On Thursday, March 19, 2009 I had the privilege of attending the 2009 Veterans Business Conference “OPERATION: Start Up and Grow” as a veteran of the U.S. Army and as a small business owner with an interest in progressing small businesses owned by veterans and civilians alike.

This incredible event was hosted by Onondaga Community College, the NYS SBDC, M&T Bank, the Syracuse SBA and NYBDC as well as in attendance by many organizations intent upon furthering the entrepreneurial spirit of our United States Veterans.

First, I would like to thank the folks that carried this event and continually make it possible for vets to take their specialized training and translate it to a business idea or operation.  Next, I offer my complete respect and gratitude to the vets in attendance that had the desire and drive to put it all on the line for their country and now for their communities as a small business owner.

What an experience.

With the excitement that all small business owners have for their business, Operation: Start Up and Grow started off with a bang.  Emceed by local talk radio celebrity Jim Reith with opening remarks from County Executive Joanie Mahoney, OCC President Debbie Sydow and SBA District Director Bernard Paprocki, the atmosphere was that of anticipation, enthusiasm and an overall thrill to be there.

The workshops were right on the mark with topics from Business Planning 101 and Effective Marketing to Exploring International Markets, Government Contracting and Financing Your Business.  I don’t know a business owner that couldn’t take some gem away from this daylong event.

Of particular interest to me was the presentation by Doreen Garrett, President and CEO of Otis Technology, Inc who started her business at the wise old age of 16 sitting on the kitchen floor of her father’s house.  Additionally, Tony Baird, President and CEO of Tony Baird Electronics, Inc shared his story of serving 7 years in the U.S. Army, enduring a service-related disability to becoming a teacher, coach and ultimately starting and running his own thriving electronics business now located in the Syracuse Technology Garden downtown.

It was an awesome opportunity just to be there and share this day with these great people, to learn from them, help educate them and be a part of the general camaraderie that existed between us.

To all involved, I thank you for make this event a memorable one.

Stay tuned for pictures taken at the event!

Julia Velazquez from M&T Bank has made herself available to our veterans for more information on starting and financing their business.  Contact her at jvelazquez@mtb.com or call 315.424.4581.