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Inspire MD 2024 event logo

Celebrate and be inspired by Maryland's diverse business community

MAY
9

American Visionary Art Museum
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Inspire MD 2024 

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Join 350+ of Maryland's top business and community leaders at the can't-miss event of the year — Inspire MD 2024 on Thursday, May 9, from 5:00-8:00 p.m., at the iconic American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore. Enjoy an evening full of entertainment, awards, delicious food, drinks and meaningful connections.

Connect with leaders across Maryland's business, non-profit and public sectors while enjoying live music, fun entertainment and activities, an open bar featuring Maryland-themed drinks and more — and walk away energized and inspired.

We'll take time to honor standout leaders as we induct a luminary into the prestigious Maryland Business Hall of Fame. Don't miss powerful stories and words of wisdom from our Public Service Award and Rising Star Award recipients. New this year, we are proud to present our inaugural Community Impact Award, presented in partnership with Maryland Nonprofits, to recognize an organization making a big difference in our communities.

2024 Awards & Honorees

This year, we are honored to present an esteemed inductee into the prestigious Maryland Business Hall of Fame, introduce the inaugural recipient of our Community Impact Award and recognize the exceptional achievements of five inspirational young Maryland professionals as our 2024 Rising Stars. In addition to these honorees, the Maryland Chamber will pay special tribute to the first responders, emergency personnel, volunteers and others involved in the rescue, recovery and rebuilding efforts following the recent Key Bridge collapse.

A headshot of Business Hall of Fame inductee Lawrence Kurzius

2024 Business Hall of Fame Inductee

Lawrence E. Kurzius
Executive Chairman of the Board, McCormick & Company
Mr. Kurzius served McCormick for seven years where he led the company through a period of tremendous growth.

Photo of debris and wreckage removal in wake of Baltimore Key Bridge collapse in support of reopening the Fort McHenry channel.

2024 Public Service Award

First responders, emergency personnel, volunteers and others involved in the rescue, recovery and rebuilding efforts following the Key Bridge collapse. Representatives from the Maryland Transportation Authority Police, Key Bridge Response Unified Command and the Baltimore City Fire Department are expected to be in attendance.
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

Live Casino Maryland logo

2024 Community Impact Award, presented in partnership with Maryland Nonprofits

Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland
With community giving as part of its core mission, Live! contributes over $1 million annually through monetary and in-kind donations.

A headshot of 2024 Maryland Rising Star Award Winner Jonathan Arons

2024 Rising Star Award

Jonathan Arons
External Communications & Community Relations Manager, Giant Food
Jon has been instrumental in supporting Giant's partnerships with local food aid programs, helping raise over $282,000 through the company's Lend a Hand for Hunger campaign in 2022-2023.

A headshot of 2024 Maryland Rising Star Award Winner Wayne Dorsey

2024 Rising Star Award

Wayne Dorsey
Founder & President, The Safe Ride Foundation
At just 23 years old, Wayne founded The Safe Ride Foundation of Frederick County with the mission of stopping impaired driving through innovative solutions.

A headshot of 2024 Maryland Rising Star Award Winner Arion Long

2024 Rising Star Award

Arion Long
CEO, Femly
Arion's patented innovation, the world's first touchless vending machine for pads and tampons, is changing the landscape of period care access nationwide.

A headshot of 2024 Maryland Rising Star Award Winner Emily Tunis

2024 Rising Star Award

Emily Tunis
President & COO, Hardwire, LLC
Under Emily's leadership, Hardwire designs and produces critical armor systems for the U.S. military, law enforcement and security applications while creating family-supporting jobs.

A headshot of 2024 Maryland Rising Star Award Winner Emily Uhlman

2024 Rising Star Award

Emily Uhlman
Founder, ButterWorks Bakery USA
At just 14 years old, Emily Uhlman founded her successful bakery business ButterWorks Bakery USA in 2020 which has earned her widespread media recognition and acclaim.

Platinum Sponsors

Kaiser Permanente logo
Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland Logo
MGM National Harbor logo
WesBanco logo

Gold Sponsors

Andrews Federal Credit Union logo
EXP logo
Giant logo
KCI Technologies Logo
McCormick logo
University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business logo
Uber logo
University of Maryland, Baltimore logo

Silver Sponsors

Discreet Security Services logo
The Leadership Guru logo
Maryland Economic Development Corporation logo
Revolution Event Design logo

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