Upper Marlboro, MD (February 26, 2009) – As part of its commitment to improving business opportunities for disadvantaged and minority businesses, today the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) hosted an informational workshop in Upper Marlboro, Prince George’s County for local businesses.          
          
Held at the Showplace Arena and Equestrian Center, this workshop is a product of the Business Opportunity and Economic Development (BOWD) Center, a partnership between the Maryland State Highway Administration and the Delaware Department of Transportation to promote increased participation of DBE firms in federal-aid highway contracts and to assist in sustaining these companies' growth potential. Delaware hosted its informational workshop earlier this year.          
          
Today, nearly 100 pre-registered attendees participated in a workshop to learn more about the BOWD Center and its services. The program assists DBE firms in the highway contracting industry who demonstrates the skills, drive, equipment and structure necessary to increase their capacity and function as viable business enterprises. To date, 153 companies have been pre-qualified by Maryland SHA. Following the application process, fifteen companies will be selected to participate in the program.          
          
“A number of companies that are certified in Maryland have been underutilized in the award of transportation contracts,” said Neil J. Pedersen, SHA Administrator. “The center will be opening soon and companies will be able to receive guidance for business planning and contract management, marketing and other technical assistance.”          
          
To assist contractors with researching available projects, other support includes availability of a workstation for use by participants at each SHA District Office and MBE outreach workshops being held in each county.           
          
Recognizing that a majority of disadvantaged and minority business firms are located in the Baltimore/Washington corridor, Maryland is the managing partner for the BOWD centers, with Delaware hosting the satellite center. The two-year pilot program will provide hands-on general business development, and workforce training and development for the pre-qualified companies.           
          
Participating service providers will supply training in human resources program development, joint ventures, finance and accounting, marketing, project management, IT and contract management. Selected companies will also be matched with prime contractors to develop mentor - protégé relationships.           
          
Through a consultant contract approved in September 2008 by the Board of Public Works, the program will establish two business and workforce development centers: the Maryland Business Assistance Resource Center (MBARC) and the Delaware Business Assistance Resource Center (DBARC). The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) was very instrumental in its development by providing the federal funding for the centers.           
          
For more information on the BOWD program and other training opportunities for D/MBE firms, contact Ms. Marshaun Brevard, Business Development Manager at 410-545-0326. Additional outreach events will be held this spring; log onto www.marylandtransportation.com for more information.