HUBZone Trailblazer Caregiver Edition

LETTER FROMTHE EDITOR

Thisissuecelebratesthedynamic“Caregivers”withintheSmallBusinessAdministration's HUBZoneprogramnotonlyrecognizingtheircontributionsbutalsoemphasizesthevitalrole theyplayinfosteringeconomicgrowth,jobcreation,andcommunitydevelopment.Their dedication,adaptability,andcommitmentdeservetobecelebratedandsharedasinspiringexamples ofresilienceandsuccess.

Inthetapestryofprogress,therearethreadswovenbydedicatedindividualswhocommitthemselves toacausebeyondpersonalgain—acausethatpavesthepathforabrighterfutureforall.The HUBZoneprogram,aimedatfosteringeconomicgrowthinhistoricallyunderutilizedcommunities, hasbeenpropelledforwardbytheunwaveringcommitmentofitsmembersandsupporters.

Thesechampionsofchangehavededicatedtheirtime,energy,andpassiontoensurethatthe program'simpactenduresandexpands.Aswestandatthethresholdofanewera,it'sonlyfittingto shinealightonthosewhosetirelesseffortshavelaidthefoundationforthenextgenerationof HUBZoneadvocates.

Whatsetstheseadvocatesapartistheirgenuinededicationtodoinggood.FormanyHUBZone companies,engagementintheprogramisn'tjustaboutseekingpersonalorbusinessgains.It'sdriven byacommitmenttobetteringlivesandupliftingcommunities.Theiractionstranscendtheconfines oftheprogram'sguidelines.Theseindividualsembodytheveryessenceofsocialresponsibilityand sharedprogress.

Aswehonorthesetrailblazers,letusrememberthattheireffortshavenotonlypavedthepathfora brighterfuture,buthavealsoforgedalegacyofcompassion,unity,andimpactfulchange.Their storiesremindusthatachievingagoalisnotanisolatedeventbutacollaborativejourneythatspans generations.

LilyMilliner

ViceChair,HUBZoneCouncil,Inc. &CEO,BuildITUp,LLC

“Neverbelievethatafewcaringpeoplecan’tchangetheworld.For, indeed,that’sallwhoeverhave.”

MargaretMead

The I AM Hive program is an integrated talent management program. The internship component is designed to provide participants with training through structured learning curriculum, on-the-job learning opportunities, and professional mentorship with a government consultant firm.

We are currently seeking undergraduate and graduate students for part-time paid internships with flexible start-and-end dates and competitive hourly wages!

Minimum 40 hours per month

• $500 scholarship at conclusion of internship

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• Potential long-term career opportunities

QUALIFICATIONS

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•

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Must be authorized to work in the United States and be able to pass a background check

Business and Finance majors preferred

Must reside in a HubZone for 6 months prior to application and 6 months after hire

Check Your HubZone Status maps.certify.sba.gov/hubzone/map

ABOUT HIVE GROUP

HiveGroup is a high-energy, HubZone certified management consulting company and Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). Our mission is to provide innovative and creative management solutions to achieve federal agencies’ business operations needs.

CaregivingLegends HUBZone

ThehistoryoftheCouncilisonedefinedby dedicationandadvocacy.

“IamhonoredtohavebeenafounderandservedastheTreasurer oftheCouncil.Iknowthisprogramwillcontinuetoimpact marginalizedcommunitiesinamyriadofwonderfulways.”

-CarolynWilliams

ThroughtheLens OfHerImpact

KathleenSober,whoseunwavering commitmenttocaretakinghasnotonly transformedhercompany,theHIVE Group,buthasalsoupliftedcommunities andempoweredcountlessindividuals. Withherphilosophythattakingcareof people,clients,andbusinessisthekeyto success,Kathleencreatedanurturing environmentwherepassionanddrive flourish.KathleenSoberwillforever standasaguidinglight—abeaconof

compassionandempowerment.Her legacyextendsfarbeyondfinancial achievements,asshededicatedherselfto cultivatingafuturegenerationof professionalsthrougharemarkable internshipprogram.Letusdelveintothe profoundimpactKathleenSoberhas made,andcontinuestomake,inthe worldofbusinessandcommunity development.

KathleenSober|Co-Founder|HIVEGroup

Inasocietydriven byambitionand individual achievements,there areindividualswho findprofound fulfillmentinthe simpleblessingsof life.JeffHolmes,the SmallBusiness ProgramManager forRQConstruction, exemplifiesthis uniqueperspective.Notonlydoeshecherishhis lovingrelationshipwithhiswifewhowashishigh schoolsweetheart,buthealsoembracestherole ofcaregiver,providingunwaveringsupporttohis mother-in-lawwho battlesdementia.Witha beautifulfamily consistingofthreesons andtengrandchildren, Jeff'slifeisenrichedby theloveandconnections heshareswithhisloved ones.Throughhis transformativejourney, Jeff'sprioritieshave shifted,focusingon nurturingthosehecares forandcelebratingtheir accomplishments.

EmbracingUniqueness CelebratingGoldThreads&

ListeningBeyondLimits

Jeffhasalwayspossessedagenuinecareand curiosityforothers.Hebelievesindedicating timetotrulylistenandallowingindividualsto sharethelongversionoftheirstorieswithout restrictions.Byembracingthedetailsand understandingsomeone'suniquejourney,Jeff uncoverstheirstrengthsandhiddenaspectsof theirlives.Hehascometorealizethatevery individualcarriestheirownrightanswerswithin, andbyaskingtherightquestions,heempowers themtounlocktheirinnertruth.

FormingDeepConnections

Duringourinterview,Jeffsharedhisevolving perspective,stating,"Thebestpartofmyjobis thatIgettomeetalotofpeople.WhenIwas younger,Iusedtogetstarstruck.However,asI've grownolder,I'vecometorealizethatmy admirationforothershasshiftedfromsocial statustotheirintrinsicvalues."Jeffrecounteda poignantstoryaboutbookinganAirbnbseveral yearsago,whereheencounteredanelderly husbandandwiferentingouttheirbeautiful historichomeinDCtocovertheirexpenses. Throughhoursofconversation,Jeffformeda deepconnectionwiththewife,sharingabondof facingcancerdiagnosesandweatheringthe challengesoftheCOVIDpandemictogether. AlthoughshepassedawayinJanuary,her memorywillforeverbewithJeff,asherimpact onhisliferemainsindelible.

JeffHolmes, SmallBusinessProgramManager, RQConstruction

Jeffandhiswife,Micky.Photo providedbyJeff.

Jefffeedingoneofhis grandchildren.Photoprovided byJeff.

