The FedChoice Charitable Foundation (FCF) and the
National Organization of Blacks In Government, Inc. (BIG) Launch a Collaborative Educational Scholarship Program

By PRESS OFFICER
FedChoice Charitable Foundation

LANHAM, Md. (April 24, 2024)—The FedChoice Charitable Foundation is thrilled to announce that it is expanding its partnership with the Blacks in Government, Inc. (BIG) by launching the
 
Guy Fleming Scholarship, a Collaborative Educational Scholarship Program.

This scholarship was initiated by Ms. Sarah Fleming, a long-time member of FedChoice Federal Credit Union. The Guy Fleming Educational Scholarship celebrates the legacy of Mr. Guy Fleming and underscores the vital role of financial education for young individuals. Mr. Guy Fleming was a loyal FedChoice FCU member and a dedicated public servant working in the US Department of Treasury and IRS. Ms. Fleming passionately believes in the transformative power of education and aims to create more opportunities for deserving students from underserved communities. The FedChoice Charitable Foundation (FCF) is partnering with Blacks In Government (BIG) to promote this scholarship program nationwide.

Scholarship Program Highlights include:

• Ten college-bound or trade school-bound high school seniors from Title I Schools will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

• Scholarship recipients will be announced at the Blacks In Government National Training Institute in August 2024.

The FedChoice Charitable Foundation has been actively expanding its collaboration with Blacks In Government (BIG) and Future Leaders of America’s Government (FLAG) over the past year, supporting numerous school and local community events and participating in the BIG National Training Institute and other joint activities. The new initiative will help young people from low-income communities across our nation to support their future professional career development.

The Honorable Shirley Jones, Esq., National President, Blacks In Government, stated: “Blacks In Government was born for advocacy. I believe our best form of advocacy is providing the career development tools our members and their family members need to be fully successful. Through our training programs and scholarships from generous corporate sponsors like FedChoice, we are able to deliver much needed resources.”

Brett Noll, FedChoice Charitable Foundation Chair, added: “We are delighted to partner with BIG to provide scholarship opportunities to students in underserved communities. FedChoice is very proud of the efforts we have taken to level the playing field and with the support of incredible federal employee organizations like Blacks In Government, we look forward to making an even greater impact.”

Blacks In Government, Inc. is an advocate of equal opportunity and professional development for Black government employees at the Local, State and Federal government levels and others dedicated to justice for all. Learn more about BIG at: www.bignet.org

Founded in 2017, The FedChoice Charitable Foundation offers financial well-being and positively impacts local communities while being a resource, advocate, and champion for the Federal Community. Learn more about the Guy Fleming Scholarship at: www.fedchoicegives.org/GF-BIGscholarship

TOP OF PAGE

MEDA Announces 2024 Economic Development Marketing Award Winner: PGCEDC Latin Business Show “Creando Exitos
PGCEDC Original Programming’s Spanish-language informational show for the Latino business community wins on eve of sixth production season

By PRESS OFFICER
PGCEDC
 
Largo, Md. (April 24, 2024)—Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC) celebrates winning the 2024 Economic Development Marketing Award for Creando Exitos at the 2024 Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) Annual Conference on Monday, April 22, 2024 in Cambridge, Maryland.

The Spanish-language Creando Exitos, or “Creating Success,” is an informational program for the Latino Business Community designed to promote the services offered by PGCEDC and highlight other business resources available in Prince George’s County to support and grow their companies. Just last year, around April 13, Creando Exitos entered its fifth production season.

“We are excited to be recognized by MEDA for our marketing efforts regarding our PGCEDC Original Programming: Creando Exitos,” said Lori Valentine, PGCEDC VP of Policy and Public Relations. “We are on the eve of production for our sixth season of the Program, and this is truly a full-circle moment for PGCEDC and our Latin Business division.”

“We are excited to be recognized by MEDA for the original programming we have to support our emerging Latino business community of Prince George’s County,” said David Iannucci, President & CEO of Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation. “The program provides a platform for Latino businesses to learn more about the County’s Economic Development Incentive Fund, FSC First, Department of Permitting, Inspection and Enforcement (DPIE), banking services, and other programs to help them create success and showcase why Expansion Starts Here.”

Late last month, PGCEDC and M&T Bank launched their second annual 0-100 Business Accelerator Program. The Program gives Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs the guidance and skills to build strong companies, spur economic growth in Prince George’s County, and help build generational wealth. In past episodes, Creando Exitos has featured partners for the Program.

“This honor from MEDA is an example of when outreach to the Latin business community is done right,” said host Rocio Treminio-Lopez, Latino Business Manager of PGCEDC. “Creando Exitos showcases interviews with successful Latino entrepreneurs who have found opportunity and created a business right here in Prince George’s County!”

According to U.S. Census data, nearly 20 percent of Prince George’s population is Hispanic, and the county has the second-largest number of Hispanic-owned businesses in Maryland.

PGCEDC has posted past episodes of the Program on the PGCEDC YouTube channel. The Program covers topics for the Spanish-language community, including Financing/Access to Capital, Properties/Permits, Business registration, the Purple Line Project, Tax Incentives, Work Services, and more.

PGCEDC’s Original programming line-up includes TakeOut Tuesday, hosted by Nicole Hall, Business Spotlight by Larry Hentz, and the upcoming podcast Expansion Starts Here. Each Program amplifies the business community of Prince George's County by industry sector and is hosted by the PGCEDC Business Development Director overseeing that industry.

The Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) enhances the knowledge and skills of its members, encourages partnerships and networking among people committed to bringing jobs and capital to Maryland, and promotes economic development as an investment in Maryland. MEDA is a nonprofit organization of economic development professionals.

Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC)’s mission is to cultivate and promote a strong local economy that supports the growth and prosperity of entrepreneurs and businesses, dedicated to strengthening communities through business development and job creation. For more information about the services the Economic Development Corporation provides to local companies, visit www.pgcedc.com.

TOP OF PAGE