2012 Operation: Start Up & GrowClick image above to view/download event flyer

Tuesday, March 13, 2012
8:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Gordon Student Center
Onondaga Community College
Syracuse, New York
View the flyer

Operation: Start Up & Grow is the premier veterans business conference in Upstate New York for veterans and members of the military community who want to start or expand their own small business. This FREE conference features speakers, workshops, networking, exhibitors and much more. More than 100 veterans with an idea for a business or already in business found valuable information and resources to take their business to the next level at last year’s conference. Please call 315-471-9393 for more information about this event

Do you want to start a business? Expand your existing business? Find all the resources in one location at this FREE conference for veteran entrepreneurs! Operation: Start Up & Grow is the premier veterans business conference in Upstate New York for our veterans and members of the military community who want to start or expand their own small business.

Conference highlights include keynote address from Brian Bluff, USN veteran and president of Site-Seeker, Inc. and emcee interview with Mary Warren, PE, USAF veteran and president of Black Horse Group General Contractors. The half-day event includes breakout workshops, dozens of exhibitors, networking sessions, awards ceremony and lunch.

REGISTRATION
Registration is now open!  Please contact SBA at 315-471-9393 ext. 233 or stephanie.ubowski@sba.gov to register for the event.

SPONSORS
The 2012 Operation: Start Up & Grow conference is sponsored by: Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities, Falcone Center for Entrepreneurship at Syracuse University, M&T Bank, New York Business Development Corporation, New York Veteran Business Outreach Center, Onondaga Community College, Small Business Development Center at Onondaga Community College, The Tech Garden, U.S. Small Business Administration, and WISE Women’s Business Center.

EXHIBITORS
Allgaier Law Firm, Clear Path for Veterans, Empire State Development, Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve, Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities, Excelsior College, Falcone Center for Entrepreneurship at Syracuse University, M&T Bank, New York Business Development Corporation, New York State Division of Veteran’s Center, New York State Office of General Services Procurement Services Group, New York Veteran Business Outreach Center, North Country Procurement Technical Assistance Center, Onondaga Community College Veterans Affairs Office, Onondaga County Veterans Services Agency, Onondaga Employee Leasing Services, Inc., PathStone Enterprise Center, Site-Seeker, Inc., Small Business Development Center at Onondaga Community College, Start-Up NY, Syracuse Veterans Center, Syracuse Literacy Zones, The Tech Garden, U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Buffalo Medical Center, U.S. Small Business Administration, Visions Federal Credit Union, Watertown Veterans Center and WISE Women’s Business Center.
AGENDA

8:45-9:00 Registration-Networking

9:00-9:05 Opening Remarks

9:05-9:15 SBA Initiatives for Veteran Small Businesses

9:15-10:00 Keynote Address from USN veteran Brian Bluff, president of Site-Seeker, Inc.

10:00-10:30 Networking with Exhibitors

10:30-11:15 Workshops

- Social Media-Bootstrap Marketing
- Where’s the Money?
- Doing Business With Uncle Sam

11:15-12:00 Workshops

- Marketing-Tools to Increase Market Share
- A Look at a Successful Veteran Loan
- The VA as Your Customer

12:00 Lunch

12:20 Awards Presentation: Veteran-Owned Business Achievement Award and Patriot Lender of the Year Award

12:30-1:00 Emcee Interview with USAF veteran Mary Warren, PE, president of Black Horse Group General Contractors

1:00 Conclusion

Cosponsorship # 12-0248-05

Florida Veterans Job Fair

(Bring your resume and dress for SUCCESS!)

Friday, February 24, 2012
12:00 Noon to 4:00 P.M.
J. C. Cobb Room at Bay Pines Medical Center
10000 Bay Pines Blvd.

JOB FAIR TARGETS EMPLOYMENT FOR VETERANS

Bay Pines VA Healthcare System and Abilities of Florida, part of the ServiceSource Network are hosting a Job Fair on Friday, February 24, 2012 from 12:00 Noon to 4:00 P.M. at The J. C. Cobb Room at Bay Pines Medical Center, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd.