OwnersoftheAirbnbandJeffinDC.PhotoprovidedbyJeff.

queness GoldThreads

UncoveringGoldenThreads

Jeff'spersonal transformation hasledhimto encourage individualsto recognizethe goldenthreads intheirlives— thecommon elementsthat tietogether their experiences, passions,andvalues.Thesethreadsmayevolve andguideindividualsontodifferentrolesand paths,yettheyholdthekeytopersonalgrowth andfulfillment.Jeffurgesotherstoembrace peopleforwhotheyareashumanbeings, appreciatingtheirinnerbeautybeyondexternal appearances.Byvaluingindividualityand nurturingtheuniquequalitiesofeachperson, Jefffostersrelationshipsthatinspireselfdiscoveryandalignmentwithpersonalvalues.

ResistingtheTemptationto Standardize

Inafast-pacedworldthatfavorsefficiencyand brevity,Jeffremindsusofthedangersof overlookingtherichnessofhumanthoughtand experience.Standardizedinteractionsrunthe riskofdilutingthecontributionsindividualscan makeandstiflingtheircreativepotential.Jeff advocatesforcreatingspaceswhereindividuals canfreelyexpresstheirperspectives,bringing freshideas,innovativesolutions,anddiverse viewpointstothetable.Bycelebrating uniquenessandresistingthepressureto conform,wecantapintothecollectivewisdom andcreateamoreinclusiveandvibrantsociety.

EmbracingFresh Perspectives

Tofullyappreciatetherichnessoftheworld aroundus,wemustbewillingtoletgoof

preconceivednotionsand

openourselvestofresh

perspectives.Jeff encouragesustoembrace thepowerofseeing thingsanew,challenging ourownbiases,and allowingroomfor growth,innovation,and understanding.By unlearningwhatweknow andapproachingthe worldwithopenhearts andminds,wecanforge deeperconnections, navigatecomplexity,and makemeaningfulcontributionstoourpersonal andprofessionallives.

JeffHolmesservesasaninspiringexample, remindingusoftheimportanceofcelebratingthe goldenthreadsthatweavethrougheachperson's life.Hiscommitmenttovaluinguniqueness, listeningattentively,andembracingfresh perspectivesservesasapowerfulreminderto slowdown,appreciateindividualstories,and createspaceswhereeveryone'svoiceisheard.By doingso,wecanfostercreativity,nurture diversity,andmakeapositiveimpactonthe worldaroundus.Letusdrawinspirationfrom Jeff'sjourneyandembarkonourownpathof embracingthegoldenthreadsthatmakeus beautifullyunique.

significantguidancebothpersonallyand professionally.Hispassionforassistingsmall businessesandsupportingtheirgrowthis unparalleled.Jeffwasinstrumentalin connectingourcompanywithourmentor,RQ Construction.Hispositiveimpactsonour businessandlivesarepermanentandwill foreverbepartofourjourney.”

“I’vehadthe pleasureof knowingJeff forover13 yearsandI alwayslook forwardto beinginhis presenceasI walkaway with

-BrentSwanson

PhotoprovidedbyJeff.SmallBusinessAwards Gala2023,NewOrleans,LA

JeffandBiancaHenderson. PhotoprovidedbyJeff.

ChrissyMaruccistandsoutasaremarkable individualwhowholeheartedlyembracestherole ofcaregiver.Balancingherprofessionalcareer andfamilyresponsibilities,Chrissyactively engagesinnumerouscommunityorganizations, displayinganresolutecommitmenttomakinga positiveimpact.Withherdiverseroles encompassingessentialback-officesupportand drivingworkforcedevelopmentinitiatives,she showcasesremarkablededicationandaninnate abilitytolendahelpinghandwhereverneeded. Fromefficientlyhandlingadministrativetasksto advocatingforaffordablehousingand championingeconomicgrowth,Chrissy'spassion andunwaveringdedicationmakeheran invaluableassettoherfamily,coworkers,friends, andthebroadercommunity.

WhileChrissy'sdedicationtocaregivingis evidentwithinherprofessionalsphere,itextends farbeyondtheconfinesoftheworkplace.She possessesacuteawarenessofthepressingneeds facedbyherfellowcommunitymembersand fearlesslyadvocatesontheirbehalf.Recognizing asignificanthurdleinGarrettCounty,where vacationrentalsfaroutweighavailablelong-term housing,Chrissyastutelyidentifiedtheresulting conundrumfacedbyindividualsforcedtochoose betweengainfulemploymentandthespecterof homelessnessduetosubsidizedhousing regulations.Drivenbyansteadfastpassionfor effectingchange,sheemergedasastalwart championforlocalaffordablehousing,leveraging herinfluenceanddeterminationtoseekviable solutions.Recently,Chrissyforgeda collaborationwithareputablenational affordablehousingcompany,securingthe prestigiousGarrettCountyAffordableHousing FeasibilityStudy—agroundbreakingendeavor poisedtooutlinetangiblepathwaystoward bridgingthehousinggapandprovidingmuchneededrelieftothecommunity.Herresolute dedicationtoworkforcedevelopmentand affordablehousingservesasanawe-inspiring testamenttoherunwaveringcommitmentto enhancingthelivesofthosearoundher.

ItRunsintheFamily

JillofAllTrades

Jack-of-All-Trades Itrunsinthefamily

Affectionatelyknownasthe"JillofAllTrades," ChrissyMarucciadeptlynavigatesthedelicate balancebetweenherprofessionalpursuitsand familialobligationswhileactivelyengagingin numerouscommunityorganizations.Withinher professionalrealm,Chrissytakesonvariousroles asacaregiver.Recently,sheplayedapivotalrole indevelopingandimprovingtheWorkforce/ InternshipProgramfortheHUBZone ContractorsNationalCouncil,showcasingher commitmenttofosteringgrowthandgenerating opportunitieswithinhercommunity.Her dedicationgoesbeyondregularresponsibilities asshetirelesslydevoteshertimeandenergyto supportworkforcedevelopment.Throughher effortsinbuildingtheresumedatabaseand cultivatingrelationshipswithcompanies,shehas successfullyfacilitatedemploymentfor15 residentsofGarrettCounty.

Growingup,ChrissyMarucciwitnessedfirsthand theselflessactsofcaregivingthroughher mother'sinspiringexample.Hermother,always activelyinvolvedinvariouscharitiesand communityinitiatives,instilledinChrissyadeep senseofresponsibilitytowardsmakingapositive difference.Ashermotherdedicatedhertimeto thePTA,BandParents,andorganizing fundraisers,Chrissywasrightbesideher,tending tothesmallbutcrucialtasksthatensuredthe successoftheseendeavors.Thistraditionof caregivingextendsbeyondherimmediatefamily, astheMaruccifamilyhasalongstanding

Jack-of-All-Trades

Fosteringgrowthandgeneratingopportunitieswithhercommunity.

ChrissyMarucci, VicePresident,Pepburn,LLC

Chrissyandherfamily.PhotoprovidedbyChrissy.

