region the GBC – justcontinues as they to were bring in the 1955. private That’s the Maryland Transit Administration. The proposed requirements for increased capital funding were designed to ensure safe and continual sectorwhy thetogether GBC’s toregional improve perspective business competitiveness and private sector and voice job creation remains to highly ensure relevant the Greater and isBaltimore needed regionmore than remains ever. strong. operations of the Greater Baltimore region’s transit system by dedicating funds to maintain the system in a state of good repair. The legislation passed the House of Delegates but failed to pass in the Senate. This vision and mission is the key focus of the GBC's work. Our accomplishments would not be possible without the direction and support of the GBCI hope Board you of will Directors. join me, It thegives GBC me Board great prideand other to work members with the as entire we take Board on the– and challenges all our members. and seize the opportunities in the decade ahead.

GBC Weighs in on Digital Advertising Tax As I am often heard to say, the more our Board and members are involved, the better our work product and the more we can accomplish The Senate and House each advanced separate revenue packages to generate funds to pay for a portion of the costs related to the together. With that in mind, I hope you will join me in celebrating all that was accomplished in 2020. I urge you to become involved in the many programs, projects and initiatives that we will take on with a sense of urgency in the year ahead. implementation of the Kirwan Commission recommendations to reform public education. At the close of session, lawmakers agreed on a package that called for increasing the tobacco tax, applying the tobacco tax to vaping and e-cigarette products, imposing a tax on digital products and services, and imposing a digital advertising gross revenues tax. The GBC submitted a position statement raising concerns about Donald C. Fry the digital advertising tax. The tax measures were vetoed by the Governor. The GBC will be monitoring to see if the legislature seeks to override DonaldPresident C. Fry and CEO this veto in the 2021 session. President and CEO In Focus Baltimore City Election Debates and “In Their Words…” Series a Huge Success GBC Committed to Racial Equity and Justice The GBC launched an election education program to inform Baltimore voters about the Primary Election that occurred on June 2. One initiative In 2020, the GBC announced a new initiative to help eradicate racial injustice and social inequities. The initiative came in response to the brutal and senseless murder of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody. Following the death, GBC President and CEO Donald C. Fry issued of the education program was a series entitled “In Their Words . . .” The series shared questionnaire responses from leading candidates in the a statement outlining the GBC’s commitment to eliminating racial inequities and social injustice and working towards solutions to address races for Mayor and City Council President and highlighted policy priorities advanced by the GBC. The GBC shared all questionnaires and systematic inequities. responses on a special Baltimore Election 2020 section of the GBC website. The series was shared with more than 10,000 individuals and provided Baltimore residents and businesses with vital information about where candidates stood on a variety of issues. The GBC also hosted The statement read in part: The GBC [and its leaders] are committed to devote our time and energy to build bridges for racial unity, work two virtual election debates via Zoom in partnership with WBAL NewsRadio. One debate featured leading candidates for Mayor, while the other towards solutions to address systemic societal inequities, demand just and responsible policing in Baltimore and beyond and build more featured leading candidates for City Council President. Each debate attracted more than 250 attendees. equitable and inclusive workplaces. Most importantly, we commit to listen . . . [and] pledge to work tirelessly to strengthen the GBC’s programs and efforts on these fronts. GBC: Leadership Qualities of Next Mayor The GBC subsequently held a number of virtual programs to explore structural racism, equity in the workplace and how individuals, employers As part of the multi-faceted effort to educate and inform voters, the GBC released a statement that presented a set of qualities that the next and organizations can become involved in supporting and promoting racial equity and social justice. In October, new GBC Board Chair Calvin Mayor of Baltimore must possess to effectively lead the City. While the GBC does not support candidates or provide funding for election races, it Butler announced that in the year ahead, the GBC will become more intentional and lead by example in addressing racial inequity and social does have a role to educate voters. The leadership qualities the GBC issued remain relevant for the newly-elected Mayor. justice. The Leadership Qualities of a mayor that the GBC advanced were: Inital action steps that the GBC will take in 2021 include:

• Conducting a review of bylaws, policies and procedures to ensure they are inclusive • A strong, transformational leader who exerts the consistent, steady direction needed to create a culture of competence, efficiency, and • Providing formal racial equity training for GBC staff and Board members transparency within City Government. • Adopting a set of principles and code of conduct committing to practices of racial equity and social justice • A person of indisputable integrity with the resolve to hold all elected and appointed officials in Baltimore to the highest ethical standards. • Creating a more representative Board of Directors • A collaborative leader who forges strong working relationships with the City Council and other elected leaders at the local, state, and • Evaluating and deciding each public policy position through an equity lens national level. • Conducting a series of programs to educate and provide needed resources