The Job Fair will have special emphasis on employment opportunities for Veterans and Veterans with disabilities.  Similar job fairs have been conducted in the past and have been instrumental in making employment connections for scores of Veterans.  A job Fair hosted at Bay Pines in February 2011 drew more than 425 Veterans and nearly two dozen employers with openings.  “Our emphasis is to find jobs for disabled Veterans,” said Muriel Boysen of the Veterans Employment Outreach Program.  “We will certainly assist all disabled Veterans and are specifically targeting Veterans from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.”  Laverne Feaster, Employment Re-entry Service at Bay Pines VA said, “Veterans want jobs and need jobs to assist in their recovery and re-integration to civilian life.  Any employer who can hire one of America’s Heroes is helping that Veteran with more than just a paycheck, they are helping that Veteran get back on track.”

Employers with job openings are actively being solicited.  For more information contact Muriel Boysen (727) 538-7370, extension 336 or Laverne Feaster (727) 398-6661 extension 7593.

In August, President Obama called on Congress to enact tax credits that will help get veterans back to work. The Returning Heroes Tax Credit provides businesses that hire unemployed veterans with a maximum credit of $5,600 per veteran, and the Wounded Warriors Tax Credit offers businesses that hire veterans with service-connected disabilities with a maximum credit of $9,600 per veteran.

These tax credits were included in the American Jobs Act and were signed into law by President Obama on November 21, 2011.

Returning Heroes and Wounded Warrior Tax Credits

Under the Recovery Act, employers who hired certain unemployed veterans were eligible for a tax credit of up to 40 percent of the first $6,000 of wages, for a maximum credit of $2,400. This credit expired at the end of 2010.

On November 21, 2011, the President signed into law two new tax credits:

• The Returning Heroes Tax Credit is a new hiring tax credit that will provide an incentive for businesses to hire unemployed veterans.
  • Short-term unemployed: A new credit of 40 percent of the first $6,000 of wages (up to $2,400) for employers who hire veterans who have been unemployed at least 4 weeks.
  • Long-term unemployed: A new credit of 40 percent of the first $14,000 of wages (up to $5,600) for employers who hire veterans who have been unemployed longer than 6 months.
• The Wounded Warrior Tax Credit will double the existing tax credit for long-term unemployed veterans with service-connected disabilities.
  • Maintain the existing Work Opportunity Tax Credit for veterans with service-connected disabilities (currently the maximum is $4,800).
  • A new credit of 40 percent of the first $24,000 of wages (up to $9,600) for firms that hire veterans with service-connected disabilities who have been unemployed longer than 6 months.

Executive Actions to Get Veterans Back to Work

Earlier this year, the President also announced a series of executive actions to help get veterans back to work.

These initiatives include:

Veteran Gold Card: Post-9/11 veterans can now download the Veteran Gold Card, which entitles them to enhanced services including six months of personalized case management, assessments and counseling, at the roughly 3,000 One-Stop Career Centers located across the country.  This could help serve the more than 200,000 unemployed Post-9/11 veterans.  The President directed the Department of Labor to launch this initiative in his August 5, 2011 speech at the Navy Yard.

My Next Move for Veterans: The Department of Labor has launched My Next Move for Veterans, a new online resource that allows veterans to enter their military occupation code and discover civilian occupations for which they are well qualified. The site also includes information about salaries, apprenticeships, and other related education and training programs.

Creating a Veterans Job Bank: The Administration launched the Veterans Job Bank, at National Resource Directory, an easy to use tool to help veterans find job postings from companies looking to hire them. It already searches over one million job postings and is growing. In a few easy steps, companies can make sure the job postings on their own websites are part of this Veterans Job Bank. These resources can be accessed at www.whitehouse.gov/vets

Joining Forces: In August, the President challenged the private sector to hire or train 100,000 veterans or military spouses by the end of 2013.  The President also asked First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden to lead these efforts with the private sector as part of their Joining Forces initiative. In just over 100 days, more than 1,500 private sector companies have stepped up and already employed more than 18,000 veterans and spouses.  In addition, these private sector companies have committed to hiring 135,000 veterans and spouses by the end of 2013, exceeding the President’s challenge. Also included in these private sector employment efforts is a dedicated commitment to hire 5,000 wounded warriors.

Challenging Community Health Centers to Hire 8,000 Veterans in Three Years: The Obama Administration challenged Community Health Centers to hire 8,000 veterans – approximately one veteran per health center site – over the next three years. The health reform law provides funding for community health centers to serve more Americans and hire more workers.  The National Association of Community Health Centers will also contribute to this effort and joined the Administration in announcing this Community Health Center Veterans Hiring Challenge.