RESPONSIBILITYCOMMITMENT

Itrunsinthefamily

Fosteringgrowthandgeneratingopportunitieswithhercommunity. Collaboration

fishinglinecontainersatBroadfordPark, markingatriumphantachievementinhisquest forchange.

commitmenttoLionsClubInternational, spanningthreegenerations.Chrissy'shusband, Regis,currentlyservesasthepresidentoftheir localLionsClub,followinginthefootstepsofhis fatherandgrandfather.Thislegacyofservicehas shapedChrissy'sabilitytoeffortlesslyjuggle multiplerolesinherlife.SupportedbyRegis, whoseprofessionasacemeteryownerprovides flexibility,Chrissyexcelsasabusinesswoman, nurturingmother,anddevotedwife,always readytoextendcareandsupporttoothers. Together,theMaruccifamilyembodiesthe valuesofcaregivingandpassesthemontothe youngergeneration,asseenintheirsonRocco's inspiringfourth-gradeprojecttitled"Bethe Change."Roccoembarkedonamissiontomake apositiveenvironmentalimpact,devisingfishing linerecyclingcontainersandproactively collectinglinesandhooksforsubsequent recycling.Fueledbyhisunyieldingdrive,he composedaheartfeltlettertothemayorand towncouncil,appealingfortheirsupportinhis recyclingefforts.Rocco'sdedicationand impassionedpresentationduringatowncouncil meetingresultedinthesuccessfulplacementof

Rocco'sinspirationalinitiativeservesasa testamenttothenurturingenvironmentinstilled byMs.Marucci,reflectingthevaluesshe embodiesandtheimpacttheyhaveonher children.AsRocco'sprojectflourished,itfurther fueledChrissy'sdrivetomakeapositiveimpact. Sheconsistentlydemonstrateshercommitment tocreatingabetterfuturebydedicatinghertime andenergytosupporttheworkforceand economicdevelopmentinitiatives.Shefosters growthandopportunitieswithinthecommunity. Chrissy'ssteadfastadvocacyforthecommunity's needsandherrelentlesspursuitofathriving environmentforallresidentsmakeheran invaluableasset—atruebeaconofcompassion anddedication—toherfamily,coworkers, friends,andtheentirecommunity.

RESPONSIBILITYCOMMITMENT

Roccoandhisproject.PhotoprovidedbyChrissy.

PhotosprovidedbyChrissy.

PhotosprovidedbyChrissy.

PhotosprovidedbyChrissy.

PhotosprovidedbytheHIVEGroup.

KathleenSober,whoseunwaveringcommitmentto caretakinghasnotonlytransformedhercompany, theHIVEGroup,buthasalsoupliftedcommunities andempoweredcountlessindividuals.Withher philosophythattakingcareofpeople,clients,and businessisthekeytosuccess,Kathleencreateda nurturingenvironmentwherepassionanddriveflourish. KathleenSoberwillforeverstandasaguidinglight—abeaconof compassionandempowerment.Herlegacyextendsfarbeyond financialachievements,asshededicatedherselftocultivatinga futuregenerationofprofessionalsthrougharemarkable internshipprogram.Letusdelveintotheprofoundimpact KathleenSoberhasmade,andcontinuestomake,intheworldof businessandcommunitydevelopment.

ThroughtheLensofThoseWhoseLives SheHasImpacted

TheHiveGroupwasfoundedin2018specializinginacquisition, program,andfinancialmanagementincludingSystems EngineeringandTechnicalAssistance(SETA).Asaco-founder, sheranthebusinesswiththemindsetof"ifyoutakecareofyour people,businesswillcome."Shecontinuouslytrailblazedapath forher40+HUBZoneemployees,staff,andclients.Ms.Payten

"Shecontinuouslytrailblazedapathforher40+ HUBZoneemployees,staff,andclients.Oneofthe reasonsthatIagreedtocomeworkforherwasour similarvaluesaroundlifeandbusiness.Shedidn't treatthosetwoworldsdifferently."

-PaytenKirby

Kirbystated,"OneofthereasonsthatIagreedtocomeworkfor herwasoursimilarvaluesaroundlifeandbusiness.Shedidn't treatthosetwoworldsdifferently."Thisphilosophyhasallowed theHiveGrouptoflourishinternallyandexternally.Justrecently, HiveGroupreceiveda$66MBlanketPurchaseAgreementto supporttheDepartmentofJustice'sFBIFinanceandFacilities Division/ProcurementSupportServices.

Ms.SoberandMr.Fortier,oneoftheco-foundersoftheHive Group,intendedthecompanytobedifferent."Itisalwayswiserto investinthetalentthatyouhavethanbettingfoolishlyonthe unknown."Theyhavecreatedaninfrastructurethatprovidestheir employeeswithresourcesandcareintheirdevelopmentatthe Hive.Kathleen'sdeterminationcreatedaworkplacewherestaff canaligntheirpersonalvalueswithjobresponsibilities.Payten saiditbest,"Kathleenwasjustthemostfantasticdown-to-earth authenticleaderwhocaredabouttakingcareofpeople.Ithink thatiswhyeverythingshetouchedhasbeensosuccessful."

CultivatingGroundFloorOpportunities

Shebelievedthecultivationoftheworkforcedidn'tliewithjusther employeesandstaff.Herpassiontogivebacktothecommunity startedherjourneytoprovideopportunitiestothosewhoare

SerenaLucasisasingle mother,whoselifechanged whensheenteredtheHive Group. "Thestartofthe internshipprogramcame fromKathleen'svision;the internshipwasthenatural growth."

Serenarecognizedthescarcityofsuch opportunitiesinherarea,stating, "Therealityis, intheareathatIlivein,theopportunitieslike theopportunitiesatHivearenon-existent.Hive hasreallychangedmylifeandthecommunity."

AlexisMyers,currentlya businessoperationsintern whowillbetransferringto FrostburgStateUniversity. Shewillbecontinuingonher currentprojectwiththeHive Group.Alexiswillbemoving ontoTimeKeepingand assistingAndyKramerontheProposalteam.

“IjustwanttosaytoalltheexecutivesofHive Group,thatIreallyappreciateeverything you'vedoneformeduringmytimeatHive.Ifeel I'veneverhadanykindofexecutivebesodown toearthandwillingtomeetwithjustthelowly interns.”

underutilized.Sheneverthoughtherheartfelt mission hadaname,TheHUBZoneProgram. TheHUBZonecommunityisforeverthankfulfor Ms.Sober'scommitmentanddedicationto servingunderutilizedcommunities.Herpassion wasputtoactionresultinginimpactinglivesand givingaHUBZoneareaafightingchance.

AttheheartofKathleen'smissionliesthebelief inprovidinggroundflooropportunitieswithin theGovConspace.Recognizingtheimportance ofdiverseexperiences,theHIVEGroup's internshipprograminvitesparticipantsto immersethemselvesindifferentaspectsofthe industry,includingacquisitions,finance,human capital,andprogrammanagement.Through hands-oninvolvementandmentorship,interns havethechancetolearn,grow,andassesstheir

skills,allwhilegaininginvaluableindustry knowledge.