so GBC member and non-member companies can create inclusive business environments • A true public servant who is committed to improving the quality of life of all city residents—regardless of neighborhood or zip code. • A forward-thinking leader who will advance an inclusive economic growth strategy to reverse the effects of racial inequity that has left This agenda will drive positive action and position the GBC to take on a broader leadership role. many residents and neighborhoods behind. • A visionary who can set clearly communicated goals for the City and implement the policies and programs necessary to achieve those goals. Programs, Projects and Initiatives • A customer service-minded leader who appreciates the important role that the private sector has on the city’s economic growth and Workforce Development Initiative Report Published prosperity and creates a culture within city government that is supportive of businesses’ need for a sense of urgency, transparency and In October, the GBC released a report, Preparing for the Future: A Regional Workforce Development Initiative, which identifies the top family- integrity. supporting occupations that are forecast to grow in the Greater Baltimore region over the next decade and analyzes the programs that are • A trusted communicator who will be fully transparent and will seek guidance from residents, communities, and businesses about their currently available to prepare residents for those jobs. The report includes observations and recommendations to encourage business support needs and priorities. and engagement in the region’s education and workforce systems and to provide pathways for individuals to access in-demand jobs. In addition, the report also includes appendices, which lists workforce training programs and providers throughout the Greater Baltimore region. In the fall of 2020, the Initiative transitioned to the implementation phase, which is being led by the GBC’s Education and Workforce Committee. See the report and appendices at gbc.org. Member Support and Engagement

GBC Issues School/Business Partnership Guide Baltimore Women’s Advisory Board has Successful 2020 The GBC published a guide in October to assist schools and businesses to develop successful partnerships that expose students to career and The Baltimore Women’s Advisory Board (BWAB), through its #bWomen Initiative, continued to work on positioning Baltimore as a national leader in other opportunities, while also helping businesses cultivate the future workforce. Creating a Successful School/Business Partnership: A Guide for gender equality. During the year, BWAB hosted two well-attended virtual events. The first in September featured an expert panel on financial literacy. Schools and Businesses was developed as part of the GBC’s work in collaboration with Baltimore City Public Schools CEO Dr. Sonja Santelises to A second event in November featured Dr. Humaira Siddiqi of Kaiser Permanente’s Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group and highlighted the find ways the business community can support city schools and students. The guide was developed by the GBC’s Education and Workforce physiological elements of emotional stress, how to recognize it, and grow from it in order to maintain stability. BWAB is working on programs and events Committee. It includes a checklist that schools and businesses can use to ensure that partnerships are established correctly and are sustained for 2021. over time. The publication also includes practical guidance for school and business leaders to follow when establishing and maintaining a partnership. The GBC and Baltimore City Public Schools will hold informational sessions in 2021 to educate businesses on successful school/ Next Up Program active in 2020; Looks to Select New Cohort for 2021 business partnerships. See the guide and checklist on gbc.org. In 2020, the GBC’s third Next Up cohort opened its year of leadership training, professional and personal development and networking opportunities with a dinner featuring GBC President & CEO Donald C. Fry and members of the GBC Board of Directors. The 2020 cohort is GBC Launches COVID-19 Business Recovery Advisory Council the largest one yet with 32 members. Despite limitations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 cohort came together virtually to expand The GBC convened the COVID-19 Business Recovery Advisory Council to help businesses recover from economic pressures brought about by professional and personal networks and knowledge. the pandemic. The advisory council decided to focus on small and minority-owned businesses. Mary Ann Scully, Chair and CEO of Howard Bank and Vice Chair of the GBC Board of Directors, oversees the work of the advisory council, which includes GBC members and Next Up program events in 2020 included Lunch on Leadership: Thought Leadership, featuring new GBC Board Member Jacob Hsu, CEO of leading executives from the private sector in the Baltimore region. The council is advocating for small and minority- owned businesses to Catalyte. There was also a discussion on Civic Leadership: Business & Government Collaboration, featuring Delegate Nick Mosby (recently elected ensure that funding is directed to them from federal, state, and local programs. Additionally, the council seeks to sponsor programs and serve Baltimore City Council President); Aaron Tomarchio, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Tradepoint Atlantic; and Jayson Williams, CEO, as a resource to assist small and minority businesses with recovery from the pandemic. In addition to forming the council, the GBC advocated Mayson-Dixon Companies. The cohort also came together virtually for Cocktails & Conversations: Challenging Leadership in the Uncertain Times for the interests of the private sector and shared relevant and timely pandemic-related information and resources on the GBC website. Learn of COVID-19, featuring GBC Board Members Dr. David Maine, President & CEO of Mercy Health Services; and Christine Aspell, Office Managing more on the COVID-19 section of gbc.org. Partner—Baltimore, KPMG LLP.

