New LGBT business group debuts

Ted Hart. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The Maryland Corporate Council made its official debut Jan. 19 at the Hotel Monaco in Baltimore. The group is focused on professional networking and business referrals for members, as well as mentoring and providing educational programming. About 200 area business professionals attended the two-hour launch event, which featured Mark R. Fetting, chairman and CEO of Legg Mason, Inc. as the keynote speaker.

“We have 11 members on the board and over 100 memberships already committed,” said MCC co-founder and president Ted Hart. “This was very exciting to have such strong support before we even launch.” (The Washington Blade is one of the organization’s sponsors.)

Hart, CEO of Hart Philanthropic Services Group, added, “I think the need and the desire for this sort of organization has existed for a long time. Several attempts have been made. What is different about this effort is the business plan developed, the business orientation, and the senior level support recruited and committed.”

For more information, visit marylandcorporate.org.