TheInternshipprogramismadeupofa6-month workforcedevelopmentcohortwiththeoptionof extensionsuntilgraduation.Hivecurrentlyhas fourdifferentcohortsworkingsimultaneously withstudentshailingfromtheirpartner institutions(GarrettCollege,Frostburg University,andJamesMadisonUniversity).The first3monthsincludeweeklyformal foundationaltrainingontheGovConindustry (procurement,services,proposals,marketing, businessdevelopment,etc.)fromhands-on trainingtoindependentresearch.Thelast3 monthsinternsperformfunctionalandvaluable workforvariousprograms(e.g.developed informationsecurityawarenesstraining, updatesprojectmanagementsystems,etc.), doingrealworkwhileobtainingrealexperience allwithinthesafeHivebubble.TheIntern Programisaboutgettingtop-notchformal instructionandtacticalexperiencewrapped aroundapeer-to-peerlearningenvironment.

TherecentcohortofinternsattheHiveGroup willbetransitioningintofull-timepositions withintheverycompanythathascultivatedand guidedthem.Inthissignificantmilestone,one thingisclear,theprofoundimpactKathleen Sober'sleadershipandtheHive'ssupporthas hadanimpactonthesestudentinterns.Their testimoniesarefilledwithdeepadmirationand appreciationastheyreflectontheinvaluable lessonslearned,thedoorsopened,and

TobiasHungerisastudent internturningpart-time TimekeepingontheGSA Contractparttimeand continuinghiseducationat WVUandworkingatHive Group.

“Ithinkthatthesenior leadershipgroupisamazing.Theytaketheir timetojoininontheinternshipmeetings.Itjust sayssomethingabouthowtheyviewtheir contractingandtheprocessingreviewfor selectingvariouscontract.”

JoeEmbletoniscurrentlyan internatHiveGroup.Hewill betransitioningintoafull timePPMpositionwiththe GSAFEDSimcontract.

“ThankfulforKathleenand alltheotherexecutiveswho justtakethetimeoutoftheirdaytoputcareand effortintotheinternsandtheinternship program,tohelpmoldusprofessionallysowe canbuildourpositionsintocareers.”

transformativeopportunitiesthathaveshaped theirprofessionallives.

FosteringLifelong ProfessionalSkills

AccordingtoPayten“Kathleenunderstoodthat truesuccessgoesbeyondtechnicalexpertiseso toequiptheirinternswiththetoolsnecessaryfor afulfillingcareer,theHIVEgrouptookaholistic approach.TheHIVEGroupinvestsindeveloping essentiallifelongprofessionalskillssuchas publicspeaking,resumewriting,interviewing techniques,andtimemanagement.By emphasizingthesecriticalareas,theHIVE Groupisabletoensuretheirinternsarenotonly well-versedintheirrespectivefieldsbutalso

possesstheconfidenceandabilitiestothrivein anyprofessionalsetting.

MadisonEmbeltonisaninternwhowillbe joiningtheHiveGroupaftergraduation.She sharedherheartfeltappreciation,saying, "I wanttoworkatthiscompany.Igetthechanceto sitandtalkwiththeCEOorPresidentwherethey dositandlistenwithopenarms.Itissomething noteveryonegets.Kathleen,theimpactyouhad onmylifecan'tbesimplyputintowords.You tookmeandhelpedmeprofessionallyand personallyandgavemeanopportunityofa lifetime,andIcannotwaittocontinuetoworkas afull-timeemployeewithHive."Kathleen's compassionateleadershipandgenuinecarehave createdarippleeffect,sparkingawaveof transformationthatextendswellbeyondthe professionalrealm.

DonationLink

At Constellation, we are dedicated to lifting up our communities. We volunteer our time and commit resources to build a future in which all of our customers, employees, business partners, and communities benefit equitably from social, environmental and economic progress. We are energized by these experiences and inspired to help everyone succeed. Together we can be a catalyst for positive change in communities across America.

Constellation is a Proud Partner of The HUBZone Contractors National Council.

TheChampion

Inalandscapeoftendominatedbycorporategiantsand establishedentities,therearefederalemployeeslike CalvinMitchellJr.whodedicatethemselvestoadvocating forthesmallbusiness"littleguy."AstheDirectorofthe OfficeofSmallandDisadvantagedBusinessUtilization (OSDBU)withintheU.S.DepartmentofEducation(ED), CalvinMitchellJr.hasmadeithismissiontoensurethat smallbusinessesaregivenafairchancetothriveand succeed.

Calvin’sunwaveringcommitmenttosupportingsmall businessesstemsfromhisdeepunderstandingoftheir importancetothenation'seconomicstability.Despitethe challengessmallbusinessesface,herecognizestheir potentialtodriveinnovation,createjobs,andinvigorate localcommunities.Armedwiththisconviction,he tirelesslyworkstocreateanenvironmentthatmaximizes opportunitiesforsmall,smalldisadvantaged,women, historicallyunderutilizedbusinesses(HUBZone),and ServiceDisabledVeteranswithinED'sprocurementsand subcontractingprocesses.

Asanadvocateforthesmallbusinesscommunity,Calvin MitchellJr.servesasavoiceforthosewhooftenstruggle tobeheard.Heunderstandsthatnavigatingthecomplex federalprocurementlandscapecanbedauntingforsmall businesses,whomaylacktheresourcesandnetworks enjoyedbylargerenterprises.Throughhisleadership, direction,andsupervisionofED'ssmallbusiness initiatives,hechampionspoliciesandpracticesthatlevel theplayingfield,ensuringequalaccessandfair competitionforall.

MaintainingaWatchfulEye

OneofCalvinMitchellJr.'sprimaryresponsibilitiesis enforcingtheprovisionsdesignedtopromotesmall businessparticipationinED'sprocurements.He understandsthatenforcementiscrucialtoachievingthe desiredoutcomesandholdshimselfaccountablefor upholdingtheregulationsandstatutesgoverningsmall businessinclusion.Withadeepsenseofresponsibility,he ensuresthatprimecontractorsandsubcontractorscomply withtheestablishedguidelines,fosteringtransparency.For example,recentlyfiveunrestrictedcontractswere convertedintosmallbusinessset-asides,whichopenup thedoorfornumeroussmallbusinesseslookingtosupport DepartmentofEducation.

ThereisAlwaysRoomfor Improvement

HavinggrownupinaHUBZone,Mr.Mitchellwitnessed firsthandtheprofoundimpactthatsmallbusinesseshave onsupportingthelocaleconomyandproviding opportunitiesforgrowth.Asafatheroftwo,Calvinis determinedtochangetheparadigmtoensureabetter futureforthenextgeneration.Inspiredbyhisown upbringing,Calvinhasbecomeapassionateadvocatefor fosteringanenvironmentthatnurturesandsupportssmall businesses.Hefirmlybelievesthatbyempowering entrepreneursandcultivatinganecosystemofinnovation, wecancreatelastingpositivechangeforbothpresentand futuregenerations,fosteringeconomicprosperityand vibrantcommunities.

