We’re tuning into the FC Barcelona x AC Milan Soccer Championship at Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium and the 2024 Olympics Women’s Volleyball Quarterfinal!
From: Kory Bailey – CEO, UpSurge Baltimore
The excitement of a once-in-a-generation 2x NFL MVP ready to kickoff a new season with a future Hall of Famer joining him in the backfield. A young ballclub with new ownership making moves to prepare for a deep MLB postseason run. M&T Bank Stadium hosting the most iconic international soccer clubs in the world. Maryland athletes competing and bringing home medals from the Paris Olympics.
What do all of these things have in common?
They are all happening right now in Baltimore. Stories that are inspiring us, and proving that, when hard work and individual excellence meets shared goals and a network of support, anything is possible. In many ways, the drive of athletes and competitive nature of sports closely matches the characteristics of entrepreneurs and the goals of inclusive economic growth. Both want to win with honor and integrity and both seek to create a legacy that generations behind them will benefit from far beyond their initial success.
Imagine celebrating the NFL contract won by Fearless and CEO, Delali Dzirasa alongside fellow Marylander and CFG Bank Arena developer, Kevin Durant and a gold medal for Team USA’s Men’s Basketball team. Imagine applauding the Samsung partnership secured by CEO, Kristen Valdes of b.well Connected Health, named one of the World’s Best Digital Health Companies, with the same energy and enthusiasm as we do another gold medal from the incomparable UMBC alum, Katie Ledecky. And imagine cheering as loudly for Ashley Williams, CEO of Clymb and Rebecca Rosenberg, CEO of Rebokah as they take on social-emotional learning and low vision impairment as we do for young Marylanders Quincy Wilson and Ruby Lilley as they take on the track and skatepark in Paris.
As a team of ecosystem builders, just like the coaches, trainers, friends and family preparing those athletes for competition, UpSurge is working hard to engage and inspire legislators, investors and industry leaders to invest and participate in the activities (namely the 4 key projects of Baltimore’s EDA Tech Hubs proposal) needed for entrepreneurs to successfully launch, grow and scale their businesses and for our talented residents and students to find their way into the jobs of the future right here in the Baltimore region. Whether on the field or track, in the pool or gym, or in the lab or boardroom, in Baltimore we’ve always worked hard to compete and, from this moment on, in Maryland we are prepared to win.
There’s only one question left to ask… Are you ALL IN?
Kory Bailey
CEO
UpSurge Baltimore