PGCEDC Celebrates Small Business Week with The ‘Lift

The Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC) paid us a visit this week and we couldn’t be more honored.

PGCEDC Director of Economic Development, David Lewis, and Small Business Development Manager, Alicia Moran, presented us with the Small Business Appreciation Week Certificate of Recognition and then toured the warehouse, met with staff and enjoyed learning more about our programs and community action from Community Forklift CEO, Nancy Meyer.

“[Community Forklift] is one of the most deserving of the #SmallBusinessWeek certificates, and we were honored to award it today.”

— Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation
  • Nancy Meyer accepting the PGCEDC Small Business Appreciation Week award on behalf of Community Forklift
  • PGCEDC Small Business Appreciation Week award
  • Alicia Moran and David Lewis meeting with Nancy Meyer
  • PGCEDC learned about our job creation and returning citizen programs.
  • Ray Stroud, Receiving and Processing Coordinator, shared his personal experience as a returning citizen and rising leader in our organization.
  • David Lewis and Alicia Moran meeting with Nancy Meyer
  • Lighting specialist, John Baba, and CEO, Nancy Meyer, show off a little reuse in action.
  • We strive to be a place for the whole community – all are welcome here.
  • Alicia Moran and David Lewis meeting with Nancy Meyer

See PGCEDC’s full post about Community Forklift and other local small businesses on the PGCEDC Facebook page:

“Director of Economic Development, David Lewis and Small Business Development Manager, Alicia Moran toured the 40,000-square-foot facility of Community Forklift – Nonprofit Reuse Center For Home Improvement. With Nancy Meyer, CEO, leading the tour and discussing how this award-winning business of salvaged treasures, works with and in the community, it was hard not to be impressed.

They currently employ 40-50 staff; with all positions starting above minimum wage and with full benefits. Twenty percent of staff are “returning citizens,” who are often plagued by employment challenges.
Community Forklift provides outstanding community outreach through programs like HELP. HELP, is a Home Essentials Program that gives away building materials, appliances, furniture and housewares to neighbors in need to improve or maintain their living environment with dignity. In 2018, they served almost 200 households and 571 people. Community Forklift doesn’t stop there – they provide FREE workshops, educational programs, and arts festivals.

They’ve been used by big names like Netflix and recently started an ever-growing online store.

Whether you’re a DIY renovator, an antique hunter, a business, or professional contractor, Community Forklift has something for you.

Community Forklift – Nonprofit Reuse Center For Home Improvement is one of the most deserving of the #SmallBusinessWeek certificates, and we were honored to award it today.”