Accomplishment RepoRt | 2009–2014

Table of ConTenTs

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fulfilling a need

accelerating Development and Capacity

Unparalleled access to Industry experts

Customized, sector-specific Training

business Development and networking

CMbD by the numbers

Collaborating for Community advancement

a Mission accomplished

ongoing support for local businesses

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Advisory Board membersMirinda Jackson Prince George’s County CouncilDr. Juanita Miller NAACPLeslie Williams Delon HamptonRoger Blunt Essex ConstructionAlonia Sharps Prince George’s Community College, Office of the PresidentDr. Yvette Snowden Prince George’s Community College, Workforce Development & Community PartnershipsMary Ellen Slattery The Peterson CompaniesShirley Blair National Association of Minority ContractorsSharon Moore-Jackson Prince George’s County Supplier Development & Diversity DivisionJerome Countee Prince George’s Community College, Workforce Development & Continuing EducationMonroe Harrison Gaylord National Hotel & ResortRick Munford Forrester ConstructionNecola Shaw WMATAMaurice Glass SunTrust BankDenise Medley Turner Construction CompanyDebra Schoonmaker Associated Builders & Contractors Washington Metro Chapter

staffJune L.W. Evans Interim Executive DirectorRandar Lee Executive Associate

Former staffCarl E. Brown, Jr.Dennis SmithDeborrah BanksKatrina Mayo

1centeR FoR minoRity Business Development Prince GeorGe’s community colleGe

ProgressIve ParTnershIPs: bUIlDIng UP MInorITy bUsInesses In PrInCe george’s CoUnTyDear Friends,

The Center for Minority Business Development (CMBD) at Prince George’s Community College launched in 2008 with an ambitious vision: to be recognized within the National Capital region as the leader in helping minority businesses achieve growth and sustainability. The mission was to accelerate the development of minority businesses based in Prince George’s County and to expand local minority entrepreneurship. Designed initially to build the capacity of businesses pursuing contracts at National Harbor, the Center’s programs also helped them compete successfully for work on other projects. The Center’s activities had a significant and direct impact on local businesses and economic development within the county and region. Participants in CMBD’s cornerstone initiative, the Accelerator Program, realized a 41 percent growth in annual revenue

and 62 percent growth in employees. The Entrepreneurial Development Program served more than 700 local, small and minority businesses through small business development workshops and an Annual Procurement Conference. We are pleased to share with you these and other achievements of the CMBD and its partners and graduates. This report highlights our continued commitment to fostering partnerships that respond to the diverse, evolving community and workforce we serve. For more than 50 years, Prince George’s Community College has provided the highest quality education and training while maintaining affordability and access for all. Encouraging entrepreneurship and connecting businesses to the resources and knowledge they require to succeed are part of our larger mission. We are proud to have served so many minority firms over the lifetime of the

Center for Minority Business Development, and hope that the future brings bigger and brighter opportunities for each. We extend a very heartfelt thank you to the Prince George’s County Council, County Executive Rushern L. Baker III and his executive staff, the Peterson Companies, the National Harbor, industry advisory councils and expert consultants for their unwavering support and dedication. Together, we will continue to do great things.

Sincerely,

Dr. Charlene M. DukesPresidentPrince George’s Community College

The Center for Minority Business Development originated during the planning of National Harbor, a 350-acre, mixed-use complex on the

Potomac River. The Peterson Companies, one of the largest privately owned real estate and development companies in the region, entered into negotiations with the Prince George’s County government for the active participation of minority-owned businesses in the building of National Harbor. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that minority-owned enterprises are among the fastest growing businesses nationally, yet they still face challenges. Many minority-

owned construction companies lack the infrastructure, capital and capacity to perform the work demanded for large-scale projects. Issues such as bonding requirements on larger contracts can also prevent minority-owned businesses from competing. To overcome these obstacles, the final agreement between the Peterson Companies and the Prince George’s County Council included the establishment of a program dedicated to helping minority businesses obtain contracting work at the National Harbor complex. The Peterson Companies provided a $5 million grant and the Center

for Minority Business Development at Prince George’s Community College was born. The Minority Business Enterprise Compliance Manager for Prince George’s County Council, Mirinda Jackson, was involved in the negotiations and served on the CMBD’s Advisory Council. “In order to be a serious business owner, certain components must be in place,” she said. “Our goal was to provide access to information, access to opportunity, and access to success. We wanted to help businesses grow to the next level so they could hire more people and go after bigger jobs. Businesses have to have the information to pursue the opportunity.”

fUlfIllIng a neeD

3centeR FoR minoRity Business Development Prince GeorGe’s community colleGe

Central to the CMBD’s efforts was the Accelerator Program, a no cost, one-year program offering select companies industry-

specific classroom instruction, specialized training, and technical assistance designed to boost their ability to compete for and win substantial contracts. Among the eligibility criteria were a minimum revenue requirement and a proven track record as an established business.

