Message from Special Secretary Rhee

Customer Service Report

Governor Larry Hogan recently released the administration's second Customer Service Annual Report which details continued improvements in customer satisfaction and innovation within state agencies. Created in 2016, the Governor's Customer Service Initiative has continually driven improvements in service delivery and citizen experience. The overall satisfaction rating statewide increased from 81.7% to 87.7%. Here at the Governor's Coordinating Offices, we achieved a 93% satisfaction rating. The majority of these survey responses come from those of you who attend our outreach events. My team and I thank you for taking the time to complete the survey and promise to continuously work toward improving our outreach programs for your benefit.

Sincerely,

Jimmy Rhee
Special Secretary  

2018 Customer Service Annual Report

Welcome Back Pam!

We are pleased to welcome Pamela Gregory as our new Chief of Staff. She has actually rejoined our team after spending the last two years with the Maryland Department of Transportation's Office of Minority Business Enterprise. In her new role, Pam will work with the Special Secretary to ensure that Maryland is open for business to the state's 580,000 small business, particularly those owned by women and minorities. She has over 20 years of government service, and excels at system and business process improvements proven to increase efficiency and enhance customer satisfaction. When you see Pam at one of our outreach events, please introduce yourself.

Partner with PTAC

Doing business in the government sector is challenging. Thankfully, the PTAC (formerly known as the Procurement Technical Assistance Center) is here to help position Maryland-based small businesses to compete in the government procurement process, particularly within the federal arena. If you have a product or service that has a reasonable expectation of being procured under a government contract or purchase order, there is no cost to connect to PTAC's services which include counseling, training, market research, help in locating subcontracting opportunities, and more . They have eight locations around the state and an amazing team of experienced counselors eager to help you.

Maryland PTAC

Governor 's Citations Awarded to Local Small Business Owners

Small business owners are the backbone of our economy and Governor Larry Hogan recently recognized three Baltimore-area firms for their personal and professional contributions. The Governor's Citations were awarded during the Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement Connections workshop held at Horseshoe Casino. The Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs co-hosted the event with the Mayor's Office of Minority and Women-Owned Business Development. Nearly 150 small business owners and entrepreneurs joined in the celebration. Congratulations to April Richardson, founder of Food Opportunity, LLC, Ronald Curry, co-founder of Neo Technologies, and Kevin Barnes, founder of Harbor Designs and Manufacturing. 

Frederick Community College Hosts Ready, Set, GROW! Workshop

Meet buyers and learn how to do business with state, county and local governments in the Frederick area at our next Ready, Set, GROW! Procurement Connections Workshop. Join us on Thursday, November 15th at Frederick Community College to find out what buyers are looking for right now. Small, minority, women, and veteran business owners are invited to attend this free event. In addition to meeting buyers from over 23 different public and private purchasing units, you'll have the opportunity to connect with a variety of small business resource partners who can help your small business grow. Register today!

Ready, Set, GROW! Workshop