Helping Veterans Become Physician Assistants: To fast-track medics into jobs in community health centers and other parts of the health care system, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) pledged to open up career-paths beyond nursing and expand opportunities for veterans to become physician assistants.  Through this initiative, HRSA will begin to give priority in physician assistant grant awards to universities and colleges that help train veterans for careers as physician assistants.

Together, these initiatives and the tax credits will lower veteran unemployment through increased hiring, improve resources for veterans to translate their military skills for the civilian workforce, and provide veterans with new tools to aid their search for jobs.

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This is a public service announcement (PSA) brought to you by Veteran Owned Business.   Veteran Owned Business is in no way affiliated with the above organization(s). We do not in any way endorse the above business/organization or guarantee the above offer.

VeteranOwnedBusiness.com and the Veteran Owned Business Directory are simply providing information we feel is of interest to veterans, active duty military, reservists, service disabled veterans, veteran owned businesses, service disabled veteran owned businesses, families of veterans, families of our armed forces and any other person or persons directly or indirectly involved with the United States military.

If your business is (or you know of another business) owned by a veteran (VOB), active duty military, reservist or service disabled  veteran (SDVOSB) of the United States, Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard or National Guard, please be sure to visit the VeteranOwnedBusiness.com sign up page to get your free listing.

The objective of our FREE Veteran Owned Business Directory is to continue to offer a growing list of products and services that are unique in the fact that they are all owned by, sold by and/or serviced by past and present military members.

Just in Time For Veterans Day 2011:

In addition to the ability to search over 8,000 Veteran Owned Businesses by:

Status (VOB or SDVOSB)
Keyword
Business Name
State
County
City
Zip Code
Radius (x miles around a zip code)

VeteranOwnedBusiness.com site visitors are now able to easily search our members specifically by military branch.  If you want to take your support to an even more specific level, you can search for businesses owned by veterans who served in certain military branches.

To do an advanced search of our growing Veteran Owned  Business member-base of over 8,000: http://www.veteranownedbusiness.com/advanced_search.php.

If your business is (or you know of another business) owned by a veteran (VOB), active duty military, reservist or service disabled  veteran (SDVOSB) of the United States, Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard or National Guard, please be sure to visit the VeteranOwnedBusiness.com sign up page to get your free listing.

The objective of our FREE Veteran Owned Business Directory is to continue to offer a growing list of products and services that are unique in the fact that they are all owned by, sold by and/or serviced by past and present military members.

Many wonderful organizations have put together special “thank you” offerings for veterans and active duty military members (in some cases their respective families as well). Do you know of a special offer we are missing?  Email us details and we will be sure to add it or call us toll free at: (877) 862-5478 (extension #1).

Here is a growing list of what some of these companies are offering for Veterans Day 2011 (and beyond):

Updated 11/10/2011 (3:00pm EST):

Spinning Fork Italian Restaurant
Fairfield Ohio
20% off for Veterans and their families this 11/11/2011. Not to be used with any other offer or promotion. Alcohol Beverages Excluded.

UFood Grill
Boston Area
UFood Grill in Boston at Downtown Crossing, 530 Washington St, Landmark Center, 201 Brookline Ave and 222 Arsenal St in Watertown will be feeding all past and present military personnel free tomorrow for Veteran’s Day (11/11/11). Military guests will just need to provide ID. This is their 3rd year providing this service. UFood Grill’s CEO and COO are very proud to be veterans.

Charlie and Jake’s
West Melbourne Florida Location: “50% off for military members on Veteran’s Day”.
All other locations: “10% off and a free alcoholic beverage”.

Papaya King Hollywood
Hollywood, California
Veterans and Active Duty Military receive one of their renowned hot dogs, for free, all day on Veteran’s Day.  In addition, for 11.11.11 (also Veteran’s Day), we’re offering everyone $0.11 fries with the purchase of any hot dog.

Bar Louie America
Nationwide
Offering one free lunch or dinner on Veterans Day.

Southwest Moe’s
Nationwide
10% off for veterans

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2011 Nationwide Veterans Day Discounts and Freebies
Restaurants

Applebee’s
Applebee’s is again offering a free meal to military veterans and active-duty service members on Veteran’s Day, Friday, Nov. 11, 2011. There will be 7 entrées to choose from. Military ID or proof of service required.

