MBRG President (410) 296-5621
Former
Democrat Governor to Serve as Co-Chair of State Business Group
 Ambassador Sauerbrey |
 Former Governor Mandel |
Ambassador Ellen Sauerbrey, Chairman of Maryland Business for Responsive Government (MBRG) announced today that Former Governor Marvin Mandel, will join her as Co-Chairman of Maryland Business for Responsive Government Organization. Mandel, who was governor of Maryland for a decade stated, "I am accepting the Co- Chairmanship in an effort to help MBRG to grow and expand its influence. I look forward to working with businesses throughout Maryland to improve the State's business image both locally and nationally."
MBRG is a bi-partisan organization dedicated to improving the business climate in the state of Maryland. Roll Call, published annually by the organization provides a measure of how legislators vote on issues important to business and job creation in Maryland. Sauerbrey stated, "Working together as Co-Chairs, Governor Mandel and I can provide true bi-partisan leadership for MBRG. A healthy business climate is not a Republican issue or a Democrat issue. It's a jobs issue. The weak economy and the state's fiscal problems make it more important than ever that Maryland put out the welcome mat for business".
Mandel observed that businesses create the jobs that make the economy work and he is eager to help improve the impression of Maryland as a state that welcomes business retention and expansion.
Johns Hopkins Professor of Applied Economics, Steve Hanke observed, "As a member of the Governor's Council of Economic Advisers (1976-77), I was always struck by former Governor Mandel's preference to work an issue with reasoning and research to find its essence. That's why he could take decisive action on economic policy without the benefit of someone whispering in his ear or slipping a note into his hand. As the new co-chairman of MBRG, former Governor Mandel will be well positioned to improve the state of economic discourse, and hopefully policy, in Maryland."
Sauerbrey pointed to major accomplishments of the Mandel administration that left a very positive legacy for the Maryland economy. "Governor Mandel's Administration reorganized State Government and created the cabinet system to make the 248 existing State Agencies more accessible and understandable to the business community. He also created the State Department of Transportation that stands as a model for the Country, as well as the Rapid Transit Systems for Baltimore and the Suburbs in Maryland around Washington, D.C. that have been so important to our economy." MBRG President Roc Worcester said that Mandel's creation of the Governor's Council of Economic Advisers and a new Department of License, Labor and Regulation to simplify access to information and governmental assistance reflect how attuned the Mandel Administration was to the needs of business and the economy. "He is well respected and will help MBRG to build stronger relationships with Marylan d businesses and legislators as well."
Then Speaker of the House, Mandel was elected Governor in 1969 to succeed Governor Agnew. He was elected to a four year term in 1971 and again in 1975.
Sauerbrey, who has chaired MBRG for the past six months, served for 16 years in the House before running for Governor in 1994 and 1998 and was known as a strong voice for business. In 2001 she was appointed by President Bush as U.S. Representative to the United Nations Commission on Women with the rank of Ambassador. Her most recent position was as U.S. Assistant Secretary of State heading a billion dollar agency focused on America's humanitarian assistance to refugees and other displaced persons.
"We have an unbeatable team with Ambassador Sauerbrey and Governor Mandel at the helm. Both obviously care very deeply about Maryland and the state of our economy", Worcester commented,
The Co-Chairmen will be meeting promptly and drafting plans for working together with the Board in order to promote MBRG's mission of a business friendly Maryland.
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