Media ALERT
Maryland Chamber to Honor Heroes of Key Bridge Collapse, Business and Community Leaders at Inspire MD on May 9
May 6, 2024
The Maryland Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Inspire MD event to honor outstanding Maryland business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. This year’s event will also feature a special tribute to first responders, emergency personnel, volunteers involved in the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse rescue, recovery, and rebuilding efforts.
When: Thursday, May 9, 2024, 5:00-8:00 p.m. (media recommended to arrive by 6:00 p.m. for the beginning of the program)
Where: American Visionary Art Museum: Jim Rouse Visionary Center, 840 Key Highway, Baltimore, MD 21230
Program Schedule
- 5:00–6:00 p.m.: Guests arrive, networking, food, drink and entertainment
- 6:00 p.m.: Welcome remarks from Mary Kane, President & CEO, Maryland Chamber of Commerce
- 6:05 p.m.: Presentation of the 2024 Public Service Award Honoring First Responders to the Key Bridge Collapse
- 6:20 p.m.: Presentation of the 2024 Community Impact Award honoring Live! Casino and Hotel Maryland
- 6:25 p.m.: Presentation of the 2024 Rising Star Awards honoring Jonathan Arons, Wayne Dorsey, Arion Long, Emily Tunis and Emily Ulhman
- 6:32 p.m.: Presentation of the 2024 Hall of Fame Award to Lawrence Kurzius, Executive Chairman of the Board at McCormick & Company
- 6:40 p.m.: Closing remarks from Mary Kane, President & CEO, Maryland Chamber of Commerce
Details on Special Tribute to Key Bridge Heroes
First responders, emergency personnel, volunteers involved in the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse rescue, recovery, and rebuilding efforts. The event will feature a solemn moment of remembrance for the lives lost and impacted by the tragedy, followed by recognition of the heroic actions taken by many individuals and organizations in responding to this crisis, including representatives from the Key Bridge Response Unified Command, Maryland Transportation Authority Police, , Baltimore City Fire Department, Anne Arundel Office of Emergency Management, Baltimore County Fire Department, and Northpoint-Edgemere Volunteer Fire Department.
Heroes to be recognized include:
- Representatives from the Key Bridge Response Unified Command — Lieutenant Commander Kate Newkirk, Waterways Management Division Chief at US Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region
- Representatives from the Maryland Transportation Authority Police — Colonel Corey McKenzie, representing Acting Colonel Joseph Scott, Chief of the MDTA Police; Corporal Jeremy Herbert; Sergeant Paul Pastorek; Officer Gary Kirts
- Representative(s) from the Baltimore City Fire Department — Fire Chief Wallace; Deputy Chief John Eid; Kevin Cartwright, Director of Communications; Five members of the Baltimore City Fire Department
- Representatives from the Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management — Director Preeti Emrick; Public Information Officer Kasey Thomas
- Representatives from the Baltimore County Fire Department — Major Wes Fischer
- Representatives from the Northpoint Edgemere Volunteer Fire Department — Brenda Marr; Matt Morgan; Andrew Ratajczak; Christopher Gleason Smuck; Samantha Roberts; Joel Jablonski
Other Event Honorees
- Lawrence E. Kurzius, Executive Chairman of McCormick & Company, inducted into the Maryland Business Hall of Fame
- Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland, inaugural recipient of the Community Impact Award'
- Five Rising Star Honorees: Jonathan Arons (Giant Food); Wayne Dorsey (The Safe Ride Foundation); Arion Long (Femly); Emily Tunis (Hardwire, LLC); Emily Uhlman (ButterWorks Bakery USA)
Media Opportunities
Photos and video recording are welcome during the award presentations, tribute to Bridge collapse heroes, and networking reception. Interviews with Chamber President & CEO Mary Kane will be available before and after the program. Interviews with honorees and attendees will be available before and after the program at each individual’s discretion.
Media Contact: Vice President of Marketing & Communications Abbi Ludwig, aludwig@mdchamber.org, (302) 682-5772
Tickets and event details are available at mdchamber.org/InspireMD.
# # #
About the Maryland Chamber of Commerce
The Maryland Chamber of Commerce is the only statewide business advocacy organization and the leading voice for business in the state. Together with their 7,000+ members, they form a statewide coalition that is committed to ensuring that Maryland is attracting and retaining quality jobs, developing vibrant, sustainable communities and staying at the forefront of global competitiveness and economic prosperity.
