CEO Note: Fall Engagement Guide

Dear Partners and Friends,

It’s hard to believe summer is almost behind us. Even with the season winding down, our pace at GBC hasn’t slowed.

Here are 10 things that should be on your radar this fall:

Major Events

GBC's 70th Annual Meeting - September 12

Our 70th Anniversary celebration will be unlike any other. With museum-style exhibits, an Innovation Gallery curated by UpSurge Baltimore, and reflections on the region's business legacy, the evening will showcase both our history and our future. Claim your complimentary partner ticket, buy a ticket, or —which we’d really appreciate— sponsor this exciting event. Coverage has appeared in the Baltimore Sun, WBAL-TV, and WMAR-TV.

GBC Day in Washington, D.C. - October 9

For the first time, GBC will bring our board and strategic partners to Washington, D.C. for meetings with Congressional leaders and federal agencies, capped by a reception in partnership with King & Spalding. With so much at stake federally, your presence in D.C. is critical.

Vision 2035 Launch - December

We’re elevating our annual infrastructure and transportation forum into Vision 2035, a long-term blueprint for the region’s growth. It will be a defining moment to rally partners around the big bets needed to shape Baltimore’s future. Sponsor this event and help set the direction for the decade ahead.

Strategic Initiatives

Convention Center

We’re launching a GBC steering committee to support the collective efforts to advance the Convention Center. With GBC represented on the Governor’s Task Force and the Maryland Stadium Authority's study underscoring urgent needs and major opportunities, this is a pivotal moment to shape one of Baltimore's most significant civic investments.

Regional Economic Investment

Lakey Boyd, our Chief Economic Officer, is shaping how we will compete for business investment. She’ll brief partners this fall on our pipeline strategy — from corporate attraction to site readiness — building on her recent national interview on the Econ Dev. Show. Be part of the conversation that positions our region to win.

Baltimore's Transit Future Campaign

Join the more than 70 businesses and civic institutions already engaged in the Baltimore's Transit Future Campaign—a major regional effort to expand access, strengthen mobility, and unlock economic opportunity. Our regular programs feature local and national leaders and are a chance to directly shape one of the region's most critical infrastructure priorities.

Public Safety Engagements

We’re convening partner conversations with State’s Attorney Ivan Bates and Police Commissioner Richard Worley. These discussions are focused on sustaining Baltimore’s historic decline in violent crime and understanding how business can play a direct role in shaping lasting reform. Attend and help strengthen the city’s continued civic progress.

Thought Leadership and Storytelling

NBC's Competitiveness Benchmark - October 1

We'll hear from CNBC’s Scott Cohn, lead reporter for America’s Top States for Business 2025. He’ll share how Maryland and the Baltimore Region measure up in CNBC’s rankings — giving us a clear sense of our strengths and where we need to improve. Don’t miss this national perspective.

UpSurge Baltimore's Evolution

UpSurge is pivoting toward regionalism—with a new startup database designed to surface investable companies across the region. This resource will give investors and partners a sharper line of sight into Baltimore’s most promising ventures. This evolution was recently highlighted in the Baltimore Business Journal and Technical.ly. Connect with the UpSurge team to learn how you and your company can use the database.

Sharing Baltimore’s Story

This November, I'll represent GBC at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Business Solves Conference, showcasing the civic progress and economic momentum taking root in Baltimore. From the Wall Street Journal naming Baltimore a top city for emerging talent to national coverage of our $3B waterfront transformation, our story is resonating. The best way to amplify Baltimore’s voice is to sign-up as a Bold Moves Ambassador.

Stay tuned for more details, or reach out to our Partnerships Team at partner@gbc.org to follow up.

This is a season to lead with vision — be present, be engaged, and be an ambassador for Baltimore.

Sincerely,

Mark Anthony Thomas

President and CEO

Greater Baltimore Committee