Inspire MD — Maryland Chamber of Commerce

Celebrate and be inspired by Maryland's diverse business community

MAY
9

American Visionary Art Museum
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Inspire MD 2024

This event has passed.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.