Champps Americana
We’re celebrating our Veterans with an All American Meal! All Veterans and Active Military will receive a free burger on November 11th! Proof of service required. Offer not valid for the Pepperjack Bacon Stack Burger or Kobe Burger. Dine in only, valid at participating locations.

Chili’s
Visit Chili’s on Friday, November 11, 2011, to get your Veteran’s Day free meal if you are a veteran or on active military duty. You’ll get to choose between 7 great entrees at participating restaurants.

Denny’s
Denny’s Veterans Day Appreciation Event, Nov. 11. 2011. Free Grand Slam breakfast to any veteran from 6:00am – 10:00pm. Only valid in Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo NY areas.

Duffy’s Sports Grill
Duffy’s is donating 5% of all sales on Veterans Day 2011 to Honor Flight of South Florida.

Famous Dave’s
On November 11th, in honor of Veterans Day, Famous Dave’s would like to thank all former and current military personnel for their dedication and commitment to our country. Discounts vary in each of the 150 United States Locations.

Golden Corral
For the 11th year in a row, Golden Corral Restaurants will offer their Military Appreciation Monday dinner. The event is scheduled this year from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Nov. 14. All personnel are welcome, including retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard and Reserves.

Hooters
On November 11^th, in honor of Veterans day Hooters is offering a free meal to veterans and active military. The free meal is 10 free wings boneless or traditional. (Drink Purchase Required).

Hy-Vee
Free breakfast buffet – Nov. 11
Applies to: Active military and veterans
Available at participating Hy-Vee grocery store with in-store dining.

Krispy Kreme
Free doughnut – Nov. 11
Applies to: Active duty and veterans
Available only at participating Krispy Kreme stores.

McCormick and Schmicks
On Sunday, November 13^th Mccormick and Schmicks pay tribute to our veterans with a complimentary entree from a special menu. Space is limited. Reservations are highly recommended.

Olive Garden
On Friday, November 11th, all veterans and active duty military are invited to enjoy a FREE entree during regular business hours.  ID required.  Go here to see menu options and for more details.

Outback Steakhouse
Outback Steakhouse – A week of Free Bloomin’ Onions and Coca Cola from Monday Nov. 7 – Friday Nov. 11.

Shoney’s
Bring a veteran or active duty military to Shoney’s on Friday, November 11th from 6AM to 2PM receive a FREE BUFFET with the purchase of a regularly-priced buffet!

Spaghetti Warehouse
11-cents meal with coupon – Nov. 11
Applies to: Everyone
Print the coupon here and get a serving of lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs, or any original recipe spaghetti entree for just 11 cents.

Subway
Select SUBWAY® Restaurants will offer a FREE six inch sub or flatbread to military veterans on Veteran’s Day. This offer is valid only on November 11, 2011 at participating local SUBWAY® restaurants.

Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse will be giving away Veteran’s Day free meals on Friday, November 11, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

T.G.I Fridays
On Friday, November 11 2011, Veterans can take advantage of a Buy One, Get One Free deal on entrees. This offer is not valid with any other offer, must present acceptable ID, and valid only at participating locations.

Tijuana Flats
50% off military and active duty on Friday (11/11/2011), 10% off year round.

Tim Hortons
Free donut – Nov. 11
Applies to: Veterans

Twin Peaks Restaurants
Free entrée, up to $10 – Nov. 11
Applies to: Active duty and veterans
Dine-in only and a tip is not included.

Uno Chicago Grill
Show up on Veterans Day in uniform, with a photo of yourself in uniform or with a military or veteran’s I.D. and receive a 19.43% discount on their food and non-alcoholic beverage beverages purchases.

Restaurants.com
Get $25 Restaurant Gift Certificates for only $10; $100 eGift card for only $10.99.

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2011 Nationwide Veterans Day Discounts and Freebies
Entertainment

Anheuser-Busch Parks
(SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Sesame Place, Adventure Island, Water Country USA)
Single Day Complimentary Admission.

Battley Harley-Davidson – Veterans Day Ride to Arlington National Cemetery
Gaithersburg, Maryland
All Riders Welcome. Join us for ride to Arlington National Cemetery as we pay tribute to Veterans past and present.
Meet 7:45am Kickstands up 8:30am SHARP.

