Maryland Secretary of State Susan Lee highlighted that the Moore-Miller administration is focusing on positioning Maryland as a global leader across various sectors.
Speaking at the 3rd Annual Incredible Inc. 50 Awards Gala, hosted by the US-India Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Council on October 1, 2024, at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Maryland, Secretary Lee, said “Our administration is a little different than the previous one. Wes Moore, who is the first time Governor of Maryland, and Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, who I used to serve with in the legislature, who’s first Asian and South Asian, want to propel Maryland forward as a global leader in different sectors.”
During her remarks, she acknowledged Maryland’s Secretary for Higher Education, Sanjay Rai, noting his distinction as the first Asian and South Asian to hold this position, and praised his contributions to the state.
As Chair of the Governor’s Sub-cabinet on International Affairs, Lee emphasized her work with various agencies to implement an international strategic plan. A key aspect of this plan involves fostering a business-friendly environment in sectors like life sciences, healthcare, and health data. She also expressed enthusiasm for leading trade missions to Asia and India to attract international investment and trade opportunities for Maryland.
Lee extended congratulations to the awardees honored at the event and acknowledged their achievements.
Secretary Rai, in his address, praised the leadership of the SME Council, particularly President Elisha Pulivarti and Chairman Sudhakar Gande, for their dedication to supporting Small and Medium Enterprises in Montgomery County, Maryland, and in both the U.S. and India.
“You are creating jobs. You are creating businesses. You are creating friendships. You are making our county better. You are making our state better. You’re making our country better. You are making this world better,” Rai said congratulating the incredible award winners.
Pullivarti highlighted that each year, the Council’s primary goal is to promote small, minority, and medium-sized enterprises. As part of this effort, the Council recognizes local businesses, innovators, and community leaders who are making a positive impact.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich emphasized, “We have built really strong relationships with the Indian community,” while noting that the County is actively working to foster economic ties with Asia, particularly emerging markets like India. He pointed out that many countries are eager to enter U.S. markets and emphasized the County’s pivotal role in the “world of drugs,” given that it houses both the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health.
In his remarks, Gande explained that the inspiration for starting the Council was to create connections between small and minority-owned businesses in India and the United States. He recalled that Montgomery County led a trade delegation to India last year, resulting in the signing of 18 Memorandums of Understanding.
About SMEs, he noted “This one sector nobody can ignore, and I’m very fortunate even the Government of India in its recent budget has announced incentives for this sector.” He commended the India’s innovation in the digital public infrastructure, where the government can reach 800 million people to open bank accounts.
District Director for the Small Business Administration (SBA), Larry Webb, emphasized that the SBA’s mission is to continually deliver support and resources to small businesses.
He noted that the SBA, established in 1953 under President Eisenhower, is now celebrating its 71st year. Webb highlighted the agency’s core mission to “support, strengthen, and advocate for small businesses,” primarily through SBA-provided loans. He further said that SBA’s goal is to support small businesses in every way possible.
He remarked “small business owners are leaders in communities,” noting that they are at forefront of their communities.
President and Chairman of Sikhs of America, USA, Jesse Singh, shared his long-standing involvement in the event. “I’ve attended this event for many years and have witnessed real progress in the community,” he said adding “I see entrepreneurs rising, new companies emerging, and genuine connections forming, all thanks to the efforts of Elisha Pulivarti and Sudhakar Gande.”
President and CEO of Global Alliant, Rajan Natarajan, described the SME Council’s event as a “signature annual gala.” He emphasized that it has gained popularity not only in the U.S. but also in India. The core mission of the Council, he noted, is to “engage, encourage, and empower,” entrepreneurs and small business startups in both countries.
Natarajan also expressed gratitude to the delegation from India, with special thanks to Gande.
Sajid Tarar of the Center for Social Change highlighted the significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s explanation of “Artificial Intelligence” (AI) to “America India,” calling it “the future,” and stressing the growing strength of the two nations.
A representative of the Member of Montgomery County Council Natali Fani-Ganzalez said, “This is such a special occasion to celebrate all of the businesses in our diverse community and all of the contributions our businesses made, not just here in Montgomery County, but across the DMV and the impact that your businesses have here in America and across the world.”
Montgomery Council member, Evan Glass also spoke on the occasion, where Maryland Governor’s Office on Community Initiatives, Christina Poy, and Member of the Governor’s Commission on South Asian American Affairs, Aman Shergill were also present.
Executive Director of Gracie Mansion Conservancy, Rhonda Binda, served as the event’s MC. In addition to the Incredible Inc Awards, Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards, and Dr. Cherian Global Leadership Awards were also presented.
