Md. Chamber of Commerce to host Inspire MD event

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The Maryland Chamber of Commerce will host Inspire MD May 7 at MGM National Harbor to present the Public Service Award to University of Maryland, Baltimore County President Freeman Hrabowski III whose leadership transformed UMBC into a top institution.

Created by the Maryland Chamber to expand upon what was previously known as the Business Hall of Fame Awards, Inspire MD is designed to inspire attendees to draw from honorees’ examples of leadership and to celebrate the unique ways that organizations and individuals are strengthening Maryland’s business community. The Public Service Award honors a singular outstanding public servant for contributions to help advance Maryland’s economy and quality of life.

Finalists for the other Maryland Chamber awards were also announced Monday. They are:

Inspire MD Award, recognizing that workforce development initiatives are imperative to strengthening the state’s talent pipeline.

• Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE);
• HomeFree-USA
• Vehicles for Change

The Innovative Wellness Award, recognizing a company that supports their employees with an innovative and engaging approach on overall health and wellness, improving the wellbeing of their employees and, in turn, the community:

• Neal Truck and Bus Center
• Leidos
• Tulkoff Food Products

The Rising Star Award, recognizing an individual who has demonstrated tremendous growth, an upward trajectory, and embodies the future of Maryland business:

• Arif Khan, Vice President, Clinical Programs and Evaluation, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield;
• Hennither Gant, Chief HR Officer, Career Image Solutions; and
• Kelvin Fu, Vice President, Interprise Partners

Previously announced as inductees to the Maryland Business Hall of Fame are:

• James W. Cornelsen, President & CEO, Old Line Bank
• Guy E. Flynn, Chair, Maryland Real Estate Practice, Partner-in-Charge, Downtown Baltimore Office, DLA Piper LLP (U.S.)

Prominent CEOs and leaders have been inducted by the Maryland Chamber into the prestigious Maryland Business Hall of Fame since 2000.