Battleship Cove
Fall River, Massachusetts
The world’s largest naval-ship museum, located in Fall River, Mass offers free admission and a special ceremony for veterans, active duty and reservists on Veterans Day.

Brevard Zoo
Melbourne Florida
Free admission to all active and retired military from November 11 to 13.

Boston Duck Tours
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston Duck Tours will also offer all spouses and children of any present or past military personnel a special $10.00 per person ticket.

Colonial Williamsburg
Williamsburg, Virginia
Free admission – Nov 11 to 13
Applies to: Active-duty, retirees, veterans, Reserves and their immediate dependents
Tickets are only available on-site.

FCW (Florida Championship Wrestling)
Florida
Offering free admission to  both Florida wrestling shows on November 11 and 12.

Historic Jamestowne
Jamestowne, Virginia
The National Park Service commemorates Veterans Day with Fee Free days at Historic Jamestowne November 11-13.

Knott’s Berry Farm/ Knott’s Soak City
Buena Park, California
Free park admission to U.S. armed forces personnel and a guest during Veteran’s Month, November 1-26.

Navy Memorial
Washington, D.C.
Free admission to any veteran or member of the armed forces.

National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Offers free admission to veterans and five guests from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Veterans Day.

National Parks, Forests and Monuments
Nationwide
Admission is free to everyone on Veterans Day.

Natural Elements Salon & Spa
Chesapeake, Virginia
Providing free services from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to both active duty and retired military.

The North Carolina Aquarium
Free admission to everyone on Thursday, November 11.

Pro Football Hall of Fame
Canton, Ohio
Any veteran or member of the armed forces and their spouse or a guest will be admitted free of charge to the Hall of Fame for a day-long recognition of  US Military veterans.

Reds Hall of Fame & Museum
Cincinnati, Ohio
In honor of Veterans Day, the Reds Hall of Fame & Museum is pleased to offer all veterans and active military members (with valid I.D.) complimentary general admission from Tuesday, Nov. 8 though Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011.

San Jacinto Monument and Museum
La Porte, Texas
Free admission – Nov. 7 to 13
Applies to: Veterans and their families
Free admission to the theatre, Observation Floor and, on Nov.12-13. the special exhibit.

Universal Studios Hollywood
Hollywood, California
Discount options for tour and attraction tickets to all armed-forces members all year long, including Veterans Day.

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2011 Nationwide Veterans Day Discounts and Freebies
Stores

7-Eleven
Free small Slurpee – 11.m. to 7 p.m., Nov. 11
Applies to: Active military and veterans

Amazon.com
Free Veterans Day Honor MP3 album download. Album includes 12 songs by bands and ensembles of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Big Lots
10% off your entire purchase with valid military ID.

Brides Across America
Provides free wedding gowns to qualified military brides.

Build-A-Bear
Members of the armed services including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Reserve Officer Training Corps, will receive a 20% discount November 11th-15th on any one transaction at Build-A-Bear Workshop.

Cabela’s Outdoor Store
Employee discount of 5% to 50% – Nov. 11 to12
Applies to: Veterans, active-duty military and reserves, law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel.

Dollar General
From  November 11, 2011 till November 13, 2011 11, all veterans, active duty military, National Guard, Reserve, and their immediate families will receive a 10-percent discount.

Fashion Bug
Get 20% off all plus-size and misses clothing purchases with a copy of military ID or spouse’s military ID.  Contact your local store for more details.

Foot Locker
Veterans, Service members (Active, Guard, and Reserve), and their immediate families with a Foot Locker Veterans Advantage Card receive a 20% discount every day of the year. That offer is good both online and at any store location, including Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Footaction and Champs Sports, even on sale items.

Jos. A. Bank
Veterans Day Sale- 1 Day Only! All Suits On Sale- 2nd for $47 Mix ‘n Match. 40% Off All Dress Shirts, Sportshirts, Ties & Sportswear. Free Shipping on Orders $195+. Valid: November 11.

Lowe’s
All veterans receive the 10-percent discount on Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. The discount is available on in-stock and special-order purchases of up to $5,000.

Home Depot
Offers a 10-percent discount (up to a $500 maximum) to all active military, reserve, retired or disabled veterans and their family members with a valid military ID.

