Image courtesy PGC Economic Development Corporation
Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation President & CEO David Iannucci Honored as Maryland Manufacturing Star
The 2024 Maryland Manufacturing Celebration of Stars is on November 14, 2024, at Martin’s West, Baltimore County
By PRESS OFFICER
PGCEDC
LARGO, Md. (Nov. 4, 2024) —Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC) is thrilled to announce that President & CEO David Iannucci has been bestowed with the esteemed title of Maryland Manufacturing Star. This prestigious accolade, presented by the Regional Manufacturing Institute of Maryland (RMI), is a testament to his exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing the state’s manufacturing industry. His significant contributions have not only enhanced Maryland’s economic landscape but also inspired future growth, making him a worthy recipient of this honor.
The recognition celebrates Mr. Iannucci’s outstanding achievements, innovative vision, and unwavering dedication to supporting and expanding the manufacturing sector in Prince George’s County and beyond. Under his leadership, the PGCEDC has implemented strategic initiatives to bolster local manufacturing, enhance workforce development, and facilitate partnerships that reinforce Maryland’s standing as a national hub for manufacturing excellence.
“I am honored to receive this award and be part of such an inspiring community of manufacturing leaders,” Iannucci said. “Manufacturing is the backbone of our state’s economy, and I am proud to contribute to its growth and resilience here in Prince George’s County. I share this recognition with the PGCEDC team and all our industry partners who work tirelessly to make Maryland a leader in innovation and manufacturing.”
Mr. Iannucci’s unwavering dedication to fostering an ecosystem that supports manufacturing excellence has not only benefited Prince George’s County but also significantly strengthened Maryland’s manufacturing infrastructure statewide. His work serves as a shining example of the pivotal role that manufacturing plays in bolstering economic vitality, job creation, and community prosperity across the state.
This year’s Maryland Manufacturing Celebration of Stars event, hosted by RMI of Maryland and the Maryland MEP program, recognizes “Maryland Manufacturing Stars”—people who work in business, education, government, or nonprofits and have made meaningful contributions to our state’s manufacturing industry. For further details, please visit the official website of the RMI of Maryland.
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, visit www.pgcedc.com
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Bowie State Hosts Fourth Annual HBCU+ Entrepreneurship Conference
University Collaborated With Tom Joyner Foundation, White House Initiative on HBCUs
By PRESS OFFICER
Bowie State University
BOWIE, Md. (Nov. 6, 2024)—Bowie State University’s?fourth annual HBCU+ Entrepreneurship Conference welcomed more than 900 virtual participants and highlighted the power of the entrepreneurial mindset as a crucial element for success in starting their businesses. ?
This year’s conference theme, “Igniting Innovation, Building Legacies: Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs,” aimed to inspire participants who have had ideas about using their talents to branch out and start their own small business or develop a service to address an unanswered need. ?
“It’s a call to action,” said Johnetta Hardy, executive director of the Entrepreneurship Innovation Center at Bowie State. “The theme reflects Bowie State's commitment to providing resources, mentorship, and real-world opportunities for students to develop their ideas and build lasting legacies in their communities.” ?
The university hosted the conference in collaboration with the White House Initiative on HBCUs. ??
“We’re thrilled to partner with the HBCU+ Entrepreneurship Conference and Bowie State University to amplify the entrepreneurial spirit thriving within our HBCU community,” said Dr. Deitra Trent, executive director of the White House Initiative on HBCUs. “This collaboration is about more than just supporting new ventures; it’s about empowering the next generation of Black innovators to drive economic growth, create jobs, and build legacies that will transform communities.”?
The Tom Joyner Foundation sponsored this year’s “I Got An Idea: HBCU Pitch Competition,” giving six individuals the chance to compete for $5,000 in cash prizes. BSU student Justice Morant won the pitch competition, receiving $2,000 for her business, SistersSync. This app empowers young girls through engaging content, expert partnerships, community support, parent involvement, and influencer-driven campaigns. Morant is a sophomore majoring in child and adolescent studies.
“Tom Joyner has always been a champion for HBCUs, recognizing their vital role in empowering future generations,” said Sherise Malachi, head of strategic partnerships at the Tom Joyner Foundation. “The ‘I Got An Idea: HBCU Pitch Competition’ reflects his commitment to providing HBCU students with a platform to showcase their innovative ideas through entrepreneurship.”???