Businesses had to be minority-owned and headquartered in Prince George’s County. Once admitted, participants took part in a series of educational modules on topics such as business development, procurement and purchasing, human resources, finance and accounting, customer service, technology and more. The instruction was invaluable for firms such as Lendana Construction Company, owned and operated by the Williams

family. Linwood Williams, Sr. described the training as comprehensive. “They provided us with everything we needed to go out and win construction bids.” Particularly helpful was technical training in accounting software, which enabled Lendana to computerize their business operations and increase efficiencies. In 2013, the company was hired to work on building the Tanger Outlet Center at National Harbor.

aCCeleraTIng DeveloPMenT anD CaPaCITy

The Program strengthened our management skills

and helped us embrace cutting-edge technologies.

— Linwood P. WilliamsLendana Construction Company

Having access to the information needed to make a good decision can help a business survive and thrive. For many participants, the

personalized support they received from industry experts was one of the most useful components of the program. More than 60 CMBD consultants, executive coaches and trainers provided one-on-one technical assistance in a variety of areas, including

cost accounting, financial management, strategic business planning, marketing and sales, organizational development, human resource management and job costing. Consultants were experts in their fields and provided participants with training and knowledge relevant to their specific needs. Accelerator participant Norman Brooks said that working with the team

was “an eye opener.” Their hands-on expertise and knowledge, and their advice on what pitfalls to avoid helped prepare me to acquire million-dollar or multimillion-dollar contracts.” His Bowie-based company, NDB Services, LLC provides a wide range of general contracting services and provided carpentry services for the Rosa Mexicano restaurant located at National Harbor.

UnParalleleD aCCess To InDUsTry exPerTs

The training sessions in estimating and

management were great and helped me complete larger projects.

— Norman BrooksNDB Services, LLC

5centeR FoR minoRity Business Development Prince GeorGe’s community colleGe

Business owner George Hockaday-Bey’s company, G-11 Enterprises, Inc., specializes in “out of the box” solutions for electrical problems.

Despite his background in electrical work and education, he said that when it comes to entrepreneurship, he was similar to a lot of contractors. “We are all good in the trades. We can all do the work and obviously I was good at the work, having instructed others. But I needed a little help with the business aspect of it.”

While most accelerator programs focus on broad, generic skill sets, the CMBD’s niche approach included industry-specific training. The Center partnered with Turner Construction and the Associated Builders and Contractors Inc., to introduce more than 200 small businesses to general contracting and entering into subcontracting relationships. The resulting Contractor’s Academy and Turner School of Construction Management offered intensive training in areas such as bonding and insurance, estimating and

bidding, and construction contracts. When companies applied to be part of the Accelerator Program, they underwent a thorough assessment to examine their strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities. This enabled the center to customize training and provide assistance in areas most in need of improvement. This strategy produced results, with 38 percent of Accelerator participants securing contracts at National Harbor, including 14 contracts awarded to G-11 Enterprises.

CUsToMIzeD, seCTor-sPeCIfIC TraInIng

The Program helped me build a comprehensive

accounting infrastructure and enhanced my marketing acumen.

— George Hockaday-BeyG-11 Enterprises, Inc.

Revenue Growthfrom $93.5M to $229.6Mamong Accelerator Program participants

41% 62%StaffGrowth

of Accelerator Program participants reported that they were involved in

projects with other program participants

41% of AcceleratorProgram participants individually

grossed over$1 millionin revenue

6 centeR FoR minoRity Business Development Prince GeorGe’s community colleGe

CMbD by The nUMbers

90% of Accelerator Program participants indicated that training they received helped them build capacity

of Accelerator Program participants reported increased gross revenue

Training sponsoredby the Accelerator Program allowed a participant to win a contractto service over

1,000homesin Prince George’s County,making them more energy-efficient

34 National Harbor contractstotalling nearly $4m awarded toAccelerator Program participants

$2.3 million joint venture project with Tanger outlets

over 700

local, small and minoritybusinesses served through small Business DevelopmentWorkshops and the Annual Procurement Conference