Calvin’sapproachtocaregivingatEDmirrorshowhe handlesa"needsimprovement"gradeonhischildren's reportcards.Hecarefullyreadsthereportcard,andinthe contextofED,heidentifiedasignificantdisparityinprime contractingscoresforsmallbusinesses(14%)and HUBZones(lessthan0.3%).Toaddressthis,he spearheadedthedevelopmentofacomprehensiveprogram withinhisstaff,focusingonincreasingsmallbusiness procurements.

CalvinMitchell, DirectorofOSDBU,Departmentof Education

NOLA5Ball.PhotosprovidedbyCalvinMitchell.

Theycreated,astrategicprogramthatequipsinternalstaff, suchasContractingOfficersandAcquisition Professionals,withthenecessarytoolstoincreasesmall businessparticipation.Mr.Mitchellestablishedkey performanceindicators(KPIs)tomonitortheprogram's successacrossdifferentsocio-economicbusiness categories.

OneofthekeyinitiativeslaunchedbytheOSDBUwasthe EDSBCX,asuppliermanagementtoolthatMr.Mitchell viewsasavaluabletool.Thisvirtualplatformfacilitates connectionsbetweenpotentialbuyersandsellers,allowing governmentcontractorstosecurelyshowcasetheir capabilitiestoprospectivegovernmentpersonnel.To ensuresuccessfulimplementationandadoptionofthetool, effectivecommunicationwascrucial.Mr.Mitchell'steam engagedGovConsmallbusinessassociationsandED's executiveleadership,involvingtheminthedesign,use, andtestingofthetool.Customizedtrainingsessionswere developedforvariousstakeholdergroups,considering factorssuchasscheduling,frequency,learningmodality, exercises,andfrequentlyaskedquestions.Asaresultof theseefforts,HUBZonenumberssignificantlyincreased duringMr.Mitchell'stenure,almostseventimeshigher thanwhenhestarted.

TheEnforcer

Withafirmhand,heensuresthatallstakeholdersare complyingwiththeestablishedguidelinesbyfosteringa transparentandequitablebusinessenvironment.Calvin MitchellJr.'sadvocacyextendsbeyondenforcing regulations;heactivelypromotessmallbusinessesand connectsthemwithprimecontractors,contractingofficers, programleaders,andacquisitionstaffwithinED.He recognizesthepowerofnetworkingandrelationshipbuildinginfacilitatingbusinessopportunities.By showcasingthecapabilitiesandachievementsofsmall businesses,hehelpsthemgainvisibilityandincreasestheir chancesofsecuringcontracts,thusdrivingtheirgrowth andsuccess.Mr.MitchellJr.hasalsoplayedakeyrolein thedevelopmentandimplementationofCreatingand LeveragingAcquisitionsforSmallBusinessStrategy (CLASS),adepartment-widedata-drivenstrategyfocused onreducingprocurementbarriersforsmallsocioeconomic businesses.

Acknowledgingthechallengesfacedbysmallbusinesses, CalvinMitchellJr.worksdiligentlytohelpthemovercome obstacles.Heactivelyengageswithstakeholders,listensto theirconcerns,andseekscreativesolutions.Whetherit's addressingcomplianceissues,offeringguidance,or providingmentorship,hegoesaboveandbeyondto supportsmallbusinessesintheirjourneytowardsuccess.

WhereThereisaWill,Thereisa Way

CalvinMitchellJr.'sadvocacyforthesmallbusinesslittle guyisnotjustajobforhim;itisapassionrootedinadeep beliefintheirvalueandpotential.Herecognizesthatwhen smallbusinessesthrive,theentireeconomybenefits. Throughhisunwaveringdedication,heservesasacatalyst forchange,drivingpolicyreformsandfosteringan environmentwherethecontributionsofsmallbusinesses arerecognizedandcelebrated.Inaworldwherebignames oftendominatetheheadlines,hestandstallasachampion forthesmallbusinesslittleguy.Hisadvocacy,leadership, andcommitmenttocreatingopportunitiesforsmall businesseswithinthefederallandscapeareatestamentto thepowerofindividualstomakeadifference.By amplifyingthevoicesofsmallbusinessesandadvocating fortheirinclusion,CalvinMitchellJr.pavesthewayfora moreinclusive,dynamic,andthrivingbusinessecosystem.

RestonChamber.PhotosprovidedbyCalvin Mitchell.

AsianChamber.PhotosprovidedbyCalvinMitchell.

Inaworldthatoftenemphasizesselfpreservationandpersonalgain,thereare individualswhodefytheoddsbyconsistently puttingothersfirst.PoonamRichardet,Supply ChainLeadandSmallBusinessLiaisonOfficerat BallAerospaceisoneofthoseindividuals. Poonamiscommittedtoleavingapositivelegacy forfuturegenerationsinspirethosearoundher. Herqualitiesofgenerosity,love,andkindness shinethroughinheractions,remindingusofthe transformativepowerofempathyand compassion.

TheGiftthatKeepsonGiving

Poonamunderstandsthatevensmallgestures cansignificantlyimpactsomeone'slife,andshe utilizeshercaringupbringingreceivedthrough hermomandthetraditionalIndianculturalgiftgivingtoexpresshercareandsupport.

ForPoonam,gift-givingisnotmerelya superficialgesturebutathoughtfuland meaningfulactrepresentingherthoughtfulness andconsiderationforothers.Drawingfromher culturalbackground,shecarefullyselectsgifts thatreflecttherecipient'spreferences,interests, andneeds.Whetherit'sasimpletrinketoran elaborateitem,eachgiftcarriesaheartfelt messageofloveandappreciation.Throughher gifts,Poonamprovidescomfort,encouragement, andsupporttothoseshecaresabout,especially duringchallengingtimes.

Duringour interview,

Poonamshared ananecdote aboutmeeting MichelleBurnett, Executive Directorofthe HUBZone Contractors

NationalCouncil

whenshefirststartedin2018.DespiteMichelle beingnewtoherroleandfeelingoverwhelmed bytheobstaclesatanevent,Poonamrecognized alightandgreatleadershipqualitieswithinher andtookapicturetocapturethemoment.Each yearPoonamsharesthisphotowithMrs.Burnett toremindherhowfarshehascomeandthat thereismoretocome!Thisthoughtfulgesture demonstratesPoonam'sabilitytorecognizethe talentwithinothersandbrightensomeone'sday withthatfaithandconvictionthatmayhelp themfeelseenandvalued.

FindingtheLight

Poonam'sbeliefinfindingthelightinevery personandsituationisatestamenttoher positiveoutlookonlife.Sheunderstandsthatno

PoonamRichardet, SupplyChainLead&SBLO,Ball Aerospace

Poonamandhemom.PhotosprovidedbyPoonam Richardet.

PhotosprovidedbyPoonamRichardet.

oneisperfect,butshechoosestofocusonthe goodnessinothers.Heractsofkindnessandher genuinecareforotherscreateanupliftingand joyfulatmosphere,leavingalastingimpacton thosefortunateenoughtocrossherpath.

