Boeing Provides Training to NATO

The Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC) program will soon train C-17 aircrews at Boeing’s [NYSE: BA] C-17 International Training Centre (ITC) in the United Kingdom under a new $8 million contract.

SAC is comprised of ten NATO countries and two NATO Partnership for Peace countries. The program will begin training its multinational aircrews early this year. Prior to this contract, the SAC program sent aircrews to the United States for training.

“Boeing met the customer need to have access to affordable, high-quality training for aircrews from smaller countries with limited resources,” said Larry Sisco, C-17 training program manager. “Having regional training is a big cost and time savings for the SAC Program.”

As part of the contract, the U.S. Air Force inspected and recognized Boeing’s C-17 training simulators at the ITC as being fully able to train C-17 aircrews. The ITC houses a weapons systems trainer, loadmaster station and an integrated maintenance procedure trainer.
“The U.S. Air Force gave us their stamp of approval,” Sisco said. “They were thrilled with our simulator capability and how concurrent the simulators are with the C-17 aircraft.”

On behalf of the SAC program, the NATO Airlift Management (NAM) Programme Office requested this capability to meet the requirements of nations who make up this multinational program. In addition, the NAM Programme Office has ownership and is responsible for acquiring, managing and supporting NATO’s Strategic Airlift Capability aircraft, including three Boeing C-17 Globemaster III airlifters, that member nations can call upon to fulfill national operational needs.

“This contract to deliver training to NATO forces demonstrates Boeing’s commitment to the C-17 fleet and a truly global approach to our training service,” said Joanne Finch, head of Boeing Defense United Kingdom Training Systems and Government Services.”

SSMCP 4th Public Forum

SSMCP 4th Annual Public Forum - register today

You are invited to the 4th Annual Public Forum of the South Sound Military & Communities Partnership (SSMCP).  This no-cost event (thanks to the sponsors) is open to anyone wanting to learn more about federal, state and local priorities related to Joint Base Lewis-McChord.  The Forum will be held Thursday, November 12 from 7:30 -11:00 am at the McChord Club.

Program:
The SSMCP 4th Annual Forum will feature:

• JBLM Installation Commander Colonel Morgan, 
• I Corps Leaders, 
• Congressman Denny Heck, 
• WA State Legislators concerned about veteran and military issues, 

... and

• news from the WA Department of Commerce 
• news from SSMCP 

... about:

• the 2015 Community and Business Survey* conducted around JBLM, 
• the 2015 JBLM Joint Land Use Study (see article here), and 
• the new Washington Defense Supply Chain Modeling Tool.  

You don’t want to miss this meeting!

PLUS – immediately after the Forum, a tour of the Western Air Defense Sector will be open to the first 50 attendees who register for it.  This is a private tour not open to the general public.

SSMCP 4th Annual Public Forum - register today!

Forum on Plan for an Unstable Defense Future

MILITARY AFFAIRS FORUM

Military Affairs Committee

Date & Time:  Wednesday, Oct. 14, 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Place:  La Quinta Inn | 1425 E. 27th St. | Tacoma 98421
Register: Register Online

Event Sponsor:

The event fee will be complimentary, hosted by our sponsor for invited Military Personnel who reserve with Janice Hutchins, (253) 683-4882 or janiceh@tacomachamber.org


AGENDA:
The Current State of Military Affairs in WA & How We Plan for an Unstable Future

Introduction:  Kristine’ Reeves,
Governor's Sector Lead & Director | Military & Defense Sector
Program Director | Defense Industry Adjustment Program
Executive Director | Washington Military Alliance

1. DoD’s Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA) grant update by
James Evans, Program Manager, Defense Industry Adjustment, Department of Commerce

Military downsizing, future of the Army and force realignments are all making the news, but what about impacts to the defense businesses around the base supporting billions in the state economy?  Join us for a presentation on the state's efforts to “map” the DOD supply chain in WA, better prepare for defense budget cuts and support local communities.

2. Military compatible land use by
Jeff Wilson, Director, & Deanah Watson, Growth Management Services, Department of Commerce & Xandre Chateaubriand, Policy Advisory, Governor Inslee

Think JBLM is the only base in WA or the only county challenged by encroachment or incompatible land use?  Interested to see how other states are tackling this challenge or how WA is needs your help to do the same here?  Join us for an update on the report going to the legislature focused on taking steps to address this issue.


