Bridge Building

Greater Prince George’s Business Roundtable Meeting Intros New Electeds to Business Community

By Aisha Brantley // Photography By Raoul Dennis, Aisha Brantley

With the 2018 election results in and races declared, there were many transitions to office and future goals to report at the Greater Prince George’s Business Roundtable (GPGBR). The November 14, 2018 board meeting, held at First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Upper Marlboro, began with a call to order by Board Chair Steve Proctor, followed by a welcome by Pastor John Jenkins, Sr.

The event was held in the spacious new Family Life Center. The center is designed to “use health and wellness as a tool to Develop "Fit and Healthy" Dynamic Disciples. The facility is available to members of First Baptist Church of Glenarden as well as the local community.” The FBCG Family Life Center is one of the largest of its kind in Prince George's County and includes: three full basketball courts, two additional half courts, a fitness center, a multi-purpose room, a walking track, a concession stand and stage.

Greater Prince George’s Business Roundtable President and CEO Jim Estepp.

GPGBR President and CEO Jim Estepp presented the status report before introducing the Hon. Melony Griffith, 25th Legislative District, State Senator-Elect, who addressed the members with the theme, “Stepping up again, for the future.”

Estepp also presented a new voice in Annapolis, the Hon. Malcolm Augustine, 47th Legislative District, now State Senator-Elect, to remark on his transition, followed by the topic “Safeguarding the Community,” presented by the Hon. Aisha Braveboy, Prince George’s County State’s Attorney-Elect. As a new leader in Southern Maryland, the Hon. Gilbert Bowling, Charles County Commissioner-Elect, currently District 1 Prince George’s Police Captain, also shared remarks.

“Understanding the Revised Zoning Ordinance” was the next topic discussed by M-NCPPC Division Chief Derick Berlage, who oversees countywide planning, assisted by Chad Williams.

The Board addressed other topics of interest, including: “Re-Inventing Wakanda, Fit for a King,” acknowledging award-winning journalist and author Jesse J. Holland, Bowie native and writer of Who Is The Black Panther; “Flying High, Joint Base Andrews,” acknowledging Col. Andrew Purath, Commander, 11th Wing, The Chief’s Own, Joint Base Andrews; and “Transporting Our Nation’s Precious Cargo,” acknowledging Col. Sam Chesnut, Vice-Commander, 89th Airlift Wing, The Presidential Wing.

The Roundtable voted to make outgoing County Executive Rushern Baker, III a permanent member of the prestigious group. It’s a recognition previously only bestowed to former County Executives Doug Duncan (Montgomery County, MD) and Wayne K. Curry.

The next business meeting will be the GPGBR Annual Meeting, January 7, 2019, at Colony South Hotel, hosted by Michael Chiaramonte, President and CEO of ProFlex Physical Therapy.