January 19, 2017 - Westminster, MD

Karen Barbour to Advise Governor Hogan on Empowering Minority Business

Karen Barbour was appointed by Governor Larry Hogan as a member of the Task Force to Investigate the Challenges of and Opportunities for Minorities in Business for a term to expire on June 30, 2018.  Karen is President of The Barbour Group, LLC, a nationally licensed and award winning surety and commercial insurance agency which serves the surety needs of a wide range of construction clientele, from startups to Fortune 1000 firms. Karen started two new companies in 2016: BG Network, LLC, a consultancy that opens doors for small businesses through partnering with big business consultants to help small business scale; and, the Alliance for Hispanic Commercial Contractors (AHCC), whose mission is to empower and advance Hispanic Commercial Contractors and its Partners by providing the resources and access required to build profitable and productive relationships.

Karen has blazed a path of advocacy for small businesses to succeed since entering the work force in the 80’s and has relentlessly supported the growth and profitability of small businesses in Maryland and beyond.

Karen will be focused on sharing ideas to help minority businesses succeed in Maryland and is honored to gain appointment to the task force.  She commends Governor Hogan on establishing this task force to enable more empowerment for his Governor’s Office of Minority Affairs, whose staff and leadership exemplify the true meaning of advocacy.  Karen lives in Carroll County, Maryland and Senator Justin Ready says “Karen’s participation as a member of this Task Force is valued, and our community appreciates her service to the citizens of Carroll County and Maryland.”