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Governor’s Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Hosts First Deaf Business Summit in the Country

Governor’s Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Hosts First Deaf Business Summit in the Country 

Event Draws More Than 60 Deaf and Hard of Hearing Business Owners  

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Governor’s Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing today hosted the nation’s first Deaf Business Summit: “Deaf Ecosystem: Maryland’s Open for Business.” It was the first time that a governor has hosted an event exclusively for Deaf and hard of hearing business owners, supporting and encouraging entrepreneurship among the Deaf and hard of hearing business community.

“Today’s Deaf Business Summit is another example of our administration’s commitment to create greater economic opportunity for all Marylanders,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “We are excited to partner with companies owned by Deaf and hard of hearing individuals to create jobs in our communities and make meaningful progress in improving our economy.”

Held at the Governor’s Coordinating Offices in Crownsville, the event allowed Deaf and hard of hearing business owners to connect with key state entities, learn about different aspects of business ownership and enterprise available in Maryland, and network with state officials and programs. Public and private experts on small business conducted six workshops throughout the day on various topics including procedures and resources on licensing, leasing, procurement, and financing for small businesses in Maryland.

“Our administration is focused every day on finding ways to improve the quality of life of all our citizens, including the more than 1 million Deaf and hard of hearing Marylanders,” said Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford. “Today’s summit—the very first of its kind in the nation—will promote entrepreneurship in our state, and encourage Maryland small business owners to help us continue to empower the deaf community.”

Three keynote speakers provided remarks, including Lt. Governor Rutherford at the summit’s luncheon, Small Business Ombudsman Randall Nixon, and Kelby Brick, director of the Governor’s Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. The summit closed with a business reception, featuring hors d’oeuvres and dessert provided by Deaf and hard of hearing chefs from Maryland.

“By empowering small, deaf-owned businesses, revitalizing Maryland’s economy, and bringing more jobs to the state, Maryland is better able to tackle the pervasive unemployment and underemployment that many Deaf and hard of hearing individuals experience,” said Director Brick.

The Deaf Business Summit came just before the first Maryland Governor’s Business Summit, which will take place on May 18 in Baltimore. For more information about the Governor’s Business Summit or to register, please visit: https://marylandbusinesssummit.com/.

About the Governor’s Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
The Governor’s Office of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing serves as a coordinating office that advises the governor on issues related to the Deaf and hard of hearing population. The office advocates for and promotes the general welfare of Deaf and hard of hearing individuals in Maryland by addressing policy gaps, providing expertise related to Deaf and hard of hearing issues, and facilitating access to resources and services.

Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford shares his remarks with Deaf and hard of hearing business owners, emphasizing Maryland’s commitment to the Deaf Ecosystem.

[More event photos available here.]

The Customer Service Promise
The State of Maryland pledges to provide constituents, businesses, customers, and stakeholders with services in the following manner:
  • Friendly and Courteous: We will be helpful and supportive and have a positive attitude and passion for what we do.
  • Timely and Responsive: We will be ​proactive, take initiative, and anticipate your needs.
  • ​Accurate and Consistent: We will always aim for 100% accuracy, and be consistent in how we interpret a​nd implement state policies and procedures.
  • Accessible and Convenient: ​We will continue to simplify and improve access to information and resources.
  • Truthful and Transparent: We will advance a culture of honesty, clarity and trust.

Tell us about your experience with the Office of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing. Click here to complete a three question customer experience survey.

Click here to view our FY19 Customer Service Annual Report.

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