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Event Recap: Maryland Business Outlook 2024 Featuring Keynote Speaker Governor Wes Moore
Mar 4, 2024
On Thursday, Feb. 29, the Maryland Chamber of Commerce convened over 300 influential business executives and community leaders for our annual Maryland Business Outlook event featuring Governor Wes Moore, Comptroller Brooke Lierman and Treasurer Dereck E. Davis.
In opening remarks, Maryland Chamber President & CEO Mary Kane emphasized that healthy businesses drive prosperity in Maryland by providing jobs, giving back generously and weaving the fabric of vibrant communities. However, Maryland faces competitiveness challenges — ranking near the bottom for GDP and jobs growth nationwide. Strengthening the state’s business climate offers benefits for the economy, companies and residents alike.
Governor Moore stressed that for Maryland to succeed, businesses must succeed. He voiced strong support for the business community, saying he is "pro-business" and aims to create a more competitive, business-friendly Maryland.
The Governor outlined several priorities to support businesses and strengthen economic competitiveness. First, he stressed the need to reduce red tape and regulatory burdens facing businesses. Second, he discussed initiatives aimed at getting more Marylanders to work, including making record investments in childcare, a key barrier keeping residents out of the workforce. Finally, Governor Moore spoke passionately about the need to close the racial wealth and opportunity gaps holding our state back.
Comptroller Lierman highlighted concerns about stagnant economic expansion, echoing the Chamber’s Competitiveness Redbook. She underscored efforts modernizing her office to better support taxpayers and business growth.
Treasurer Davis emphasized the immense responsibility of stewarding Maryland's finances and maintaining our AAA bond rating — the highest possible rating reflecting prudent fiscal management. He noted strong credit is not guaranteed, underscoring the need for continuous improvement in areas like budget stability and economic growth. He conveyed a spirit of shared accountability across sectors to protect our state's financial standing and ensure our state is competitive for business.
Collectively, leaders voiced commitment to competitiveness, with businesses viewed as central drivers of community health.
Sponsors
We are grateful to presenting sponsor Bank of America, along with platinum sponsors CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and Kaiser Permanente; gold sponsors BGE and University of Maryland, Baltimore; table sponsors Andrews Federal Credit Union, AT&T, Comcast, Constellation, Employ Prince George’s, EXP, Giant Foods, Johns Hopkins University & Medicine, KCI, Lockheed Martin, Martin Marietta, McCormick & Company, Merritt Properties, Sandy Spring Bank, TEDCO, United Bank, UnitedHealthcare, and Washington Gas; and half table sponsors The Arc Central Chesapeake Region, CFG Bank, Flagger Force, M&T Bank, Delmarva Power and Pepco, and Prince George's County, Maryland for their continued support.