GBC Engaged on Transportation and Mobility The Next Up program provides leadership programming, professional and personal development and networking opportunities for GBC The GBC and its Transportation and Mobility Committee were engaged in multiple efforts during the year to enhance transportation and member company employees under age 40. Participants are nominated by their organization’s leadership as having the potential to be in a mobility in the Greater Baltimore region and to protect needed investment in the region’s transportation operations and infrastructure. The GBC leadership role within the next few years. was active in the development of the Central Maryland Regional Transit Plan, the 25-year vision for the transit network in Greater Baltimore. It also participated as a member of the Implementation Team overseeing the effort to move the plan into action. The GBC’s 2020 Transportation Nominations for the 2021 Next Up cohort will open in mid-January 2021. For more information on the Next Up program and the upcoming Summit: Advancing Equity through Transportation Policy addressed the relevant and timely topic of leveraging policy, planning, and nomination period visit the GBC website. community engagement in transportation and mobility to advance equity. Looking ahead to 2021, the GBC plans to remain actively involved in protecting critical transportation funding for the Greater Baltimore region. Upcoming Events Sports and Events Marketing Advisory Council Formed In late 2020, the GBC formed the Sports and Events Marketing Advisory Council to actively support and promote the economic benefit of Baltimore’s major sports teamsNewsmaker —the Orioles andSpeaker Ravens Series — and other with major Police sports Commissioner and entertainment Michael events. HarrisonThe council will assist in efforts to attract and market major sporting andPublic entertainment Safety events in Baltimore in the Greater - Does Baltimore Progress region. LieFormer Ahead? Board Chair Paul A. Tiburzi, Esq. will lead the new council, which will become actively engaged in supporting and promoting Baltimore’s major sports franchises and other goals in 2021. March 4, 2020 • 7:30 a.m. registration, 8 a.m. program President and CEO Report Greater Baltimore Committee, 111 S. Calvert Street, Suite 1700, Baltimore, MD 21202 President and CEO's Report Advocacy StudentsOne of the of hallmarkslocal history of the know GBC that during in 1955 its 65-year – 65 years history ago has – been83 Baltimore the ability business to bring leaders, private-sector including leadership, luminaries ofin thenovative time suchapproaches as developer and collaboration James W. Rouse to address and attorneypublic challenges Clarence facing W. Miles, the Esq.,Greate launchedr Baltimore the region. Greater Baltimore City Baltimore Women’s Advisory Board: Fearless Leadership: Baltimore Committee as an “action-oriented” organization dedicated to providing private-sector solutions to public-sectorI’m proud to reportchallenges. that despite the disruptions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the GBC was successfully able to pivot and remain as active as ever on these fronts and more in 2020. The GBC created the Baltimore City GovernmentTake Risks and Ethic ands Refor Abandonm Task Force Your in Comfort2020 to take Zone an active - Sold role inOut the debate surrounding major structural changes to Baltimore City government. Chaired by Charles O. Monk II, Baltimore Office Managing Partner, Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP, WhatAs detailed is sometimes in this missed,report, thehowever, GBC is is poised just how to close action-oriented out its 65th the year organization with a num wasber ofin strongits formative successes. years, a the task force evaluated a number of charter amendmentsMarch 18, 2020 proposed • 7:30 by a.m. members registration, of the Baltimore 8 a.m. program City Council. that would restructure legacyThese ofinclude: achievement that continues today. the operations of city government, as well as bills to improve ethics and transparency in city government. More than 15 proposals to change 901 S. Bond Street, Suite 400, Baltimore, MD 21231 Issues the GBC tackled in its early years included the development of Charles Center, expedited construction the existing government structure were considered by the Baltimore City Council. With guidance provided by the Task Force, the GBC shared its This event is sold out, call the GBC at 410-727-2820 to be added to the waitlist. of• the Jones Voicing Falls its commitmentExpressway, expansionto working ofon Friendship one of the mostAirport, important construction issues todayof the – Baltimore the need toCivic address Center racial and positions on most of the proposals, including highlighting the need for a Charter Review Commission to thoroughly examine major structural creationeq ofuity the and Maryland social justice Transit Authority. All of these were transformational projects for Baltimore City and the changes. An amendment to require a Charter Review Commission passed, and was approved by the voters in the November General Election. region. • Launching the