The conference featured multiple workshops and panel discussions that touched on topics such as fundraising for your venture, connecting what you learned in the classroom to working in the boardroom, and how the growth of artificial intelligence will influence the future of HBCUs.??
Celebrity speakers, such as TV personality Al Reynolds, attorney and mental health advocate Jade Mathis, and Shark Tank casting director Brandon Andrews, appeared and shared wisdom from their journeys as entrepreneurs. ?
“If you got that idea, put it out there,” said Andrews during a sit down with Reynolds and Mathis. “Don’t let the perfect get in the way of the good.”?
Mathis described her fear at the beginning of her transition from practicing law to public speaking. However, she was determined not to let her fear keep her on the sidelines.?
“Do it afraid, as long as you do it,” she said. “Use all of your gifts in different seasons.”?
“In our session, ‘Beyond the Spotlight: Building Legacies Through Entrepreneurship,’ we wanted to inspire students and viewers to see that true success goes beyond fame—it’s about building something that endures and uplifts others,” said Reynolds, co-host of Fox Soul’s TEA-G-I-F. “With our celebrity guests who have not only achieved success in the spotlight but have also built thriving business ventures, the conference enabled us to show the next generation how to leverage their talents, build sustainable legacies, and create lasting impact.”
Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. For more information about Bowie State University, visit www.bowiestate.edu
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Council to Hold Public Meeting With Fire Chief to Discuss Reallocation Plan
By PRESS OFFICER
Prince George’s County Council Media
On Thursday, November 14 at 6:30 p.m., the Prince George’s County Council will hold a public meeting with Fire Chief Tiffany Green to discuss fire department staffing and the reallocation plan that has impacted multiple communities.
The meeting will take place in the Council hearing room on the first floor of the Wayne K. Curry Administration building at 1301 McCormick Dr. Largo, MD 20774.
Members of the public can provide comment or sign up to speak at https://pgccouncil.us/Speak
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Council Member Wanika Fisher’s Statement on Shooting of Chef Tobias Dorzon
By PRESS OFFICER
Prince George’s County Council Media
“I am disheartened and saddened by the news that Prince George’s County restaurant owner Tobias Dorzon was one of two people shot during an attempted robbery Tuesday (Nov. 5) night in my district.
Chef Dorzon owns two amazing restaurants in Hyattsville, is a valued member of the District 2 community, and my dear friend. Such a horrible act couldn’t have happened to a better person. I am sending my deepest sympathies to him and the second victim, as well as their families and friends, and I wish them both a speedy recovery. We have no place for this kind of senseless violence in our district or our county.
Earlier this year, I had the honor of recognizing Chef Dorzon with a proclamation after he was named the 2024 Chef of the Year by the Restaurant Association of Maryland, the first chef from Prince George’s County to receive the award. He is an extremely talented chef who has represented our county on the national stage while appearing on several Food Network programs.
I want to see those responsible for this heinous act held accountable to the fullest extent of the law, and I look forward to seeing Chef Dorzon back in the kitchen soon.”
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New to National Harbor’s Holiday Lineup: a Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show Series
More than 70 different vendors weekly from Nov. 30 through Dec. 22
By PRESS OFFICER
National Harbor
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (Nov. 8, 2024)—National Harbor has become a holiday showcase with its two million lights, a 60-foot RGB tree with light show, fireworks, holiday movies and more. This year, the property adds an exciting new event—the National Harbor Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show Series starts on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 and continues every Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on American Way.
Each week, more than 70 new crafters and artisans will have their works for sale. Some of the goods being sold include clothing made for children, upscale jewelry, dog accessories, candles, maple products, home décor, bath and body, pillows and table runners, dinnerware, cashmere and silk scarves, rugs and carpets, glasswork, alpaca blankets and shawls, crystals, metal art, aprons, towels, resin art, woodwork, stationery, leather products, photography, kids crafts and a wide array of artworks.
“We’re excited to be able to bring this market and crafts show to our holiday lineup this year,” said Deborah Topcik, director of marketing, National Harbor. “The many artisans and crafters will enhance the shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences for our visitors.” National Harbor has a number of nationally known brands, boutiques and restaurants in its Waterfront District and it is also the home of the popular Tanger National Harbor with more than 85 designer outlet brands.
“Each weekend the market will rotate through different vendors, offering guests a new experience every week,” Topcik explained.
For more information about all of National Harbor’s holiday fun and hotel packages, visit www.NationalHarbor.com/hohoho
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