Exelon’s minority and community banking programs, which began in 2003, remain unique in the energy industry. Locally, the Harbor Bank of Maryland serves as the lead arranger for the credit facility for BGE. Administered by JP Morgan Chase since its inception, the program has more than tripled in credit facility size and quadrupled the number of participating banks.

"In a challenging economic climate, these agreements provide BGE and Exelon with an additional source of credit at competitive prices, while offering minority and community banks with an opportunity to grow their relationships with Fortune 500 companies," said Calvin G. Butler Jr., chief executive officer for BGE. "These agreements are part of BGE’s and Exelon’s ongoing efforts to engage minority-owned firms, demonstrate their commitment to diversity and inclusion in all business relationships, and provide greater opportunity for minority banks to participate in major transactions."

"We are pleased to facilitate this unique opportunity to strengthen the relationship between minority and community banks and to provide a greater opportunity to participate in major transactions, while helping to impact the banks’ bottom line," said David Vahos, chief financial officer and treasurer for BGE. "This program provides us with greater financial flexibility, while also supporting the banks that are helping to build stronger communities where we live and work. We hope that sustaining and expanding our relationships with minority-, women-, and community-owned businesses will have a ripple effect and help stimulate economic development in the communities we serve."

"BGE has a strong history of developing strategic partnerships with diverse suppliers, and together with Exelon and through programs such as our Focus 25 program, which assists select minority-owned businesses and guide them through BGE’s procurement process, the company is making even greater strides in increasing opportunities for minority-owned businesses," continued Butler.

BGE was recently honored as the Capital Region Minority Supplier Diversity Council’s Corporation of the Year for its Focus 25 program and its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Exelon and BGE have demonstrated a commitment to supplier diversity and have made it a critical part of the company’s overall supply chain strategy. In 2013, BGE spent $151 million with diversity certified suppliers (minority-, women- or veteran-owned suppliers); equaling 16.3 percent of its supply contracting totals. BGE spent $42 million, or 28 percent, of the total spend with diversity-certified prime contractors and service providers based in Maryland. Exelon’s corporate spending with certified minority- and women-owned businesses reached more than $906 million in 2013.

In addition, BGE spent $70 million, or 46 percent, of the total diverse spend with diversity-certified (prime/sub) contractors and service providers based in Maryland.

For more information on BGE’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, visit bge.com.

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