Covid-19 Business Recovery Advisory Council to advocate for support at the local, state and 65th Annual Meeting federal levels for small and minority businesses and to provide education and resources to assist companies State and Region If theseto projects recover alone from the were economic the GBC’s challenges only achievements, caused by the some pandemic might say they were enough. But the GBC has May 11, 2020 • 5:30 p.m. never rested on its laurels and today it continues to take on with urgency many complex issues, such as fighting for equitable state transportation funding for the region, helping improve public safety in Baltimore City, GBC Active on Key Issues in 2020 LegislativeRenaissance Session Harborplace Hotel, 202 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 • Releasing the report, Preparing for the Future: A Regional Workforce Development Initiative, which identifies the As it does annually, the GBC took an active role in the 2020 legislative session of the Maryland General Assembly, which started in January with workingtop to 20 enhance family-supporting minority and occupations women-owned in business businesses sectors thatand areensuring expected adequate to see the workforce greatest training job growth for thein knowledge-based jobs that will fuel tthehe nextregion’s decade future and economy. sets forth recommendations to ensure that our region is prepared to meet the growth two new presiding officers, Senate President Bill Ferguson and House Speaker Adrienne Jones. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 90-day session adjourned early - on March 18 rather than April 6. DespiteGBC the shortened Golf Classic session, the GBC remained engaged with legislators and policy This action-oriented culture is very much alive in the GBC’s 65th anniversary year – a milestone the GBC will be celebrating at its Annual proposals, and submitted testimony on 102 proposed bills. Key policy proposals the GBC was actively engaged with included: •Meeting Educating on May and 11. informing We anticipate voters aboutmore thethan election 1,000 will for Mayorattend and this City year’s Council event. President July 15, 2020 • 7:30 a.m. registration, 8 a.m. program • Engaging in efforts to enhance transportation and mobility in the Greater Baltimore region GBC Backs Blueprint for Maryland’s Future with Recommendations It’s important to keep in mind as we look back on the organization’s history and ahead to the work in 2020 that the GBC’s core strength lies Greystone Golf Course, 2115 White Hall Road, White Hall, MD 21161 House Bill 1300, the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future—Implementation, passed the legislature at the close of session but was vetoed by Governor •in its Advocating ability to bring and being private the sector voice ofleadership, business on innovative major policies thinking, and issuesand collaboration before the Maryland to address General tough Assembly public-sector during challenges the 2020 session, facing the Larry Hogan. If the legislature overrides the veto, the bill would establish in law the policies and accountability recommendations of the entireinc ludingregion public– Baltimore education City reform,and Anne public Arundel, safety, Baltimore, transportation Carroll, and Harford a plan to and renovate Howard Pimlico counties. Race Course and preserve the running of the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education (a.k.a. the Kirwan Commission), which made numerous recommendations to overhaul That leadership, innovative thinking, and collaboration emanates from GBC’s Board of Directors and the many committed GBC members who funding formulas and requirements for education. With an eye on accountability, achievability and economic development, the GBC supported Allparticipate of this work on positionscommittees, the task GBC forces, to have programs an engaged and andwhom active attend year GBC ahead. events. Programs, With this projects in mind, and the initiatives GBC remains on the even horizon more include:committed the legislation with recommendations that sought to address a number of concerns, including funding and accountability. than ever to its vision and mission: • Organizational focus on racial equity and social justice Vision: Greater Baltimore — Baltimore City and the five surrounding counties, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties GBC Supports Public Safety Proposals • Actively engaging in policy discussions before the Maryland General Assembly during its upcoming 90-day session, which begins January 13, The GBC supported numerous public safety proposals and played a central role in demonstrating the business community’s commitment to — willespecially be recognized proposals as that a leader advance in the or globalhinder economy.the region’s economic competitiveness reducing crime during the 2020 legislative session. Key legislation that passed included strengthened witness intimidation laws and increased • Mission:Engaging The withmission Baltimore of the GreaterCity’s newly Baltimore elected Committee officials, including is to improve Mayor the Brandon business Scott, climate City