NEXT ACTIVITIES
November 12 John Anderson Military Citizen of Year with Rotary Club #8

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Visit the “Tacoma-Pierce Co. Veteran & Business Service” Facebook page.  Like the page to stay informed of workplace opportunities for transitioning vets and vets as well as current information.

Vets & Supporters Awarded

The Chamber has focused military and veterans affairs by awarding three local companies at its 2015 Spotlight on Business Awards ceremony.

Odd Otter Brewing Company’s Slogan says it all: they are not like the “Otter” guys. Five friends – including three current and past military members united to open Odd Otter Brewing Company. Crowdfunded through a kickstarter campaign, Odd Otter is helping to contribute to the ever growing downtown brewery district with their unique blends and brews.

Congratulations Odd Otter Brewing!



When USO Northwest opened its door sin 1996 there were 4 employees. Today, 10 employees at USO Northwest serve more than 600,000 military members and their families throughout the Pacific Northwest through centers at Portland Airport, the Shali Center on McCord JBLM, their mobile canteen, and Seatac Airport, the busiest USO in the country. USO Northwest’s Helping Hands program is supported by the Combined Federal Campaign; 100% of these donations received through the CFC go directly to supporting military and families. Last year USO Northwest’s helping hands program served over 89,000 local military and their families.
Congratulations USO Northwest!

The Geneva Foundation was founded in 1993 by Jane Taylor, a critical care nurse, at the request of Madigan Army Medical Center. Since its inception, Geneva has supported medical research at over 50 Federal Laboratories and Military Treatment Facilities worldwide. Geneva sets itself apart by offering military researchers an exceptional level of service and expertise through our commitment to shared values of integrity, superior customer service, quality, teamwork, innovation, and respect for all. The  Geneva Foundation  recognizes that innovative collaboration is vital to medical advancement. Through collaborations with Industry and medical leaders, exciting new ideas are developed. These ideas have the power to improve patient lives and to provide security for the health and well-being of U.S. service members, their families, and the global community.

Congratulations to the Geneva Foundation!

Opportunity with Government Contracting

Businesses looking to win government contracts will have the opportunity at the Greater Pierce County Purchasing Forum on Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 8:00 a.m. to noon at the STAR Center, 3873 S 66th St in Tacoma. Click here for map and directions.

Learn first-hand how to register and compete for contracts with federal, state, and local government agencies, meet one-on-one with purchasing agents, network with other Pierce County business owners and managers, and participate in breakout sessions.

• Panelists and exhibitors include 
• Pierce County
• City of Tacoma
• Port of Tacoma
• Washington State Department of Transportation
• Washington State Department of Enterprise Services
• Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)
• Native PTAC
• NAVSUP Fleet Logics Center-Puget Sound
• U.S. General Services Administration (GSA)
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• Joint Base Lewis-McChord
• Tacoma Public Schools
• Pierce Transit
• Northwest Minority Supplier Development Council
• King County Director Association (KCDA) School Purchasing Consortium
• Washington State Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises

Register online or contact Hans Kueck at (253) 798-2335 or email.

Business Survey for the Military Markets

The South Sound Military and Communities Partnership (SSMCP) is conducting a survey to gather business perspectives on military-community ties in the region of Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Camp Murray.

For this study to be representative of the South Sound business community, it is vital that we hear from you. 

Your answers are anonymous and confidential, and no one in any government will see your individual responses. It will take less than 10 minutes to complete.

The survey is being conducted by Elway Research, Inc.  Elway will collect and tally the results, and the SSMCP will publish an aggregated summary analysis in October of 2015.

We hope you will participate! Your input will be essential as we gather information about how the military affects the economy in Pierce and Thurston Counties and work to improve community and business relationships. 

We know you are very busy, so we appreciate you taking the time to help shape efforts in the region. If you have any questions, please contact the South Sound Military & Communities Partnership. 

Please go HERE to complete the survey online, and thank you!

Engaging the Military Market

Joint Base Lewis-McChord MWR Corporate Partnerships will be hosting a FREE Open House at American Lake Conference Center on Wednesday April 22nd to engage new business in the military market, which could be of great value to Chamber Members!

MWR will do a presentation and breakfast at American Lake Conference Center followed by a short bus tour.  The event will run from 9 AM- 12 PM.

More information and sign up HERE.  RSVP requested by 18 April.