In1999,Poonamwasfacedwiththeimmense challengeofbalancingafull-timejob,raisinga youngchild,andcaringforherterminallyill mother.Despitetheoverwhelmingdemandson hertimeandenergy,Poonamknewthatnoone couldcareforhermotherasshecould,soshe chosetoprioritizehermother'swell-being.At thetime,thedoctorsbelievedthathermother onlyhadsixmonths,butunderthecareofher lovingdaughter,hermotherwentontolive anothersixyears.Itwasonlypossiblewhenshe leanedonhercommunityofcaregivers.

Ms.Richardetmentionedthewonderfulleaders atBallandwithintheHUBZonecommunitywho haveshapedherviewsoncaregiving.Shecounts onthemforthoselongconversationsor

extendedlunches,whichoftenincludelengthy rewrites,coaching,andmentoring.

Theyaresomeoftheingredientsthatmakeher better.Heroeslikeherboss,ZachMiller.She said,“Whenyouneedhim,he'sthere200%of thetime.He'ssoemployee-focused.Whatever histeammemberneeds,he'sthereforthem.I remembertheweekendofhisdaughter's graduation.Hesaid,‘ifyouneedme,I'mthere, justtextme.I'mthinkingofgettingapagerfor youguys.’Wealllaughedbecauseweknewhe meantit!Hehassetahighbarforbeingatrue caregiver.Despitethechallengesshefaced, Poonam'sunwaveringdedicationandlovefor hermotherextendedherlifeandservedasa powerfulreminderoftheextraordinarystrength andresiliencewithineachofus.

NVSBCAwards2022.PhotosprovidedbyPoonam Richardet.

PhotosprovidedbyPoonamRichardet.

Ms.NewlaniswhatweconsideraHUBZone legacycaregiver.Herfather-in-law,RonNewlan, wasthefounderoftheHUBZoneContractors NationalCouncilandservedasitschairmanfor years.Heoftensharedthelastingimpact HUBZonecompaniescanhaveonHUBZone communities.Ms.Newlanhassaid,"Her caregivingpathwasshapednotonlybythe storiesbutalsobytheactionsofherfather-inlaw."Asafearlessadvocateforwomeninmany traditionallymale-dominatedfields,including scienceandtechnology,Ms.Newlanhasbeenthe contractorleadfortheNationalInstitutesof Health'sHUBZoneConsortiumandaBoard MemberfortheHUBZoneContractorsNational Council.Inadditiontoheradvocacywork,Ms. NewlanrunsherownWOSB,HUBZone-certified company,HedgelanConsulting.SheisalsoCEO ofherhouseholdco-managingabusyworklife withherhusbandandtwoyoungelementaryagedchildren.

Balance,Blending,and Breakers

Ms.Newlandoesnotliketousetheword "balance"whenreferringtohercaregiving activities.Afterachanceencounterwitha superiorwhohasfivekids,Ms.Newlancameto thebeliefthatbalancesetsunrealistic expectations.Balanceimpliesthateverythingis perfect,whichisimpossible.Yearsago,this seniorHRmanagercorrectedherwhensheused theterm"balance."Hesaid,"Youmeanblend,

don'tyou?"Assherelayedwhathesaid,"It'snot reallyaboutbalance,butaboutblending.Balance impliesequalweightoreverythingbeingin perfectharmony."Thisnotionwasfaraheadof itstime,especiallyintheenergyindustry,where workingremotelywasfrowneduponandthere werefewdual-careercouples.Mybossbelieved thatsometimesyouhadtotakeabusinesscall fromhomebecauseofmultiplefamily responsibilities.Ifyouneededtoworkona reportat11:00PM,ifyoumetthedeadline,he wasfinewithit.Ihavecarriedthatsame approachintoHedgelan."

Ms.Newlanstartsthedaywith"dealbreakers," notachecklist—thefewitemsthatmustbedone thatdayorwithintheimmediatenextfewdays. Sheprioritizesthemostimportanttasks.Ms. Newlanrecallsafavoritequotefromasuccessful womaninbusiness.Shedrewcomparisonsto workandpersonalprioritiesbystatingthatthat thereareglassballsandplasticballs.Youcan dropaplasticballandrecoverfromitlater.But youcannotdropaglassball.Glassballsincluded suchthingsasdoctor’sappointments,family commitments.Italsoincludespayrollandtax filesonthebusinessside.Thisimportant remindertoprioritizeandmanagetasksguides Ms.Newlanandherleadershipapproachona regularbasis.Inshort,youmustkeeptheglass ballsfromfalling.

Onanaverageday,thiscaregivercompletesallof herdealbreakers,thoseglassballs.Whathas helpedhermostisbeingpreparedandstaying laserfocused.Sherecentlyaddedcriticalstaff, includinganaccountantandabookkeeper,who haveallowedhertofocusandbetterpreparefor hercaregivingactivities.Theseindividualshave takensometasksoffherplate.

EmilyNewlan, CEO,HedglanConsulting

RonNewlan.PhotosprovidedbyEmilyNewlan.

CalltheDad

Ms.Newlanbelievesmoderndaysocietyhas madebigstridesforworkingparentsand particularlyworkingmothers.Yetsheobserves somemodern-dayareasforimprovement.In managingheryoungchildren,Ms.Newlanand herhusbandoftenjokeabouthowschoolsand othercaregiversalmostalwayscallthemomfirst. Shejokes,“Itisalmosthalfwaythrough2023, andyetthedefaultistocallthemomfirsteven thoughbothparentsarelistedontheemergency contactforms.FortheNewlanhousehold,Dad’s homeofficeisamere10housesawayfrom school.Mr.Newlansharesthefrustrationasa workingdadwhoisextremelyinvolvedinhis children’slives.

PhoneaFriend

Ms.Newlanislearningtheeffectivenessof "askingforalifeline."Sherealizedthepowerof delegatingsimpletasksthatarepartoflarger workprocesses.Thisdelegationofferedan opportunityfordevelopmentandtrainingfor juniorstaff,whilealsoallowingMs.Newlanto focusonstrategicbusinessinitiatives.The surpriseresultwasthatoftenthisdelegationalso helpednewerstaffunderstandthebigpictureand purposebehindanadministrativetask.This includesactivitiessuchastrackingcontractwork hourstoensurecompliancewithcontractterms andconditions.

Animportantpartofhercaregivingjourneyhas beenhiring,training,andempoweringtheright peopleforeachjob.Shesaid,"I'velearnedthat

theycannothelpifIhavenottakenthestepsto developthemandbuildtheirtrust.Ihadthese greatresourcestwiddlingtheirthumbsbecauseI waspreviouslyfocusedonperfection.NowIkeep astickynoteonmycomputerasareminder–it says,“Waitingforperfectisneverassmartas makingprogress.”