of Council the Greater President Baltimore Nick Mosby,region byComptroller organizing Bill its Henry penalties for failure to report the loss or theft of a gun. Legislation to establish the Law Enforcement Coordinating Council to ensure corporateand newly and electedcivic leadership city council to develop members solutions to ensure to thethe problemsGBC and businessthat affect community the region’s are competitiveness influential in discussions and viability. to drive economic growth, interagency communications and intelligence sharing and a bill to create 10 micro-zones to target high-crime areas were vetoed by the job creation and a successful recovery from the pandemic Governor. The GBC plans to support an override of the Governor’s vetoes on public safety legislation in the 2021 legislative session. It gives me great pride to work with the GBC Board of Directors and all GBC members. For event information and sponsorship opportunities: • Advocating for local, state and federal programs to assist businesses, especially small and minority businesses, to recover from the pandemic I’m proud to report that the GBC closed out 2019 with several big successes. These include: Baltimore City police officials deciding to move GBC Supports Pimlico/Preakness Legislation • Implementation of recommendations contained in the Preparing for the Future: A Regional Workforce Development Initiative report The GBC supportedLisa Senate Byrd,Bill 987, the Director Racing and Community of Events Development and Act Businessof 2020, which passed Development on Sine Die, the last day of the forward with testing of an aerial surveillance technology to help investigate crimes; CSX Transportation and state officials providing full funding to improve the Howard Street Tunnel in Baltimore so it can accommodate double-stacked rail cargo; and advocacy for equitable legislative session. The legislation represents a comprehensive agreement that provides for the renovation of the Pimlico Race Course, preserves • Advocating for the Baltimore region’s future transportation needs to be equitably funded [email protected] or 410-727-2820 ext. 40. state transportation funding for the Baltimore region. the historic tradition of the running of the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore, enhances the horse racing industry in Maryland and spurs economic Driving all of this work is the GBC’s vision and mission: development in adjacent communities surrounding the race course. The GBC commended the commitment and dedication of the negotiating Looking forward to 2020, the GBC will be extremely active on a number of complex issues. These include state legislation to adopt and Vision: Greater Baltimore — Baltimore City and the five surrounding counties, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties — will be parties to reach the agreement reflected in the legislation and the General Assembly for passing the important bill. Actions set forth in this recognizedfund the Kirwanas a leader Commission's in the global educational economy. reform recommendations, working to protect meaningful and effective business tax incentives, legislation are being closely monitored for progress by the GBC. seeking to ensure a balanced transportation policy and funding, and adding resources to address crime in Baltimore. Additionally, the GBC Mission:will engage The missionin a comprehensive, of the Greater Baltimorenon-partisan Committee effort isto to educate improve and the businessengage climatevoters about of the GreaterBaltimore Baltimore election region issues by and organizing the candidates its corporate for Transportation Proposal Garners GBC Support andMayor civic and leadership City Council. to develop solutions to the problems that affect the region’s competitiveness and viability. The GBC supported House Bill 368/Senate Bill 424, the Transit Safety and Investment Act, which would have guaranteed capital funding for I’mAs proud these toinitiatives be part ofhighlight, this legacy these and are appreciate interesting the times many full engaged of challenges members and who opportunities work hard to for assure the region the GBC – justcontinues as they to were bring in the 1955. private That’s the Maryland Transit Administration. The proposed requirements for increased capital funding were designed to ensure safe and continual sectorwhy thetogether GBC’s toregional improve perspective business competitiveness and private sector and voice job creation remains to highly ensure relevant the Greater and isBaltimore needed regionmore than remains ever. strong. operations of the Greater Baltimore region’s transit system by dedicating funds to maintain the system in a state of good repair. The legislation passed the House of Delegates but failed to pass in the Senate. This vision and mission is the key focus of the GBC's work. Our accomplishments would not be possible without the direction and support of the GBCI hope Board you of will Directors. join me, It thegives GBC me Board great prideand other to work members with the as entire we take Board on the– and challenges all our members. and seize the opportunities in the decade ahead.