NW Aerospace & Defense Symposium

PNAA & PNDC will host this two-day symposium for aerospace and defense businesses, military and government leaders to discuss new developments and business opportunities in aerospace, space, defense and security.

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BBB Serves with MilitaryLine

The BBB was the sponsoring organization at the last Military Affairs Forum.  Among info share with attendees was about their MilitaryLine:

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Fellowship for Opportunity & Success

Local companies are welcoming heroes of the Heroes Corporate Fellowship program, a partnership between Joint Base Lewis-McCord (JBLM) and Hiring Our Heroes (HOH)/U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

The Corporate Fellows program is a result of the Transition Summit held at JBLM in October 2014. The Veteran & Business Service via the Chamber partnership with WorkForce Central, was deeply involved in the planning and implementation of the Summit through supporting the collaborative employment initiatives (one being the Corporate Fellows Program) which have resulted from the energy of the Summit.

The Corporate Fellows program provides separating service members who already have a degree and some years of military experience opportunities to connect with a corporate sponsor, become more familiar with the civilian work place, step into the vernacular of civilian society, and build key relationships that will lead to a meaningful civilian career and successful transition.

The Corporate Fellows program participants are soon-to-separate service members enrolled in the Camo2Commerce Program, vetted through a competitive interview event and do a 3-month project for a corporate sponsor. The participating service members continue to receive their military salary and are released from military activities to pursue the fellowship. Many of the participants will have an opportunity to interview for a position with the corporate sponsor for whom they have completed the 3-month project. It is a win-win for everyone involved and provides a critical “leg up” for separating service members as they transition to civilian life.

The individuals chosen by the Chamber will be doing projects aimed at evaluating the impact and effectiveness of the Veteran & Business Service activity and supporting various general development activities of the Chamber.

Opportunity with Alliance Northwest

Opportunities to be a sponsor or exhibitor for the Alliance Northwest B2G Conference.

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Turkey Shoots $36K to Charities

America’s Credit Union (ACU), held its 14th annual Turkey Shoot, a golf tournament to support three local charities on JBLM, at Eagles Pride Golf Course.
62^nd Airlift Wing Command Chief, Chief Master Sargent Drake, Ken Leonard ACU CEO/President, Mary Cron Armed Forces Community Service, David Soma PhD. Madigan Foundation, Lisa Bennett Santa’s Castle President, LT Col. Deborah Dusek 627^th Airbase group Deputy Commander, 627^th Air Base Group Superintendent, chief Master Sergeant Kristen Orcutt, Amy Tiemeyer ACU’s Military Relations Liaison

Because of the generous donations from the sponsors and the success of the Turkey Shoot golf tournament they were able to raise a record $36,000 to donate to all three charities.  Many local businesses and over 170 golfers participated to help raise money for Santa’s Castle, the Food Basket Program and the Madigan Foundation.

The history of the tournament has evolved throughout the years. It was originally created to help the founder of Santa’s Castle get her program off the ground. Then it was expanded to help make sure JBLM military families have enough food for the holidays by supporting the Food Basket Program. The final piece was to help pay for military families’ medical costs, not covered through insurance, by donating to the Madigan Foundation.

Kenneth S. Leonard, President/CEO of ACU, said, “it’s a passion to grow this event each year in support of our military and all they do on a daily basis.”  Ken and all the sponsors are honored to contribute to the morale and welfare of our military and their families.

Spotlight On Two Businesses

Seven Spotlight! On Business award recipients, including Veteran-Owned Business and Business Supporter of the Military, were announced at the Chamber’s awards luncheon held at Hotel Murano September 24. The Spotlight! On Business Awards recognizes the accomplishments and civic contributions that Chamber member businesses make to the community.  The selection committee, made up of volunteers, based their choices by following five criteria:  staying power, growth in employees, evidence of contributions to community-oriented projects, innovativeness of product or service and response to adversity.

(pictured to the right: Wade Stewart, Owner, Stewart & Son Computer Services)

Veteran-Owned Business Award Recipient:  Stewart & Son Computer Services
Recognized for their success, including a 31% average growth in sales every quarter since opening in 2012, United States Army veteran owner Wade Stewart, began with one important goal in mind: creating a customer-centric niche for computer, network and server support services for small businesses. Stewart and Son began with one person, then hired their first employee in May of 2013, just 13 months after starting, adding their 2nd full-time employee in September of 2013 and, as business continued to grow, hired their first part-time apprentice in February of 2014.