K-Mart
Exclusive Early Veterans Day Sale – Nov. 10th! EXTRA 5-10% off Almost Everything.

Macy’s
15% off – through Nov. 13
Applies to: Everyone

Sears
5% to 15% off almost everything – through Nov. 10
Applies to: Everyone
Applies only to sales through Sears.com.

Sport Clips
Discounts on haircuts -  Nov. 11
Applies to: Active duty and veterans

Surdyke Harley Davison
Fetus, Missouri
10% of sales (MotorClothes, P&A, & Service) from Nov. 11 – 12 will be donated to Camp Hope–an outdoor recreational camp for wounded soldiers.

Sams Club
In honor of Veterans Day, Sam’s Club® locations nationwide will distribute 36,000 Hugo® canes free of charge on November 9th, 11th and 12th, 2011 to U.S. military veterans in need of mobility assistance.

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2011 Nationwide Veterans Day Discounts and Freebies
Accommodations

Red Roof Inn
Offering 15% off all stays for veterans for the month of November.

Bed & Breakfast for Vets
B&Bs throughout North America will open their doors to active and retired military and vets and one guest by offering a free room to those who’ve served in the military on Thursday, November 10, 2011.

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2011 Nationwide Veterans Day Discounts and Freebies
Miscellaneous

Free Car Wash (various locations around the United States)
Grace For Vets is a united front of car wash operators that provide a FREE CAR WASH to veterans & service personnel each year on November 11 to honor their past & present service to their country.

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Many offers come with disclaimers. Please be sure to contact each company directly with any questions/concerns.

Do you know of a special offer we are missing?  Email us details and we will be sure to add it or call us toll free at: (877) 862-5478 (extension #1).

This is a public service announcement (PSA) brought to you by Veteran Owned Business.   Veteran Owned Business is in no way affiliated with the above organization(s). We do not in any way endorse the above business/organization or guarantee the above offer.  VeteranOwnedBusiness.com and the Veteran Owned Business Directory are simply providing information we feel is of interest to veterans, active duty military, reservists, service disabled veterans, veteran owned businesses, service disabled veteran owned businesses, families of veterans, families of our armed forces and any other person or persons directly or indirectly involved with the United States military.

Veterans Day Poster Gallery

2011 Veterans Day Poster

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This is a public service announcement (PSA) brought to you by Veteran Owned Business.   Veteran Owned Business is in no way affiliated with the above organization(s). We do not in any way endorse the above business/organization or guarantee the above offer. 

VeteranOwnedBusiness.com and the Veteran Owned Business Directory are simply providing information we feel is of interest to veterans, active duty military, reservists, service disabled veterans, veteran owned businesses, service disabled veteran owned businesses, families of veterans, families of our armed forces and any other person or persons directly or indirectly involved with the United States military.

If your business is (or you know of another business) owned by a veteran (VOB), active duty military, reservist or service disabled  veteran (SDVOSB) of the United States, Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard or National Guard, please be sure to visit the VeteranOwnedBusiness.com sign up page to get your free listing.

The objective of our FREE Veteran Owned Business Directory is to continue to offer a growing list of products and services that are unique in the fact that they are all owned by, sold by and/or serviced by past and present military members.

Collaboration with Milicruit Increases Job Opportunities for Veterans

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced a partnership with Milicruit.com to sponsor a nationwide, virtual online job fair on Nov. 10, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. EST.

“As we work to help Veterans find good paying jobs, it is important that we take advantage of online resources that connect our Veterans with employers around the Nation who want to hire these highly qualified and experienced men and women,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.

To date, more than 60 military-friendly national employers from both the private and federal sectors and more than 36,000 Veterans have registered to participate in the all day online event.

Veterans can pre-register at http://www.veteranscareerfair.com for this event. On the day of the event, Veterans can log in and visit employer booths, view job openings, apply for jobs, watch employer videos and presentations, chat live with recruiters, and complete on-the-spot video interviews.

They can also interact with VetSuccess counselors to learn more about VA benefits, as well as additional resources and tools for transitioning Servicemembers and family members regarding training, employment, and independent living.

VA’s VetSuccess.gov website offers services by providing access to a job board of more than 8 million job openings, as well as tools for Veterans to build or upload resumes and for employers to search for Veterans who match their recruiting needs.