ProgressMadeDuring COVID

Thepandemicwasverytough,butsomeprogress wasmadeastheworldharnessedtheskillsofthe remoteworkforce.TheFederalGovernment, withthehelpoftheGovConindustry,leveraged technologytomaximizeworkforceproduction. Thiswork-lifeblendwouldneverhavereached thislevelhaditnotbeenforCOVID.Employers startednoticingtheeffectivenessoftheirstaff whentheywerenotconfinedtoanoffice.

Ms.Newlansaid,“Ifwedidn'thavethisbig shake-up,wewouldhavestillbeenpushingfor bodiesintheoffice.”Shehasbeenabletooffer mostofherstafftheoptiontoworkfrom anywherethathashigh-speedinternetservice withinthenation.Thishasincludedproviding parentsandothercaregiverswithflexible schedulesthatalignwiththeirpersonal responsibilitieswithoutsacrificingthe effectivenessorefficiencyofHedgelan Consulting.

RememberingSelf-Care

Throughthesechanginganddynamictimes,Ms. Newlanhasstayedgroundedinrememberingto takecareofherselftobethereforothers.She usesthetermandexampleofairplanesafety procedures.Duringinflightsafetybriefings, airlinesadviseto“putyourownmaskonfirst, beforeassistingothers.”Ms.Newlanappliesthis samerhetorictoherownlife.Sherecognizesthat sheisofnousetootherswithouttakingcareof herselffirst.

RonNewlan.PhotosprovidedbyEmilyNewlan.

HUBZONETRAILBLAZER HONORSTHELATE CandanceWaterman (1966-2023)

PriortojoiningWIPP,Candace servedastheVicePresidentand ChiefofStafffortheWBENC,the nation’sleadingthird-party certifierofWomen’sBusiness Enterprises(WBEs)andWoman OwnedSmallBusinesses (WOSBs).Duringhertenureat WBENC,shewasresponsiblefor effectiveoperationalmanagement ofallWBENC CORE processes andspecifically,servedastheSME globally,fortheWBENC,WBE, andWOSBcertificationprograms. UnderCandace’sleadership,her teamimplementedthedigitization ofWBENCscertificationprogram, oneofthelargestprojectsin WBENCshistory.Moreover,she workedtoachieveacceptanceof WBENC’scertificationby governmententitiesacrossthe U.S.andassistedindriving initiativesandpolicieswhich impactedtheinternational certification.

ATrailblazer&Championfor WomenEntrepreneurs

ThismonththeHUBZoneTrailblazerhonorsthe lateCandaceAylesWaterman(1966–2023),a trailblazerandchampionforwomen entrepreneurs.Withover35yearsofexperience, spanningacrossboththeprivateandpublic sectorduringwhichtimesheownedthree successfulcompaniesinthemedical,realestate andhospitalityindustries.Candacerecently celebratedfiveyearsofserviceinherroleas PresidentandCEOofWomenImpactingPublic Policy(WIPP),wheresheworkedtirelesslyto makesignificantstridesineconomicequity, accesstocapital, procurementinclusionand accesstotheglobalmarketplaceforover12 millionwomen-ownedcompaniesintheU.S. Herpassingleavesaprofoundvoidinthesmall businessecosystemandisespeciallyfeltamong thoseofusworkingonbehalfofwomen entrepreneurs.Throughouthercareer,Candace’s impactwaswidelyknown,andherlegacyasa leader,andvoiceforwomenbusinessownerswill becarriedonnotonlybyWIPPand Women’s BusinessEnterpriseNationalCouncil(WBENC), butbytheentirewomen’sbusinesscommunity.

AnyonewhoknewCandace,personallyor professionally,helddeepaffectionforher,and drewinspirationfromher. Weareforever gratefulforCandace’stirelessadvocacyonbehalf ofwomenentrepreneursaroundtheglobe.Her passionandleadershipwillcontinuetoinspire andempowerwomenentrepreneursfor generations.

Additionally,CandaceservedasaU.S.Delegate oftheW20,amplifyingherinfluenceasaglobal thoughtleaderandsubjectmatterexpert.Her unwaveringcommitmenttodiversity,inclusion andoperationalexcellencehasearnedher numerousawardsandrecognitionincluding 2019WBEHallofFameRecipientandthe2019 TopExecutivesinDiversity.Sheheldseatsonthe AmericanContractComplianceAssociation BoardofDirectorsandtheEssence EntrepreneurialAdvisoryCouncilforEssence Magazine.

Candacewassuchabeautifulsoulandlivedlifeto thefullest.Anyonewhoknewher,personallyor professionally,helddeepaffectionforherand drewinspirationfromher.Candaceenjoyed reading,travelingwithfamilyandfriends,the culinaryarts,sportsandscubadiving.Candace alsohadapassionforwinewhichinspiredherto

launchherownbrand,“Corkygirl”,duringthe pandemic.Shealsohosted“WineDown Wednesdays”onFacebookLiveduringthe pandemicsharingherknowledgeofwineand fosteringstimulatingconversationwithfolks acrosstheglobe.Suchwonderful accomplishmentsforawomanwhoproudly proclaimedherselftobea“LittleBrownGirl” fromDetroit!

Ascholarshipfundhasbeenestablishedin memoryofCandace'simpactandlegacy.Funds maybecontributedtothe"TheCandaceAyles WatermanScholarshipFundforthe AdvancementofWomenEntrepreneursby visiting https://www.wipp.org/donations/ donate.asp?id=22963.

CaregivingLegends HUBZone

ThehistoryoftheCouncilisonedefinedby dedicationandadvocacy.Establishedin 2000byRonNewlanandbackedbythe legalexpertiseofDavidTaylor,theCouncil emergedasaresolutechampionofthe HUBZoneprogram.

Overtheyears,numerouslike-minded individualshaveunitedtosupportthe HUBZoneinitiative.CarolynWilliams,Tim Moreton,BobSage,MarshallRowbear,and SheilaCoestandamongtheseremarkable individuals.However,oneadvocate deservesspecialrecognitionforhertireless dedicationandunwaveringsupport–HUBZoneCouncil'sBoardChair,Shirley Bailey.AsoneoftheCouncil'slongeststandingandmostactivemember, volunteer,andadvocate,shehasplayedan instrumentalroleinshapingthe organization'shistory.

Thisyearmarks theremarkable milestoneof Mrs.Bailey's 10-yeartenure astheBoard Chairofthe HUBZone Contractors National Council.Under hersteadfast leadership,theCouncilhasachieved significantmilestones.TheCouncilandits extendedcommunityoweanimmensedebt ofgratitudetotheseindividuals,whose dedicationandpassionhavelaidthe

cornerstoneuponwhichwecontinueto build.Theircontributionsextendfar beyondmeretransactionswithinthe program'sframework.Theyrepresent invaluableinvestmentsincommunitywellbeingandtheempowermentoffellow entrepreneursspanningovertwodecades. Thetorchtheyhavepassedtothenext generationofHUBZoneadvocatesburns brighterthanever,illuminatingthepath forwardtowardsafuturewhereeconomic opportunitiesflourish,communitiesthrive, andindividualsuniteforthegreatergood. Aswepaytributetotheremarkable contributionsoftheseindividuals,letus embracetheirspiritofselflessdedication andcarryitforwardasweembarkonthe nextchapteroftheHUBZoneprogram's journey.Individually,theiractionshave sparkedchange;collectively,theirlegacy willcontinuetomakealastingimpact.

