Legionnaires take part in small business event
Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald addresses attendees at the the National Veteran Small Business Engagement in Pittsburgh. (Photo by Andrea C. Dickerson/The American Legion)

Legionnaires take part in small business event

Thousands of veteran small business owners from across the nation attended the National Veteran Small Business Engagement (NVSBE) in Pittsburgh November 17-19.

In collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs, the American Small Business Alliance (ASBA) created the NVSBE as an opportunity to connect veteran suppliers with federal and commercial buyers.

“Through the event, VOSBs (veteran-owned small businesses) had a unique opportunity to engage with procurement decision makers (PDMs) from various agencies and provide training opportunities to improve the capabilities of small businesses to successfully compete for procurement contracts,” said Tariq Shane, president of ASBA.

The theme of this year’s engagement concentrated on providing access for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, VOSBs and PDMs to federal and other marketplaces, allowing them opportunities to forge new connections for contract awards and subcontracting.

Special guest speakers included VA Secretary Robert McDonald,the Small Business Administration's Maria Contreras-Sweet and Dennis Via, commanding officer of U.S. Army Material Command. They touched on the importance of how their businesses can help various agencies better serve veterans.

There is much work to be done to make sure veterans get taken care of, McDonald said. Through new and renewed partnerships with VOSBs, he believes much can be accomplished.

“There are tremendous opportunities for small business owners,” said Via as he explained the ways small businesses have supported Army operations and acquisitions. In the last two years alone, Army Material Command awarded more than $18 billion in contracts to small businesses.

“When we talk about our commitment to small businesses, we demonstrate it through our actions,” Via said.

Other NVSBE activities allowed participants to:

• Learn more about procurement requirements during business requirement sessions;

• Build relationships with potential customers and business partners; and

• Discuss business capabilities and address specific business requirements directly with PDMs.

During the course of the three days, Legionnaires attended the event and served in various capacities. Each day, at least 10 American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary members from Allegheny County volunteered their time to man different stations, serve as escorts and direct conference goers through the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

“It is important for us to continue play an active role in our communities,” said Paul Kennedy, the membership chairman for the Sgt. Joseph D. Caskey American Legion Post 80 in Pittsburgh. Kennedy coordinated the volunteer schedule — a task not hard to fill, he said.

Legion and Auxiliary members in the area are known for their enthusiasm and dedication to giving back. Collectively Legion family members from across the state donate their time and lend helping hands at local VA facilities, and perform repairs and renovations at local Legion housing units for veterans in need.

Kennedy said it was great feeling to volunteer and share with others what The American Legion is all about. He was surprised at how many people wanted to talk to the Legionnaires and thank them for being there.

“The volunteers were great," Kennedy said. "Their spirit and willingness to give back and support veterans was phenomenal. We support our fellow veterans. That’s why we were here.”American Legion Past National Commander Ronald F. Conley also attended the event. While there, Conley talked with Legion members, shared information with other veterans and met briefly with McDonald.

“Veterans need to know that The American Legion is involved in all aspects of their life,” Conley said. “We are standing side by side, shoulder to shoulder with them to let them know that we are here to support them.”

While McDonald and Conley met, the PNC conveyed the Legion’s desire to work together with VA to combat current issues within the department.

Productive meetings and collaborations seemed to be trending occurrences throughout the three-day event. On the last day of the event, The Vets Group's Task Force for Veterans’ Entrepreneurship hosted a women VOSB caucus meeting featuring Legionnaires as panelists and special guests. Valerie Lewis, member of the Legion’s Small Business Task Force, moderated the interactive informational session.

“There is a unique need of women-owned firms that have been recognized,” said Amber Peoples, who is also member of the Legion’s Small Business Task Force. “Service-disabled and other women have a unique set of circumstances. The reason we are seeing such an increase in these businesses is because the job market isn’t favorable to them.”

While the newly formed coalition met, it also discussed:

• Ways to draw women VOSBs together;

• Needs and wants of women veterans;

• Diversity in different industries, leading to more opportunities; and

• How to remain connected beyond procurement

Up 300 percent since 2007, women-owned businesses are a viable part of today’s market. As the meeting drew to a close, Peoples conveyed her commitment to helping fellow women veteran business owners succeed and find their place in their prospective industries. “I’m here in support of the efforts and to offer whatever experience and knowledge I can contribute," she said.

Moving forward, the caucus plans to hold meetings before next year’s NVSBE to further develop and push its cause.