“Using technology allows us to connect excellent Veteran job seekers with businesses in need of the leadership, discipline, skills, and training that Veterans bring to the workplace,” said Under Secretary for Benefits Allison A. Hickey.

The job fair not only connects employers with Veterans who are a match for their staffing needs, but also allows Veterans to visit the VA’s virtual help desk to obtain information about VA benefits.

Benefits include the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment VetSuccess program, which provides job training and placement skills for transitioning Servicemembers and Veterans.

For more information on the job fair go to http://www.va.gov and click on VA’s Facebook site or go to http://www.vetsuccess.gov.

Veterans filing claims may file online through eBenefits, a joint project between the Department of Defense and VA, at https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits-portal/ebenefits.portal. They can check the status of their claim with a Premium account, and use a growing number of online services.

Veterans may enroll in eBenefits and obtain a Premium account in-person or online depending on their status. Information on how to register is available on the eBenefits Registration web page at https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits-portal/ebenefits.portal?_nfpb=true&_portlet.async=false&_pageLabel=RegistrationOverview.

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This is a public service announcement (PSA) brought to you by Veteran Owned Business.   Veteran Owned Business is in no way affiliated with the above organization(s). We do not in any way endorse the above business/organization or guarantee the above offer.  VeteranOwnedBusiness.com and the Veteran Owned Business Directory are simply providing information we feel is of interest to veterans, active duty military, reservists, service disabled veterans, veteran owned businesses, service disabled veteran owned businesses, families of veterans, families of our armed forces and any other person or persons directly or indirectly involved with the United States military.

If your business is (or you know of another business) owned by a veteran (VOB), active duty military, reservist or service disabled  veteran (SDVOSB) of the United States, Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard or National Guard, please be sure to visit the VeteranOwnedBusiness.com sign up page to get your free listing.

The objective of our FREE Veteran Owned Business Directory is to continue to offer a growing list of products and services that are unique in the fact that they are all owned by, sold by and/or serviced by past and present military members.

Cracker Barrel Offers Thanks to Veterans with Red, White & Blue Limited Edition Signature Peg Games

Donation to Wounded Warrior Project for Each Special Veteran’s Day Peg Game Purchased

Lebanon, Tenn. (November 4, 2011)– Many of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store’s guests and employees are veterans of the United States military forces, so the popular restaurant concept is pleased to offer a limited edition of its signature peg game in honor of these distinctive people, and in observance of Veteran’s Day. Cracker Barrel is offering, for a limited time, its signature peg game in which the golf tees are a patriotic red, white, and blue. In keeping with Cracker Barrel’s traditional role of supporting organizations that provide for the needs of our service people and veterans, Cracker Barrel is donating to Wounded Warrior Project™ (WWP) one dollar for each special edition peg game sold until November 30, 2011. WWP is a non-profit organization whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors.

“Our nation’s troops and veterans deserve our sincerest respect and appreciation,” said Cracker Barrel’s Senior Vice President of Marketing Chris Ciavarra. “We believe that the best way we can be there for them is to provide support to organizations that, in turn, offer the services needed by those who have served their country.” Cracker Barrel has backed Wounded Warrior Project since 2006 through various promotions, including providing a portion of the proceeds from the sale of three popular CDs in Cracker Barrel’s exclusive music program, featuring Montgomery Gentry, Wynonna Judd, and Randy Travis. This is the first time Cracker Barrel has modified its signature peg game for an opportunity to provide for a charitable contribution. Cracker Barrel recognizes that there are many worthwhile ways to support troops and the military effort in general. To focus efforts for a meaningful impact, the company spoke with members of the military and veterans to determine a path, and, knowing that you can’t be all things to all people, it became clear that working with organizations that support our troops is a good way of honoring our military personnel.

About Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store provides a friendly home-away-from-home in its old country stores and restaurants. Guests are cared for like family while relaxing and enjoying real home-style food and shopping that’s surprisingly unique, genuinely fun and reminiscent of America’s country heritage…all at a fair price. The restaurant serves up delicious, home-style country food such as meatloaf and homemade chicken n’ dumplins as well as its made from scratch biscuits using an old family recipe. The authentic old country retail store is fun to shop and offers unique gifts and self-indulgences.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. (Nasdaq: CBRL) was established in 1969 in Lebanon, Tenn. and operates 608 company-owned locations in 42 states. Every Cracker Barrel unit is open seven days a week with hours Sunday through Thursday, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. For more information, visit crackerbarrel.com.

