General Services Secretary Gail Bassette was a recipient of the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Award during the recently celebrated 13th Anniversary of Bmorenews.com at the Choo Smith Youth Empowerment Center in Owings Mills. Secretary Bassette was recognized for spearheading the 1st Annual Business Opportunities & Entrepreneurial Training Summit. The Business Summit was a shared initiative with the Maryland Department of Transportation and drew over 450 small, minority and veteran-owned businesses across Maryland.

Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford was also a recipient of the award.

Every year, Bmorenews.com celebrates black entrepreneurs and professionals who take small and minority businesses to the next level by honoring them with the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Award. The award was presented to Secretary Bassette by Lt. Governor Rutherford, journalist and Bmorenews.com founder Doni Glover, and Jennifer Hamilton.

As a small business owner, Secretary Bassette understands that government is not responsible for the success of one’s business; however, the government can find common-sense ways to create a better business environment. “At General Services, we are committed to providing the necessary tools to small businesses to successfully compete for and win state contracts,” the Secretary said. One initiative General Services has undertaken is the creation of a small business development center where companies are connected to contracting opportunities.

Glover founded Bmorenews.com in 2002, which focuses on African-American news and information and highlights local and state business and politics. Bmorenews.com receives over 1.5 million views a month from 170+ nations around the world. It is produced by DMGlobal Marketing and Public Relations, a multimedia PR firm that services nonprofits, corporations and organizations.