Calvin G. Butler Jr. called being recognized for his corporate and civic leadership across Baltimore and central Maryland a humbling experience.
However, the CEO of BGE, said the 2017 William Donald Schaefer Industrialist of the Year honor he received at the Baltimore Museum of Industry during a fundraiser in June for educational programs, was more about BGE and it’s 3,200 employees than it was about him.
“I’m fortunate to work for a company and with people whose commitment to the community is unmatched,” said Butler who noted that, during 2016 alone, BGE employees logged more than 20,000 hours volunteering with nonprofits that serve the community.
He said BGE’s commitment to diversity and inclusion has resulted in the company meeting and exceeding its goal to allocate 25 percent of its spending to women, minority, disabled and veteran-owned companies.
“As CEO of a long standing organization, I take my responsibilities very seriously. BGE offered the platform and I’m working to use that platform to make a difference,” Butler said. “We are committed to being a good corporate citizen. This means that in addition to providing safe and reliable electricity and gas, BGE also supports non-profit organizations financially and through employee volunteerism and we also strive to protect and take great care of our environment.”
Butler added that BGE needs to be more than just an energy delivery company, but should do all it can to help lift up communities.
Officials noted that in 2016, BGE reached 27 percent, or more than $260 million spent with diverse suppliers.
“It’s a critical element to BGE’s long term and continued success. As a leader and as an organization we are very intentional about our efforts” Butler said. “We develop strategic plans to create a workforce that reflects the communities in which we serve.”
BGE also partnered with Johns Hopkins and other Baltimore institutions to launch BLocal, an effort to build, hire and buy locally and positively impact Baltimore’s economy. In less than a year, BGE and its parent company, Exelon, spent $75 million with Maryland companies including $43 million with city-based diverse businesses, officials noted in a news release.
“BLocal is indicative of the power of partnerships and collaboration. BGE, Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Medical System co-founded BLocal so we could partner with 25 other organizations to build, hire and buy locally in order to lift the city and its people,” Butler said. “In 2016, BGE and Exelon spent $75 million dollars with Maryland companies and $43 million dollars with city-based diverse businesses. So, we’re well on our way with BLocal, however, there’s always more work to be done. Just as we think we’ve stretched as far as we can, we need to be inspired to reach even higher goals.”
The William Donald Schaefer Industrialist of the Year Award was introduced in 2004 to recognize and celebrate Maryland’s visionary business leaders distinguished by their innovative approaches to industry and dedication to the well-being of their communities.
Named in honor of the late Baltimore mayor and Maryland governor, the award is presented each spring at a luncheon held in the museum’s iconic Decker Gallery, among the museum’s exhibits and against the backdrop of the Inner Harbor.
“Baltimore possesses a spirit of innovation, hometown pride, and a fiercely independent quality. This museum wonderfully captures the artifacts and achievements that have been the product of that spirit,” Butler said. “It is fitting that the BMI is located at the Inner Harbor, which has been the center of Baltimore industry for hundreds of years,” he said.