About Wounded Warrior Project
The mission of the Wounded Warrior Project is to honor and empower wounded warriors.  Its purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of severely injured service members, to help severely injured men and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, FL. To get involved and learn more, visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

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This is a public service announcement (PSA) brought to you by Veteran Owned Business.   Veteran Owned Business is in no way affiliated with the above organization(s). We do not in any way endorse the above business/organization or guarantee the above offer.  VeteranOwnedBusiness.com and the Veteran Owned Business Directory are simply providing information we feel is of interest to veterans, active duty military, reservists, service disabled veterans, veteran owned businesses, service disabled veteran owned businesses, families of veterans, families of our armed forces and any other person or persons directly or indirectly involved with the United States military.

If your business is (or you know of another business) owned by a veteran (VOB), active duty military, reservist or service disabled  veteran (SDVOSB) of the United States, Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard or National Guard, please be sure to visit the VeteranOwnedBusiness.com sign up page to get your free listing.

The objective of our FREE Veteran Owned Business Directory is to continue to offer a growing list of products and services that are unique in the fact that they are all owned by, sold by and/or serviced by past and present military members.

The President issues a proclamation commemorating the observances and reminding the nation of those Americans who have sacrificed so much for their country.

Observances of National POW/MIA Recognition Day are held across the country on military installations, ships at sea, state capitols, schools and veterans’ facilities. It is traditionally observed on the third Friday in September each year. This observance is one of six days throughout the year that Congress has mandated the flying of the National League of Families’ POW/MIA flag. The others are Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day.

The flag is to be flown at major military installations, national cemeteries, all post offices, VA medical facilities, the World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the official offices of the secretaries of state, defense and veterans affairs, the director of the selective service system and the White House.

A Pentagon ceremony for National POW/MIA Recognition Day was held on Friday, Sept.18, 2009. This ceremony featured troops from each of the military services.

• Presidential Proclamation for 2010 POW/MIA Recognition Day
• History of the POW/MIA Flag

2011 Poster View: (Large | Hi-Res)

POW/MIA Posters for Prior Years

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

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1999

Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, House of Representatives

SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

Preliminary Information on Actions Taken by Agencies to Address Fraud and Abuse and Remaining Vulnerabilities

Statement of Gregory D. Kutz, Director Forensic Audits and Investigative Service

Click here to view What GAO Found (GAO SDVOSB Fraud Document)

Prior Press Release (7/27/2011):

VA Strengthens Veteran-Owned Small Business Eligibility Process

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs today reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to support legitimate veteran-owned small businesses seeking contracts with the Department of Veterans Affairs after the VA Inspector General (VAIG) released an audit report critical of its small business verification and contract oversight program.

“VA takes the recommendations in this report very seriously. Since October 2010, VA has taken decisive action to strengthen our verification process to ensure that only legitimate Veteran-owned small businesses become eligible to contract with the federal government,” said Tom Leney Executive Director of the VA Office of Small Disadvantaged Business Utilization.

The VAIG report released today audited the VA’s Veteran-Owned and Small and Disadvantaged Business eligibility verification and contract award process from May 2009 to May 2010. The findings pre-date the implementation of strong reforms VA put in place in December 2010 to strengthen the veteran-owned small business verification process. On December 10, 2010, VA sent a letter to over 13,000 firms in its database informing them of new standards for verification of veteran-owned small business status. In the December 10, 2010 letter, VA identified an expanded and extensive set of business-related documents required to be submitted for review as part of the verification process and greatly expanded the number of applications that received the additional scrutiny of an on-site examination.

Since January 1, 2011 VA has processed over 7,500 applications. Nearly 1,500 companies were verified as Veteran-owned small businesses while 1,135 companies were denied verification as a result of the more rigorous review process. An additional 5,000 firms withdrew their applications or were denied for incomplete documentation. Some of the reasons for rejection include the inability to verify that the owner is a Veteran or disabled Veteran, failure to prove a Veteran is the majority owner, and lack of day-to-day operational management of the company by a Veteran.

The Center for Veteran Enterprise (CVE) has also implemented extensive quality controls to ensure those firms verified are in fact eligible to compete as veteran owned firms.

For more information contact: Josh Taylor at 202-461-7216