Ms.ShirleyBaileycomprehendsthatasa caregiver,it'sessentialtocontinually enhanceyourabilitiesandcapabilities.This proactiveapproachensureseffective supportandabettercapacitytomeetthe evolvingneedsoftheHUBZoneProgram. ThisiswhytheMarch2022Trailblazer MagazinedubbedhertheQueenofCapacity Building.

Toreadmore…

BarcodeforMarch2022Edition

ShirleyBailey,CEO,SummitFederal Services,LLC

ThoughtsFromaFew Legends

CarolynWilliams:

“IamhonoredtohavebeenafounderandservedastheTreasurerof theCouncil.Iknowthisprogramwillcontinuetoimpact marginalizedcommunitiesinamyriadofwonderfulways.”

TimMoreton

“Theprogramalsofocusesondiversityandmakingsureavarietyof businesses,includingthoseownedbyminorities,veterans,and women,getafairshot.Thislevelstheplayingfieldandspreads economicbenefitsmoreevenly.Overall,theHUBZoneprogramisn't justaboutshort-termgains–it'saboutliftingupcommunities, creatingmoreopportunities,andmakingtheeconomystrongerin thelongrun.”

MarshallRowbear

“Evenduringaneraofpoliticalantagonism,ouradvocacyhasbeen abletoappealtomanyCongressionalmemberssincetherearelowincomeareasinnearlyeveryCongressionaldistrictorstate. Accordingly,thiscollaborationislikelytostandthetestoftime.”

DOE’sPathForward:Pavingthe WayforSmallBusinesses

Intherealmofchallengesanduphillbattles,theDepartmentofEnergy'sOfficeofSmallBusiness standsasatestamenttounwaveringdedicationandsteadfastcommitmenttoshapingaprofound legacy.Despitetheintricateoperationallabyrinthencompassingitslabsandfacilities,the agency'sresolutespiritremainsundauntedinitspursuitofprogress.

Acknowledgingthebarriersposedbyitsuniquestructure,theDepartmentofEnergyrefusesto succumbtosetbacks.Instead,theytreadapathofresilienceandinnovation,focusingon subcontractingenforcementandheightenedlaboversight.Thistransformationisn'tjustaboutgoal fulfillment;it'saninspiringjourneytowardsamission–bolsteringdistinctbusinessesthatrallyin supportofprogressandgrowth.

Overthepastyear,theHUBZoneCouncilhasbeenprivilegedtocloselycollaboratewiththe exceptionalteamattheDOE'sOfficeofSmallBusiness.Thiscollaborationbeganwithanoutreach eventinMay,coincidingwithSmallBusinessWeek,attheNETLlabinMorgantown,WV.The collaborationcontinuedwiththeDOE's2023SmallBusinessForum&Expo.Whileit'snosecretthat DOEhasfacedchallengesinmeetingsmallbusinessgoals,itsrelentlesseffortsareshapingalasting economictransformationandamoresustainablefuture.

ThisbecameevidentattheAgency'sSmallBusinessForum,wheretheyhostedanimpressivepitch competition,offeringsmallbusinessinnovatorsaplatformtoshowcasegroundbreakingsolutions withachancetowinagrandprizeof$100,000.Eachpitchservedasatestamenttoboundless possibilitieswhencreativityconvergeswithsustainability.Theknowledgeandcreativityemanating fromthepitchesleftanindelibleimpression,signifyingaturningpointthatcouldshapethe trajectoryofthefuture.

ScholarshipBasedonCaregiving

TheASBCRichardDeanMemorialScholarshipwasestablishedbytheAmericanSmallBusiness Coalition(ASBC)anorganizationco-foundedbyGo-To-GuyTimberlake,CEOandChiefVisionary OfficertohonortheworkandcontributionsofRichardDeaninsupportingandadvocatingforsmall businessesinthegovernmentcontractingandfederalprocurementsector.Thiskindofsupporthashada significantpositiveimpactonindividualsseekingtofurthertheireducationandcareersintheHUBZone Community.

ASBChaspartneredwiththeHUBZoneCouncilofferingtrainingandthisyearscholarshipstoitsmembers. Mr.Timberlakehasperfectedabootcampoverthelastdecadecalled“EthicalStalkingforGovernment Contractors®”wheretheyteachandcoachcompaniesonhowtorunagrowthorganizationincluding everythingfrommarketassessmenttostrategy,businessdevelopment,marketing,andcaptureusingrepeatable processes.

Thebootcamp’sstrengthliesintheattendees’abilitytoputintopracticethreeareas:1)adjustingafterasking thehardquestions;2)collaboratinginintegrity;and3)optimizingtheutilizationofinformationthatispublicly available.Whethertheseindividualshavebeeninthebusinessgrowtharenaforoneor20yearstheyallhave humblyattendedtheASBC’sbootcamp.Thisintensiveandrigoroustrainingofnewandoldrecruitsoffersthem thestrictdisciplinetoconsistentlywincontractsbyefficientlyusingtheirskillsandtalents.Thisbootcamp infusesdecadesoflessonslearnedinordertosecureprofitablecontracts.

TheASBC’sEthicalStalkingforGovernmentContractors®modelisoftendefinedbyitsclientsastheability toperceive,understand,manage,andincreasebusinessgrowthbyusingaspeciallenswhichconsistently optimizesbusinesstoolswhileinfluencingBuyers,CustomersandStakeholders.Oneofhismantrasis,“you don’tknow,whatyoudon’tknow”. Astheultimatecaregiver,Mr.Timberlakeisonamissiontochangewhat weknow!

"Attendingoneofthesebootcampsthissummerwasagame-changer.Despitemyexperienceasabusiness developer,IwasskepticalabouthowmuchIcouldgain.TrustingASBC'sreputation,Itooktheleap.Itpaidoff immensely.Theinsightsandlearningsurpassedmyexpectations.Gratefulforthechance!

Everfelttornbetweenyourheart'sdesiresandindustrynorms?Mr.Timberlakeandhisteamshatteredthat struggle,allowingmetofinallyembracetherealityofbusinessdevelopment.Likemanypeers,Ihadfleeting successesbutlackedaconsistentformula.Theirdisruptiveapproachignitedlastingtransformation—providing methekeystoongoingsuccess.They'venotjustchangedmyperspective;they'verewrittenmytrajectory."

Calling All Supporters

Wewantyoutogetinvolved.Wehaveadvertisement spacethatfitseveryone’sbudget,fromcongratulatingone ofourmanytrailblazerstoshowcasingacompany’srelated productsandservices.Pleaseemail angela@hubzonecouncil.orgforconsideration.