Today, Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake announced a redoubled focus on minority business programs, and looked forward to efforts from a newly created advisory council to guide the progress. From coverage in the Baltimore Business Journal:

“The minority business program as is needs a change in direction,” Sharon Pinder, director of the Mayor’s Office of Minority and Women-Owned Business Development, said at a City Hall press conference Wednesday.

Pinder, who served from 2003-2007 as the state’s special secretary for minority affairs, took on the position in April.

The advisory group has 42 members, including local business leaders and minority business advocates. Bob Wallace, CEO of Bithgroup Technologies, will chair the council alongside vice chair Y. Maria Matrtinez, CEO of Respira Medical.