FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Karen Miler, 443-838-1518
August 7, 2007-Three minority contracting groups-on the national, regional and local levels-endorsed Mayor Sheila Dixon today in her bid for a full mayoral term. Business leaders cited the mayor's experience and understanding perspective in their eventual decision.
The American Minority Contractors and Businesses Association, Inc. (AMCBA), MD/Washington Minority Contractors Association, Inc. (MWMCA), and Maryland Minority Contractors Association, Inc. (MMCA) voiced their collective support at the formal announcement this afternoon.
Said AMCBA President Arnold Jolivet, "Mayor Dixon has been involved in the City's minority/women's business enterprise program for a long time and she fully understands some of the challenges minority contractors face. The City's minority and women's business community has faith in Mayor Dixon."
Wayne Frazier, president of the MWMCA, corroborated, "Mayor Dixon is a proven leader as Baltimore's Chief Executive and she understands all facets of government. Experience counts and Mayor Dixon has shown that she is prepared to deal with all the tough issues our city encounters daily. Mayor Dixon is the best leader for the job."
Referencing her 20-year tenure on the Baltimore City Council, the president of MMCA said, "Mayor Sheila Dixon has always been an outstanding supporter of minority contractors, and the community at large, since her City Council days. Minority Contractors will continue to support her because we know that she will continue to support us and the community," said Pless Jones.
Representatives from the three contractors groups met today at 4300 Shannon Drive at 1 p.m. The announcement comes after a month of major labor endorsements, including the MD/DC State Council of SEIU, UNITE HERE, Mid Atlantic Regional Council of Carpenters and Baltimore Retired Police Benevolent Association.
A lifelong Baltimore resident and former elementary school teacher, Mayor Dixon has been a community advocate and public servant for over two decades. The West Baltimore resident and mother of two serves on numerous community boards and is an active member of the Bethel A.M.E. Church.