Finalists for this category were:
RallyPoint/6
Sperry Ocean Dock
Stewart and Son Computer Services, LLC

(pictured to the left: Carlyn Roy, TAPCO, Award Sponsor, Anne Sprute & Tony Belit, RallyPoint/6 and Rick Stevens, GEICO, 2013 Business Supporter of the Military Award Recipient)

Supporter of the Military Award Recipient:  RallyPoint/6
Recognized for their strong support system in providing comprehensive resources to not only Veterans, but also to their family members and individuals who currently serve in the Armed Forces with resources that include housing difficulties, employment preparedness and search, educational opportunities, financial and legal options, and volunteer opportunities. RallyPoint/6 is a convening location in the community where the service member, veteran or family member can get connected with community organizations that will assist on their next steps forward to their new objective.

Finalists for this category were:
Boots to Shoes Foundation
Kel-Tech Plastics, Inc.
Nisqually Red Wind Casino
Pierce Transit
RallyPoint/6
Summit Strength & Conditioning

The Chamber applauds the award recipients and finalists for their contributions to the community and Pierce County’s economy.

Chamber Honored by Hiring Our Heroes with Chamber of Valor Award

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced that the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber has been honored by Hiring Our Heroes with the Chamber of Valor award.

The Chamber was recognized for joining the Hiring Our Heroes mission of finding meaningful employment for veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses.

Chamber of Valor award recipients submitted applications to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to be considered for the award. Applications were scored by U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation staff and honorees were awarded at the one-, two-, and three-star levels. The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber is a three-star Chamber of Valor award recipient largely due to the work of the Veteran & Business Service.

The Veteran & Business Service is a valuable program for our businesses to tap into our wonderful workforce of transitioning vets that our partnership with WorkForce Central allows us to do, said Tom Pierson, Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber President & CEO.

Many resources are available to assist businesses when they hire transitioning service members, added Linda Nguyen, WorkForce Central CEO.  Through this partnership, we facilitate the match between the service members and employers, supporting the success of both parties after the match.

We would never be able to do the work we do without the tremendous support of local chambers and the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce is setting a standard for other chambers to follow, said Eric Eversole, executive director of Hiring Our Heroes and vice president at the U.S. Chamber. The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber been instrumental in educating and influencing employers about the great value veterans and military spouses bring to the workforce. 

About the Veteran and Business Service
The Chamber’s Veteran and Business Service is designed to bring the winning attributes of veterans and the Chamber’s business members together for success. A partnership between the Chamber and WorkForce Central; the program strives to assist Chamber member employers in understanding the benefits available as well as the skills, knowledge and abilities that veterans bring to a workplace and to direct avenues to access Veterans as employees

About Hiring Our Heroes
Hiring Our Heroes launched in March 2011 as a nationwide initiative to help veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses find meaningful employment. To date, more than 1,500 companies have hired over 23,000 veterans and military spouses as a result of more than 720 hiring fairs. In March 2012, the U.S. Chamber and Capital One launched Hiring 500,000 Heroes, a national campaign to engage the business community in committing to hire half a million veterans and military spouses by the end of 2014. Thus far, more than 1,500 businesses of all sizes have pledged to hire 411,000 heroes toward this goal. To date, 255,000 hires have been confirmed.

Tacoma/South Sound Chapter of SCORE Takes Top Honors

The Tacoma/South Sound chapter of SCORE, is the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 2014 Washington Veteran Small Business Champion a nonprofit whose volunteers provide free mentoring to small businesses and future entrepreneurs.

The SBA Veteran Small Business Champion Award honors those who have fulfilled a commitment to advancing small business opportunities for veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. 

The skills veterans acquire from service can be directly translated into owning and operating a business, said Nancy Porzio, SBA Seattle district director. Without the help of the Tacoma/South Sound chapter of SCORE, we wouldn’t be able to reach as many transitioning service members through our Boots to Business program.

The SBA Boots to Business initiative is a two-step training program that ensures every transitioning service member has access to the tools and knowledge they need to identify a business opportunity, draft a business plan, connect with local small business resources, and launch their small business.

Tacoma/South Sound SCORE has led seven workshops to more than 360 veterans at Joint Base Lewis-McChord transitioning from a service member to a business owner through the SBA Boots to Business program.

