Washington Intl. Horse Show Spurs $9.1M Boost in Local MD Economy
Prestigious equestrian event draws global visitors and elevates Upper Marlboro as a sports tourism destination
By PRESS OFFICER
Washington International Horse Show
UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (June 26, 2025)—The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), one of North America’s most prestigious equestrian events, today announced it delivered a $9.1 million total economic impact to Prince George’s County in 2024—a $600,000 year-over-year increase from the 2023 show. The announcement underscores WIHS’s pivotal role in Maryland’s $3 billion horse industry that supports 25,000 jobs statewide and highlights its value to the region’s tourism, hospitality and small business sectors.
Held at The Show Place Arena, WIHS welcomed more than 15,000 spectators, with 90% from outside the county and 45% from outside Maryland, amplifying local business activity and drawing national and international attention to the region. The show’s 666 participants, including owners, riders, and trainers, featured 10 Olympians, including members of the silver medal-winning team from Paris 2024, which brought a significant media spotlight.
| “In a moment when Maryland is focused on growing our economy, we are proud of the powerful economic momentum coming out of the equine industry,” said Governor Wes Moore. “The Washington International Horse Show has a distinguished history of lifting Maryland communities over the decades. We look forward to building on that foundation, as we move in partnership to create jobs, drive growth, attract visitors, and unite behind a sport that stands at the heart of what makes Maryland strong.” |
“There is no greater demonstration of ROI for our state than the numbers behind this show, and the many other equine-related events in Maryland which positively impact all of us on local and state levels,” said Terry Hasseltine, executive director of the Maryland Sports Commission. “WIHS isn’t just a sport; it’s an economic catalyst.”
The 2024 show drew visitors from 35 states, Washington, D.C. and 13 countries, generating more than 4,800 local hotel room stays and resulting revenue for restaurants, retailers and small businesses. As a direct result of the 2023 WIHS economic impact, the 2024 show’s International Embassy Night’s attendance grew by more than 120%, demonstrating the global draw and interest this event brings to the DMV. As Chair of the Maryland Horse Industry Board Sheila Curry explains, “the show is more than just competition—it’s a celebration of culture, community and commerce.”
“WIHS brings tremendous value to the state and local economy while also elevating Prince George’s County as a sports tourism destination,” said President of WIHS Vicki Lowell.
In addition to its rising international profile, WIHS brings equestrian sport to the community in meaningful ways, promoting youth development, local engagement and philanthropy. Its impact includes a $25,000 donation in 2024 to its official military charity partner, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) in support of military families, a longstanding partnership with Teach for America to champion educational equity and the continued success of its Junior Committee, now celebrating its 16th year of empowering young leaders. Additionally, WIHS fosters a culture of inclusivity within the sport through its Kind Wins initiative, an anti-bullying campaign that encourages empathy and respect both in and out of the ring. And with a dedicated Kids Day for unique and up-close fun for children, a great shopping destination for equestrians and general fashion-forward consumers—it’s a complete destination event that generates interest for the community all week long.
The competition brings along as much historic importance as it does current-day impact. Founded in 1958, WIHS has been closely connected with the American presidency over the years, with the Presidential seal engraved on the President of the United States Perpetual Cup donated and presented by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in 1961.
In the present day, the Maryland Sports Commission plays a pivotal role in supporting WIHS through a grant that allows the show to operate at the highest level, benefiting the state and local economy. Top sponsors include MARS Equestrian™, Longine’s, Experience Prince George’s, Delta, and Huntland, all of whom make the show possible. WIHS is committed to ensuring sponsor investment continues to have a tangible return in both community development and economic output.
The next Washington International Horse Show will take place October 20–26, 2025, and continues to welcome new partners, visitors and community supporters.
For more information, visit www.wihs.org
Established in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show FEI CSI5*-
W is one of North America’s most prestigious and entertaining equestrian events with competition for professionals, amateurs, juniors, and children. Highlights include the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington for the President’s Cup and the WIHS Equitation Finals plus community and charity events. WIHS, an official USEF Heritage Competition, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization. For more information, visit wihs.org.
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Photo courtesy Imagine Schools Mid-Atlantic Region
Dr. Almena Pointer
Dr. Almena Pointer, Imagine Foundations at Morningside, Named 2025 National Teacher of the Year
By PRESS OFFICER
Imagine Schools Mid-Atlantic Region
Lanham, Md. (June 24, 2025)—Imagine Schools and its entire Mid-Atlantic region is proud to announce Dr. Almena Pointer, a 3rd grade Math & Science teacher at Imagine Foundations at Morningside (Prince George’s County Public Schools) in Morningside, MD as the 2024/2025 National Teacher of the Year.
Selected from a pool of exceptional Imagine Schools educators across the country, Dr. Pointer was chosen for her innovative teaching methods, and living the Imagine shared values: JUSTICE, INTEGRITY & FUN in order to perform her utmost best as an educator. She has made a profound impact on both scholars, colleagues (team and family) and the broader school community.