7centeR FoR minoRity Business Development Prince GeorGe’s community colleGe

Training provided business owners and staff with the practical hands-on skills and knowledge required to operate effectively. Finding work

was the next step. To that end, CMBD created a business development team to focus solely on identifying networking possibilities and construction jobs at National Harbor and throughout Prince George’s County. By obtaining early information on upcoming construction projects, the team helped Accelerator participants win in excess of 30 contracts. In addition, the CMBD’s annual Procurement Conference assisted more than 400 local, small and minority businesses with locating contracting engagements and connecting them to private, federal and state procurement opportunities. Among the beneficiaries was Richie

Mohammed and Rich Moe Enterprises (RME). An Upper Marlboro company providing construction, renovation, and subcontracting services, RME was involved in the original construction of the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, but had not been back since. The CMBD’s partnership with the Peterson Companies made it possible for Mohammed to reintroduce Peterson representatives to his company for consideration on new contracts. RME was subsequently hired to provide general contracting services on the MGM Resorts International office build out at National Harbor. Accelerator graduates cited building relationships and networking as prime benefits of participation. For architect Kathy Dixon, “Networking with the other craftsmen was very good. I expanded my

network by meeting these new folks and got to know people in the county and what their positions are. I’ve since teamed with some of them on projects or tried to go after work jointly.” Networking produced results when her firm was hired by the Peterson Companies to transform an empty 2,700 square foot space at National Harbor into the Galina Perova Fine Art Gallery. K. Dixon Architecture is headquartered at National Harbor. This experience was not unique. Half of all Accelerator participants reported being involved in joint projects with their colleagues in the program. Through such strategic alliances, they improved their competitive positioning, gained entry to new markets, supplemented critical skills and shared the risk or cost of construction projects.

bUsIness DeveloPMenT anD neTworkIng

My employees received valuable skills and

resources that have resulted in several new contracts.

— Richie MohammedRich Moe Enterprises, LLC

9centeR FoR minoRity Business Development Prince GeorGe’s community colleGe

The Peterson Companies’ initial investment of $5 million in the CMBD has had a meaningful, positive long-term impact on the

local business community. For the 62 companies that took part in the Accelerator Program, as well as all those who attended CMBD events and training, success has come in the form of increased revenue, new hires, expanded capacity, and signed

contracts. Ninety percent of participants reported that the intensive training and development helped them to build capacity; the same number said they were well prepared to implement what they learned. The Center’s assistance to entrepreneurs like Tisa Clark, whose company, J.D. Clark Professional Services, specializes in property preservation, maintenance and improvement services, was transformative.

She attributes her company’s renewed vision to CMBD, saying, “I can’t articulate everything they have done for us, in terms of giving us technical support, confidence, knowledge and information and someone to run ideas by. They have people with the expertise and industry know-how as well as the connections to guide and mentor you so you can take your business to the next step.”

a MIssIon aCCoMPlIsheD

The CMBD helped us establish the

infrastructure needed to compete and manage the growth we are experiencing today.

— Tisa ClarkJ.D. Clark Professional Services, LLC

In February 2014, eight Accelerator participants accepted an invitation from Prince George’s Community College to join the Business Leadership Council

(BLC). The BLC works in partnership with the college to support the growth of the county by promoting philanthropy

for higher education and workforce development. The BLC is made up of local CEOs who serve Prince George’s Community College as ambassadors while supporting its mission and vision. BLC members provide insight on industry trends, technology, and

advancements that can be incorporated into existing course curricula with the goal of preparing students for successful careers. They will also serve as guest speakers and engage with the college community at internal and external events.

CollaboraTIng for CoMMUnITy aDvanCeMenT

10 centeR FoR minoRity Business Development Prince GeorGe’s community colleGe

11centeR FoR minoRity Business Development Prince GeorGe’s community colleGe

Building on the momentum created by the CMBD, Prince George’s Community College will continue efforts to help local, small and

minority business enterprises build capacity. In fall 2014, the college’s new Center for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) opens its doors. By collaborating with key partners, the CED will provide training and development to entrepreneurs in multiple industries at various stages of

growth. In turn, local businesses will help to stimulate economic development in the region and provide jobs for area residents. Ashante Abubakar, director of the Center for Business & Industry Solutions at Prince George’s Community College, reiterated the institution’s commitment. “I’m excited about our next level of growth and expansion. We’re moving into entrepreneurial development for small, local, and minority businesses in Prince George’s County with a broader

scope, from hospitality, transportation and distribution, and culinary arts to technology, while still including the successfully proven construction track.” Maximizing the potential of the local business community requires a proactive and collaborative strategy. Through the CED, Prince George’s Community College will remain a leading force for entrepreneurship development, training and opportunity in Prince George’s County.

ongoIng sUPPorT for loCal bUsInesses

advancing local, small, and Minority business enterprises in Prince george’s County

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