The chapter is scheduled to conduct eight more workshops during the remainder of 2014.

Joint Base Lewis McChord is located in the heart of the Tacoma/South Sound SCORE chapter, said Dave Binz, Tacoma SCORE president. Leading these workshops is very rewarding.

The SBA 2014 Washington Veteran Small Business Champion will be recognized at a local awards ceremony event May 8 in conjunction with National Small Business Week May 12-16.

National Small Business Week is a time to recognize the impact small business has on our country, said SBA Regional Administrator Calvin Goings. It’s a chance to celebrate the dedicated, hard-working small business owners who are making a difference in their communities.

Each year since 1963, the President has issued a proclamation calling for the celebration of National Small Business Week. SBA recognizes outstanding small business owners for their personal successes and contributions to our nation.

SBA Seattle District Office 2013 Washington Veterans Small Business Champion

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 2013 Washington State Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year is Giselle Saguid. 

Previously the Program Director of the Northwest Washington Women’s Business Center (NWWBC) located in Everett, Wash., she has spent years teaching entrepreneurial classes as part of the Department of Defense’s (DOD) Transition Assistance Program at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and Naval Air Station Everett. I am honored to be recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration as the 2013 Washington State Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year, Saguid said.

Saguid, who lives in Marysville, Wash., has worked with the Department of the Navy, surrounding cities, counties, lending partners and other local, state and federal resources to provide the small business services Veterans need. Saguid also supported Veterans’ spouses who focus on transferrable businesses while part of the military. She has volunteered countless hours to help train and educate Veterans on the transition from service member to business owner, said SBA Regional Administrator Calvin Goings.

Besides working with active duty Sailors and other service members, Saguid organized workshops solely focused on Veterans and their needs. In total, she delivered more than 100 entrepreneurial classes and workshops to Veterans in Snohomish, Island, Skagit and Whatcom counties. I tried to give them information that will be beneficial to them in their new lives that is satisfying and helps take care of their families, Saguid said.

From amongst her peers, the SBA Seattle District Office has chosen Saguid as the best champion for Veterans. Giselle Saguid has been devoted to Washington state service members and Veterans for more than six years, said SBA Seattle District Office Director Nancy Porzio. Her dedication and commitment to helping America’s heroes is evident.

Saguid and other Washington state SBA award recipients will be recognized for their achievements at the 2013 SBA Annual Small Business Awards Gala Thursday at the Museum of Flight. 

For more information about Saguid, call (206) 324-4330 Extension 123 or email giselles@seattleccd.com. For more information about SBA or the SBA Annual Small Business Awards Gala, call (206) 553-7310 or email lorin.smith@sba.gov. 

Working Capital Loans for Reservists

Small businesses that suffered economic losses when the owner or a key employee was called up to active duty military service may be eligible for low interest loans up to $2 million from U.S. Small Business Administration.

Hundreds of Washingtonians (reservists and National Guardsmen) served military duty in Afghanistan in recent years and many more in Iraq War activities before that. Their employers might have been impacted by the absence.

This loan program (MREIL is the identifier) cannot cover lost income or lost profits, but is available to help a company meet its ordinary and necessary operating expects that could have been met, except for the military duty interruption.

SBA funds cannot be used in lieu of regular commercial debt, to refinance long-term debt or to expand the business, and collateral is required, if available, for loans of more than $50,000. The interest rate is 4 percent and terms can extend up to 30 years.

Funding must be requested within a year of the reservist being discharged from active duty following the call-up. There is more detailed information and an application process at this link. 

UWT Opens Veterans Incubator

RSVP HERE

The Business Case for Hiring Vets

 The Chamber joins Hire Our Heroes, TrueBlue, Inc., The Association of Washington Business, Starbucks, and Eisenhower Carlson, PLLC to present “Standing Shoulder to Shoulder with our Military Veterans – The Business Case for Hiring Military Veterans”.

On November 13,  8 a.m. to Noon at TrueBlue, Inc., 1015 “A” Street, Tacoma, the event will focus on why hiring Veterans makes good sense, finding the right match amongst the many qualified Veterans available, and the Legal “ins and outs” related to hiring the Veteran of your choice.

All Tacoma-Pierce County businesses interested in hiring Veterans, currently hiring Veterans, or considering hiring Veterans should plan to attend this interesting and informative event. Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber member businesses may attend for only $25.00, morning refreshments are provided.

 REGISTER HERE

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