Monthly Meeting

The MdMC regular meetings took place on September 14, 2008 at Anwer Hasan residence. The major focus in the meeting was how to leverage the relationship at the State level to deliver more results for the Muslims of Maryland and to improve our website, communication to the agenda for July 14, 2008 meeting with the Governor. Other items discussed were, Quarterly Newsletters, Emails and MdMC website and better coordination with Muslim Businesses and Professionals Association
G1) Governor’s Commission on Middle Eastern Affairs 3rd Public Meeting on August 28, 2008 (Senate (Miller) Building in Annapolis). This meeting discussed how we can expand the MBE/WBE pool and include more Middle Eastern countries such as Egypt, Jordan, Yemen, Syria and others.
The Sister State process is moving forward and we expect to get something in place with Abu Dhabi Please attend as we will discuss the countries MBE’s pool and how that can be modify to add more Middle eastern Countries  (Secy of Minority Affairs is the speaker), Middle Eastern Chamber of Commerce and Trade Mission to Middle Eastern countries, Workforce Development and community activities

Meeting with Governor Martin O’Malley

The MdMC leadership met with Governor Martin O’Malley on July 14 to discuss 8 points agenda which are of interest to the Muslim community. The major topics discussed were;
1) Secretary, Dy. Secretary and Judge Appointments of Muslims at the state level
2) Muslim Gas Station issue, loosing their livelihood to the big oil companies
3) Inclusion of more Muslim countries in MBE pool and providing fairness in selection process to Capital Limousine (a Muslim Business).
4) More Muslim representation in State Boards and Commissions
5) Offer Arabic as an option language in the Maryland School system
6) Block Grants for Non Profit Organizations
7) Sister State program with one Middle Eastern Countries in one year 
8) Regular meeting between the Governor and the Muslim Leadership

The Governor responses to all items were positive; strategies were discussed in the meeting to obtain quick results.

Sister State Program with a Muslim Country

The Governor has agreed to arrange a Sister State Program with one Muslim Country this year, we have shortlisted three countries; Saudi Arabia, UAE and Pakistan. A decision will be made shortly to gave a sister state relationship with a province in those countries.

G2) Howard County Muslim Council Food Drive is inshallah on August 24, 2008 at 1:00 PM in Cedar Lane Park. Please attend the Food Drive and bring non perishable food to make it successful.

G3) Lt. Governor, Anthony Brown is going to UAE in November 2008 for a cultural exchange trip.