Posts by sawyercornelius
The session is over. The work isn’t.
Blog The session is over. The work isn’t. Apr 15, 2026 Over the past legislative session, something important happened: Headquartered companies left their offices and came to Annapolis Tech firms and defense contractors showed up together Local and regional chambers and state associations across our federation mobilized their members Members called, emailed and met with…
Read MoreFrom Parking Lots to Four Studios: The Heart Behind Kore Barre & Yoga
Heart of Business From Parking Lots to Four Studios: The Heart Behind Kore Barre & Yoga Apr 9, 2026 From humble beginnings, Kelly Backert built multiple studios across Maryland, creating jobs, fostering community and proving that entrepreneurship, risk and dedication can transform both lives and neighborhoods. Kore Barre & Yoga didn’t start in a studio.…
Read MoreBoyd Cru: Where Community, Creativity and Opportunity Meet
Heart of Business Boyd Cru: Where Community, Creativity and Opportunity Meet Mar 24, 2026 Boyd Cru Wines is a hub for community, entrepreneurship and local opportunity, crafting approachable wines and creating spaces that support other small businesses and local artists. Maryland’s economy is built by people — and by businesses that show up, even when…
Read MoreAct Now: The Bill That Would Keep Maryland Employees in the Dark
Blog Act Now: The Bill That Would Keep Maryland Employees in the Dark Mar 19, 2026 SB 417/HB 45 is less about protecting workers and more about limiting the flow of information to them A bill the has passed in the Senate has moved to the House that would restrict employers from holding meetings to…
Read MoreCommentary: Making Maryland more affordable starts with the cost of doing business
Blog Commentary: Making Maryland more affordable starts with the cost of doing business Mar 17, 2026 Affordability is front and center in Annapolis this legislative session — and rightfully so. Families across Maryland are working harder than ever to keep up with rising costs for groceries, housing, child care and transportation. Policymakers want to help…
Read MoreSpeak Up: Help Shape Real Solutions to Improve Affordability
Blog Speak Up: Help Shape Real Solutions to Improve Affordability Mar 12, 2026 HB 895/SB 387 would put Maryland in uncharted territory as no other state has enacted legislation like this targeting grocery pricing Affordability is one of the most pressing concerns for Maryland families today. From groceries and housing to energy and transportation, the…
Read MoreMaryland Is at Inflection Point: 2026 Competitiveness Index Shows Why It Matters
Blog Maryland Is at Inflection Point: 2026 Competitiveness Index Shows Why It Matters Mar 3, 2026 The 2026 Competitiveness Index is here Maryland is making real progress. After two years of population decline, the state added more than 46,000 residents in 2026. GDP performance has strengthened. Maryland continues to lead the nation in academic R&D…
Read MoreHB 1479 Would Raise Minimum Wage to $18, Lock in Automatic Annual Increases
Bog HB 1479 Would Raise Minimum Wage to $18, Lock in Automatic Annual Increases Mar 2, 2026 This represents both a significant near-term cost increase and a structural shift in how wage policy is set for Maryland employers HB 1472: $18 Minimum Wage + Automatic Annual Increases Deadline to weigh in: Tuesday, March 3 —…
Read More$25 Minimum Wage, No Tip Credit and a Constitutional Mandate: What HB 1229/SB 886 Would Mean for Maryland
Bog $25 Minimum Wage, No Tip Credit and a Constitutional Mandate: What HB 1229/SB 886 Would Mean for Maryland Feb 23, 2026 A $25 minimum wage does not affect only entry-level positions — it triggers wage compression, increases in payroll costs, pressure to raise prices and reduced hiring HB 1229/SB 886: $25 Minimum Wage +…
Read MoreAct Now: New Proposal Could Impact the Products You Make, Sell, or Rely On
Bog Act Now: New Proposal Could Impact the Products You Make, Sell, or Rely On Feb 20, 2026 Senate Bill 686 targets products containing PFAS — a class of widely used chemicals found across modern supply chains SB 686: PFAS Product Bans + New Registration Requirements Deadline to weigh in: Friday, Feb. 20 — Testimony…
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