Dr. Pointer will serve as a nationwide spokesperson and advocate for excellence in education throughout the next school year. “I am deeply honored for this title and to represent the incredible educators Imagine Schools encompasses. We work tirelessly to empower every scholar to succeed; and therefore, seeing this adjudgment confirms that our work does not go in vain.”
Dr. Pointer’s classroom is known for integrating culturally responsive teaching practices, project-based learning that connects scholars to real-world issues. She helps scholars not only master academic content but also develop critical thinking, empathy, and civic responsibility.
She exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding teacher—through compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to scholars. She inspires both learners and fellow educators. The Imagine Schools Mid-Atlantic Region officially awards Dr. Almena Pointer at the 2025 Summer Forum on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at The College Park Marriott Center, 7:30 a.m.
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Psi Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® Partners with City of Greenbelt to Honor the Final Resting Place of Enslaved People
By DARLENE SPEARS-REED
Psi Epsilon Omega Chapter Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
GREENBELT, Md. (June 25, 2025)—Members of the Psi Epsilon Omega Chapter (PEO) of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® recently answered the call to help honor enslaved people buried at the historic Turner Family Cemetery. The City of Greenbelt and Mayor Emmett V. Jordan invited members of the chapter’s “Enhancing Our Environment” Committee to tidy up the unmarked graves by removing brush, weeds and debris. City of Greenbelt Environmental Coordinator Kevin Carpenter-Driscoll and Park Ranger Liz Thomas led the team to the historical site and pointed out the moss-covered stones that represented markers for the individual burial plots of enslaved people.
Turner Cemetery is named for the Turner family, who also established a plantation in the area. A glass covering protects the one remaining gravestone, and located nearby is a sign explaining its history. Over the years, the cemetery has expanded to become part of the Greenbelt Cemetery.
The hallowed ground with the unmarked stones is located under many large, shady trees not far from a section of the cemetery still in use today. Greenbelt’s unmarked stones at the historic Turner Cemetery are featured in the powerful, 40-minute documentary “Unmarked”. To learn more about this part of America’s history, view the trailer for Unmarked at https://www.unmarkedfilm.com/
“It is important that we honor the lives of the enslaved by treating their final resting places with the dignity and respect they were denied in life,” said Karen S. Hicks, PEO President. “Preserving these graves serves as a powerful reminder to the community of the vital role enslaved people played in building and sustaining the state of Maryland.”
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Signal Financial Announces Two New Partnerships That Highlight Efforts to Support Local Communities and Promote Financial Education
By PRESS OFFICER
Signal Financial Federal Credit Union
KENSINGTON, Md. (June 25, 2025)—Signal Financial Federal Credit Union is proud to announce its official partnerships with two athletic organizations for their upcoming 2025–2026 seasons, reinforcing its dedication to supporting the communities it serves. The credit union aims to foster community spirit and financial empowerment by partnering with the PG Braves, a semipro football team, and The Mecca Society, the official NIL collective for Howard University’s scholar athletes. This initiative is part of Signal Financial’s ongoing efforts to empower its members to take ownership of their financial journeys.
The PG Braves is a newly formed semi-pro football team in Prince George’s County that will have its inaugural season this fall. Signal Financial is the Platinum partner for the organization, and will have a presence at all home games, including door prizes, in-game activations, and more. Signal team members will be on-site to chat with attendees about the credit union. This partnership holds special importance to Signal due to its strong membership base in the county.
Signal Financial is also proud to partner with The Mecca Society and Howard University scholar athletes. During the 2025–2026 academic year, Signal Financial will have a presence at all Football, Men’s and Women’s Basketball, and Women’s Volleyball home games. In addition to in-game activations, Signal Financial will host four financial education workshops aimed at providing students, scholar athletes, and faculty with knowledge and tools to understand key topics such as budgeting, credit, and more.
“Signal Financial is thrilled to be partnering the PG Braves and The Mecca Society,” stated Signal Financial CEO, Kenyahda Cahoon, “Both organizations have strong missions that align so well with our credit union’s core values and strategic direction. In particular, being able to interact with our members within their local community and drive educational awareness with students and scholar athletes just starting to manage and understand their finances is so important. We look forward to showing our support and meeting both athletic organizations’ fans later this year.”
To learn more about the PG Braves and The Mecca Society visit www.pgvalor.com and www.themeccasociety.org
For additional information on the partnerships, please reach out to Kate Purdy, VP of Marketing and PR at kpurdy@signalfinancialfcu.org.
About Signal Financial Federal Credit Union: Chartered in 1947 as the Washington Telephone Federal Credit Union by a group of telephone company workers, the credit union was formed to help people seeking a better financial alternative and to improve the quality of their financial lives. While much has changed since 1947, the mission of the credit union remains true to this day. In 2007, the Washington Telephone Federal Credit Union officially became Signal Financial Federal Credit Union to be more inclusive of the many diverse businesses in the field of membership, in addition to the founding telephone company group. The credit union also encompasses over 250 small to medium-sized companies, as well as individuals who live, work, worship, or attend school in Washington, D.C., or Prince George’s County, MD (inside the beltway). Signal is regulated by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), with deposits insured by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF) up to $250,000. For more information, visit www.signalfinancialfcu.org
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