Brandon, FL [2/22/24] - The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the successful completion of their Military Affairs Committee Kickoff Event. The event, held on February 21, 2024, was specifically tailored to cater to the needs of Veteran-owned businesses, transitioning veterans, their spouses, and other professionals who extend support to this esteemed community.
The Military Affairs Committee Kickoff Event provided a unique opportunity for current Veteran Business Owners to engage, connect, and exchange valuable insights, experiences, and best practices. The event also served as an invaluable platform for individuals interested in embarking on their entrepreneurial journey by starting a business, franchise, or gain a deeper understanding of business operations within our community.
As a vital part of our commitment to serving the military community, the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce aims to facilitate the growth and success of Veteran-owned businesses, as well as to support transitioning veterans and their spouses in their pursuit of business ventures. This inaugural event marked the beginning of a series of initiatives aimed at fostering stronger relationships, providing resources, and promoting collaboration within the military community.
The event witnessed a remarkable turnout, with Veteran Business Owners and professionals in attendance, representing various industries and backgrounds. Attendees had the chance to engage in meaningful discussions, exchange industry-specific expertise, and establish valuable connections that will undoubtedly serve to enhance their entrepreneurial pursuits.
TECO proudly served as the Presenting Sponsor of the event, showcasing their commitment to supporting transitioning Veterans through the TECO Veterans Alliance. This alliance provides valuable career assistance and support to Veterans and their families, reflecting TECO's long-standing dedication to the military community. Annual Sponsors include Sellers & Associates LLC, a renowned technology and solutions provider catering to the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS), along with XP Crunch Media, an Aerial and Digital Media Production Company.
Kat Mahoney, CEO & Executive Producer of XP Crunch Media and Chair for the Military Affairs Committee was the Keynote Speaker. With over 40 years of experience in the military life as a daughter of a service member and spouse of a Retired Flight Engineer, Mahoney brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the role. Her impressive background includes founding a non-profit for military families of deployed service members and special needs children, collaborating with Lockheed Martin on military children's books, and advocating for veteran and family mental health through Government and Political Conferences. Mahoney's accolades as a past National Military Spouse of the Year and Outstanding Military Spouse at various U.S. Air Force bases further highlight her dedication to the military community.
"With the Military Affairs Committee Kickoff Event, we aimed to create an environment that fosters knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities for Veterans and their Spouses interested in entrepreneurship," said Kat Mahoney, "Our goal is to empower and equip this remarkable community with the necessary tools and support to thrive in the business world and build a business in Brandon."
Joining Mahoney on the Committee are respected individuals such as Ted Martin and Chris "Ranger" Gay, Owners of the 2nd Amendment Armory; Tony Melchiorrie, President of AimHighHR LLC; Toni Hedstrom, Editor of FireWatch Magazine and Founder of Veterans Alliance Network; David Thomas, Co-Owner of Home Care for the 21st Century; Stella Lopez-Jimenez, Military Veteran Public Health expert at Suncoast Community Health; and Connie Huber, from Physician Partners of America.
Following the informative discussions and networking opportunities at the event, attendees enjoyed drinks and mingling. A lighthearted moment occurred when a traffic accident caused a power outage, prompting laughter and TECO's assurance that they were addressing the issue promptly.
Moving forward, the GBCC Military Affairs Committee will continue its work by hosting monthly meetings in a hybrid setting and organizing workshops and events focused on business development and Veteran family-related outings. This ongoing commitment to supporting Veteran Entrepreneurs and their families underscores the importance of the Committee's mission and the dedication of its members.
For more information, contact Amber Aaron from the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce at amber@brandonchamber.com or Kat Mahoney at LinkedIn or katlinmahoney@gmail.com
About The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering economic prosperity and growth within the Brandon community. With a focus on advocacy, education, and networking, the Chamber strives to enhance the business climate and provide valuable resources and support to its members. The Chamber also actively engages with the military community, supporting Veteran-owned businesses and transitioning veterans in their entrepreneurial journey.
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