Apr 26

Apr 26 Bringing Bahamian Sand To This Beach

The United Way of the National Capital Area Moves Toward Prince George’s By Way Of The Bahamas

Steve Proctor, President & CEO, G.S. Proctor & Associates

Steve Proctor has a way of getting in the middle of things. Although that’s not such an admirable character trait for most people, Steve Proctor has made a living of it.

G.S. Proctor & Associates is one of the state’s largest lobbying firms. It’s the leading African American firm in Maryland.

So, when the United Way of the National Capital Area determined that it wanted more exposure in the county and the Bahamian Tourism Board sought to build a relationship with the global non-profit, Mr. Proctor created the bridge.

Paulette Zonicle, Bahama's Consul General

“They do a lot of good things and I wanted people to see that,” Proctor says of his rationale in hosting the April 19 reception at Oxon Hill Manor. “And the Bahamas wants to partner up with the United Way. I thought that it would be great.”

The event, whose regional and international implications are high stakes, came about as a collaborative effort between Proctor and United Way of the National Capital Area President& CEO Rosie Allen-Herring. The two then worked closely with Bahama’s Counsul General Paulette Zonicle to make it happen.

“I talked to Rosie and we worked together to introduce the United Way and the Bahamas to a few of the G.S. Proctor partners,” he says.

The reception drew over 100 of the county’s elite, business leaders and elected officials. Top officials and decision makers of the Bahamas were also in attendance. County council members included Mary Lehman (D-Dist. 1), Mel Franklin (D-Dist. 9) and Council member Andrea Harrison (D-Dist 5). Former Chair of the county council, Jim Estepp, who is currently president of the Greater Prince George’s Business Roundtable, was among the VIP guests. County Chief Administrative Officer Nicholas Majett attended on behalf of County Executive Rushern L. Baker III. Maryland state leaders included Maryland House Judiciary Committee Chairman Joseph F. Vallario, Jr. and Sen. Joann Benson. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, Steny Hoyer and Congressman Anthony Brown each sent representatives to the Manor.

District Heights Vice Mayor Eddie Martin and Mayor Jack Sims with M.H. Jim Estepp, Greater Prince George's Business Roundtable

Other local leaders included Mayor Jack Sims of District Heights, Vice Mayor Eddie Martin and several city of Glenarden commissioners.

“They turned out because they understand the United Way mission and what they do for the community,” Proctor says. “They know that value and we were very pleased that they came out.”

International dignitaries from the Bahamas included Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling (widow of the first Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, the late Sir Lynden Pindling), Bahamian Ambassador to the U.S. Eugene Newry of the Bahamas and Dr. Elliston Rahming, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of The Bahamas to the United Nations and the Organisation of American States.

The United Way already has a presence in Prince George’s. It has opened a financial center in Prince George’s Community College teaching financial literacy, tax planning and marketing.

“It’s a real partnership within the community,” Proctor says. “It opened up just over a year ago. We want more people to know.”

Rosie Allen-Herring, President & CEO, United Way of theNational Capital Area

The success of the event had deeper meaning for the native Prince Georgian.

“It made me feel good to be a part of something where Prince George’s County brought together federal and international leaders in Prince George’s County about Prince George’s County and talking about partnering on a national and international level. That traditionally does not come to mind when you think of the county but that is indicative that we are changing the paradigm when you have that happening here now.”