From the Director's Desk

AUGUST 2010

Cleaning out the filing cabinet, folders and other items, a.k.a. summer cleaning…

It may seem quiet on the home front, but the back office is humming as preparations are underway to present a lengthy lineup of events in coming weeks, months.

August starts slow then closes fast.

VetBizCentral and the School of Management at the University of Michigan-Flint are teaming up to present a Veterans Summit, 23 August 2010 on the Flint campus. It makes a lot of sense to team up for this event.

The School of Management is literally across Saginaw Street from VetBizCentral’s world headquarters. Dr. Jack Helmuth, the dean of the School of Management, is a Navy veteran who cares deeply about fellow vets and entrepreneurship.

His staff brings a wealth of knowledge that is eagerly shared with our fellow veterans so it’s a natural.

The Summit will provide several workshops during the day, including personal finance, essentials of business law, funding your business and business strategy. Another key piece will be a panel discussion of veteran’s benefits – such items as educational benefits, health care, burial and disability benefits. Various agencies like the Great Lakes National Cemetery, the VA Medical Center in Saginaw and Vocational Rehabilitation. In keeping with the summer theme, the Summit will feature a picnic lunch outside (weather permitting). The keynote is retired Air Force Colonel Bob Foy, director of Flint’s MTA.

The state meeting of the Student Veterans of America has been moved to Flint and will be held following the Summit. This will allow a number of OEF and OIF veterans to attend this important Summit and a chance for us old goats to meet the next generation of veterans.

Registration is mandatory and there is a $5 registration fee. To register, please visit our vetbizsales.org

Grand Rapids Date: Following the Summit, it’s on to Grand Rapids, 26 August. From 1300-1700 hours, VetBizCentral and Region 7 of the Michigan Small Business Technology Development Center will host a seminar. Sgt. Joseph Levandoski, assigned to the Recruiting Command stationed at the Armory, 1200 44th Street Sw., Wyoming, Mi. invited VetBizCentral to present such a workshop.

We will cover three topics:

So you want to start a business? A reality check.

How do you finance your dream and what resources are available to help you?

And, last but not least, benefits available to you the veteran, including a representative from nearby Grand Valley State University to explain the GI Bill (just in time for the fall semester).

A registration link will be up shortly and there is no charge for this event.

Mighty Nice to Meet You: If you want to know who buys what for the Wayne County Airport Authority, TACOM, the cities of Troy, Southfield and Farmington Hills and other state, federal and local agencies, we got the ticket for you.

In conjunction with the PTAC at Schoolcraft College, the Michigan Small Business Development Center and the SBA, a meet the buyers matchmaking event is scheduled for 1 Sept. from 0800-1300 hours at Schoolcraft College VisTaTech Center, 18600 Haggerty Rd, Livonia.

We preach business owners must network, network, network and here’s an opportunity expand your base.

For registration information, call 734-462-4426. There is a $25 registration fee and seating is limited.

The BIG One: It’s not too early to begin thinking about our 5th annual Southeastern Michigan V.E.T. Conference. This year’s conference will be held at Michigan State University’s Management Education Center, 811 W. Square Lake Rd., in Troy.

We will offer several new "wrinkles" this year, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Franchising Opportunities as well as our friends from TACOM, the GSA and Defense Center Columbus.

Other speakers will be announced as their attendance is confirmed. Take advantage of early bird specials by registering early. Early signup is $35 and after Nov. 1 it is $45.

That includes a birthday cake for our friends with the U.S. Marine Corp.

Edward L. Ronders
Executive Director

USEFUL FILES

VetBiz Application Form ][ VetBiz Start-Up Quiz

Please send VetBizCentral "Application" & "Quiz" to:
CONTACT US:
FAX: (810) 767-8662 or
Mail: VetBizCentral
711 N. Saginaw St.
Suite 206
Flint, MI 48503

SDVOB Application Form ][ Lost DD-214 Dept. of Veteran Affairs Locator