SBA Administrator Guzman Calls on Americans to “Shop Small®” on Small Business Saturday®, November 26, Across America

By JACK SPIRAKES, MPA
U.S. Small Business Administration

WASHINGTON (Nov. 15, 2022)—Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Biden’s Cabinet for America’s 33 million small businesses, calls on Americans to “Shop Small” throughout this holiday season and on Small Business Saturday, which falls on November 26.

“As our economy continues to stabilize, it’s more important than ever that consumers shop and dine small during the holiday shopping season,” said Administrator Guzman. “We continue to see positive impacts and opportunities for our small business owners through President Biden’s economic agenda, and Small Business Saturday is another chance for us to further strengthen America’s entrepreneurs with our local and online spending and promotion.” 

The Biden-Harris Administration has been aggressive in laying the foundation for small business growth through the American Rescue Plan and the equitable implementation of SBA economic relief programs. Thanks to President Biden’s economic leadership, we saw a record number of Americans apply to start nearly 8.5 million new businesses—higher than any similar period on record.

Small Business Saturday, founded by American Express, is a day dedicated to supporting the diverse range of local businesses that create jobs, help boost the economy, and enhance neighborhoods around the country. According to American Express, the projected total reported spending among U.S. consumers who shopped at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday last year hit a record high with an estimated $23.3 billion1. The SBA has cosponsored Small Business Saturday since 2011, and the Agency continues to help entrepreneurs leverage new opportunities with the 13th annual Small Business Saturday.

Small business owners look forward to another strong year, and the SBA is doing its part by expanding and retooling resources to support all small business owners throughout their entrepreneurial journeys. For more information on SBA’s programs and services and to find an office near you, visit www.sba.gov

To learn more about Small Business Saturday, visit www.sba.gov/saturday

[1] The American Express 2021 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey was conducted by Teneo on behalf of American Express. The study is a nationally representative sample of 2,426 U.S. adults 18 years of age or older. The sample was collected using an email invitation and an online survey. The study gathered self-reported data and does not reflect actual receipts or sales. It was conducted anonymously on November 28, 2021. The survey has an overall margin of error of +/- 2.0%, at the 95% level of confidence. Projections are based on the current U.S. Census estimates of the U.S. adult population, ages 18 years and over.

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Bowie State’s Dr. Brown Named to 2023
Emerging Leaders Seminar Selection Committee

By DR. JOLISA WILLIAMS
Bowie State University Athletics

BOWIE, Md. (Nov. 15, 2022)—Bowie State Athletics Academic Enhancement Advisor Dr. Marie Brown has been selected to be on the Emerging Leaders Seminar Participant selection committee announced earlier this month. Dr. Brown previously served as a participant in the Emerging Leaders Seminar in 2016.

“I am honored to serve on the committee to select the next group of emerging leaders and future athletic administrators,” said Dr. Brown. “The wealth of knowledge I gained when I was selected to attend is valuable and set the ground work for success.”

A Bowie State alum, Dr. Brown is in her fifth year as the Academic Enhancement Advisor at Bowie State. In her role, she works closely and is an advocate for student success through the academic lifecycle of the student-athletes by achieving success with innovative courses, programs, services and student-centered initiatives. 

The seminar is a three-day virtual program that educates, develops, and connects the selected participants and equips attending young professionals with the skills necessary to accelerate their career progression in college sports. This professional development event provides leadership, educational and transitional programming for current graduate assistants and interns from NCAA member schools, conference offices, and affiliate organizations. Along with other committee members, Dr. Brown will help ensure that the participant base is a strong group of individuals that are enthused by the opportunity to develop professionally and personally. Additionally, the committee will assist the participant’s preparation to implement what they learn at the Seminar on their respective campus or at their conference office, as well as eager to return and lead discussions with student-athletes, coaches, and fellow administrators.

This year’s program will take place virtually February 8–10, 2023. 

For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State University Athletics and its 13 varsity sports teams, please visit www.bsubulldogs.com

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Mark J. Smith Appointed Newest WSSC Water Commissioner Representing Prince George’s County
Experienced Leader in Public Health, Disaster Recovery and Rural Development in Africa

By LUIS MAYA
WSSC Water

Laurel, Md. (Nov. 16, 2022)—WSSC Water Commissioners welcomed Mark J. Smith as the newest member of the Board of Commissioners. A 22-year veteran of the American Red Cross, Smith was appointed to serve as Commissioner by Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and unanimously approved by the Prince George’s County Council on October 24.

