Better Jobs, Better Maryland: Strategies for Developing Economy-Boosting Jobs and Workplaces for Community and State Success

Investing in good jobs creates a strong foundation for community economic growth. Research shows that businesses that do this have better retention, are more competitive and resilient, and often more profitable. Meanwhile, economically stable employees are also more likely to buy locally and help grow the regional tax base. In short: when workers thrive, businesses succeed. 

Yet, 60% of US workers lack quality jobs, fueling turnover, low productivity, and stalled growth (2025 American Job Quality Survey).  The good news: there are businesses in our backyard proving that better jobs make for a better Maryland. And there are reliable methodologies for improving job quality that philanthropy and economic developers can meaningfully support.

Join the Baltimore Workforce Funders Collaborative and Shift Work Forward to learn how Baltimore-area businesses are redesigning jobs using systems such as open-book management and human-centered design to boost profitability and improve employee wellbeing. We will hear from three employers and their partners supporting job quality as a workforce solution. Finally, we’ll discuss potential next steps for further supporting this work in our region.

Speakers will include:

• Jennie Jimenez, Ed. D, MBA, Director of Operations at Supersuds Laundromats
• Mike Hynes, Head Baker and Production Manager, Atwater’s Restaurants
• Gary Skulnik, CEO, Neighborhood Sun
• Tom Strong and Michelle Wilson, Shift Work Forward
• Molly Tidwell, Baltimore Center for Sustainable Careers, Civic Works

This program is for MPN Members and invited guests. Lunch will be served. 

Accessibility: Automatic captions will be available. Learn more about Maryland Philanthropy Network’s program accessibility at this link. To request any additional accessibility accommodations, contact the staff member listed above in the yellow registration section at least five business days before the program.