Thursday, August 23, 2012

MAF Hears How to ACAPitalize with Vets


MILITARY AFFAIRS FORUM

Military Affairs Committee
Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber

Date & Time: WEDNESDAY, September 12, 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Place: Best Western PLUS Tacoma Dome Hotel
          2611 East “E” Street, Tacoma 98421
Price:  $13.00 pre-paid by Sept. 7, noon
          $15.00 pre-paid after Sept. 10
          $20.00 walk-ins/at the door
Information: Janice Hutchins, (253) 627.2175 X100
RSVP:  DUE 12 noon, Sept. 7 (Friday) ß
REGISTER HERE!
 

ACAP Transition Program: Robin Baker, Transition Services Manager:

The Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP) provides extensive counseling and training for Service Members from up to 24 months prior to 6 months following separation from active duty service.  ACAP also provides transition assistance to family members, separating reserve component Service Members and retirees.  ACAP conducts monthly employer events, large job fairs and has recently added a mentorship and job shadow program as well as a networking luncheon to better connect its clients with employers.

 
2/75 Rangers Memorial: Randall Inman, Pointe du Hoc Foundation board member:

The nonprofit The Pointe du Hoc Foundation embarked on the mission to raise $500,000 to build a memorial adjacent to the new, state-of-the-art 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment headquarters at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

 
The Turkey Shoot:  Amy Tiemeyer, Military Relations Liaison:

An annual Golf tournament and fundraiser, all the proceeds go to three charities -  1. The Food Basket program on JBLM; 2. Santa’s Castle; 3. The Madigan Foundation. Over the last 12 years, ACU has raised over $200,000.00 for these charities.

 
FUTURE MEETINGS:

October 10:  Congressman Adam Smith, Ranking Member, House Armed Services                                       Committee
                    Victor Ramos, USACE, Program Manager for MILCON at JBLM
                    Julie Anderson, Pierce County Auditor, Service members & the 2012 Election

November 8:  John Anderson Military Citizen of the Year at Tacoma Rotary Club #8

Monday, August 13, 2012

Chamber Announces Buy Veteran Program


The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber has been selected as a National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NaVOBA) “Buy Veteran” partner.

The “Buy Veteran” program, found at www.buyveteran.com, is a national registry and awareness campaign which helps the nation’s 3 million businesses owned by military veterans to grow.  The program now has a local anchor with the selection of Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber as its lead.  An estimated 3,500 veteran-owned businesses, or vetrepreneurs, call Pierce County home.

We all owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to veterans, especially those who come back from service and open businesses to help our local economy grow.  This program will greatly expand the benefits to our veteran members by allowing consumers to visually identify them through a ‘Veteran-Owned Business’ logo, registry and ultimately by letting consumers recognize them on www.buyveteran.com,” said Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber President & CEO Tom Pierson.

Registering for the “Buy Veteran” program costs only $3.99 per month and veterans who join through the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber will receive an additional 25 percent discount.  To receive the discount, veterans should contact Gary Brackett, Business and Political Manager at the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, 253.682.1720 or garyb@tacomachamber.org.

NaVOBA President Chris Hale praised the Chamber.  We selected the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber because they have such a strong connection to the business community and have committed to promoting veteran-owned businesses.  This is more than being patriotic.  This is about creating economic vitality.  Veterans, who learn leadership, tenacity and performance under pressure in the military, are well-equipped to own and operate businesses.  It’s no surprise that veterans own one out of every seven businesses in America.”

NaVOBA contact: Brianne Phillis, Brianne@victorymediainc.com, 412-269-1663 x128.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Noteworthies with a Local Link

The Air Force Magazine Online reports the U.S. Senate confirmed Lt. Gen. Paul Selva to receive a fourth star for his new assignment as Air Mobility Command boss at Scott AFB, Ill. An Air Force official on July 31 verified Selva's new assignment to the Daily Report. Senators approved Selva's promotion in rank on July 26, according to the legislative body's list of confirmed nominations. Selva, Pacific Air Forces' vice commander since October 2011, will replace Gen. Raymond Johns, who has led AMC since November 2009.  Both Gen. Selva and Gen. Johns were Commanders of the 62nd Airlift Wing at then McChord AFB.