Before joining the American Red Cross, Smith worked for Africare, the largest minority-led development organization focused on rural development in Africa. His 10-year tenure took him to 36 sub-Saharan countries, where he led multi-disciplinary teams focused on maternal and child health, food security, HIV/AIDS programming and numerous post-conflict interventions.  

“My background in disaster relief and rural development in Africa helped reinforce a deep-rooted appreciation for reliable access to safe, clean water,” said Smith. “I look forward to using my experience to ensure we deliver projects that meet the clean-water needs of our customers. WSSC Water employees have been so welcoming to me, and I look forward to supporting them as we work together to fulfill this vital mission. I thank County Executive Alsobrooks and members of the County Council for appointing me to this position.”

Smith currently serves as the Executive Director for Community Engagement and Partnerships at the Washington, DC-based American Red Cross, where he leads a team dedicated to engaging with national, regional and community partners to prepare, respond to and recover from disasters. American Red Cross career highlights include serving as Regional Executive for Oklahoma and Mississippi, Senior Director of Field Operations for the Hurricane Katrina Recovery Program and Regional Director for Africa Programs.

Smith earned his undergraduate degree in International Development from historically black Lincoln University in Pennsylvania and an MBA from George Washington University in Washington, DC.

Smith is the third of three Commissioners representing Prince George’s County. Six Commissioners, three from each county, govern WSSC Water. They are appointed by their respective county executives and confirmed by their county councils. More information on WSSC Water Commissioners is on the Governance page: https://www.wsscwater.com/governance

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Longtime Prince George’s County Resident, Logical Technology and Research CEO Receives Presidential Service Award

By PRESS OFFICER
Logical Technology and Research

Washington (Nov. 16, 2022)—Todd Rogers, a federal IT executive with a long record of accomplishment, was recently honored with the 2022 Presidential Lifetime Achievement and Voluntary Service Award. Mr. Rogers’ contributions and service were recognized in a gala awards ceremony hosted by The African and Caribbean International Leadership Conference, as part of the Congressional Black Caucus weekend. Mr. Rogers is President and CEO of Logical Technology and Research (LTR), a management consulting firm specializing in IT services and solutions for government customers. 

The Presidential award was presented by His Royal Majesty Okatakyie Aasfo Boakye III, King of Sanzule Kingdom, Ghana at the African and Caribbean International Awards Gala. His Royal Majesty personally acknowledged Mr. Rogers’ distinguished credentials as a humanitarian supporting a cross-section of civic and professional organizations. The Awardees are selected by a panel within AmeriCorps, under President Biden. Under the Award guidelines, the honor is intended to recognize incredible individuals who are committed to a high level of voluntarism and service. Specifically, the Award honors those “individuals who work tirelessly to help solve some of the toughest challenges facing their communities, and our nation.” In the spirit of the Award, Mr. Rogers was acknowledged for his many contributions. He has been a longtime supporter of STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) programs to support the next generation of IT leaders. Mr. Rogers has served as a mentor, volunteering in community schools and programs to encourage minority students toward careers in IT, as well as specialized fields such as cybersecurity and geospatial information systems.

Mr. Rogers is the founder, President and CEO of Logical Technology and Research, an IT company based in the Washington DC area. The LTR senior leadership team offers customers a wealth of experience and thought leadership with IT systems in every Federal Agency. Mr. Rogers has applied his skills, network, and corporate resources to champion a broad range of local and national causes. The company also supports staff voluntarism and community service.

Logical Technology and Research (LTR) is a Maryland corporation with its principal office in Washington, DC. LTR offers over a decade of broad industry and government experience, and a senior leadership team with subject matter expertise developing and supporting IT enterprise solutions in every Federal government agency. LTR project teams collaborate with clients to define business objectives, and then logically apply technologies and research to develop a fully integrated solution to achieve business goals. LTR is committed to combining excellence and experience to our clients, as well as engaging with the professional, civic, and business community. For more information, visit https://oneltr.com

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