Service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses take Air Force 'Beyond Goals' at conference

  • Published
  • By Annette Crawford
  • Secretary of the Air Force Small Business Programs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) --  The importance of service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) in going beyond goals to achieve the Air Force mission was highlighted at the 2008 SDVOSB Technology Conference and Expo at the MacDill AFB Officers Club Nov. 13-14. 

More than 400 SDVOSBs, prime contractors and other small businesses came together to learn more about "Partnering Towards SDVOSB Success." 

The keynote speaker for the event was Ronald A. Poussard, director of the Secretary of the Air Force Small Business Programs. He thanked veterans for their service and explained how their businesses are ensuring the Air Force successfully meets its mission. 

"The thanks go to you for your service, not only for when you were in uniform but now in a different capacity. You're bringing your commitment, your passion, your knowledge of the Air Force mission and your desire to bring value to the mission in a different capacity and role," Mr. Poussard said. "The 6th Air Mobility Wing awarded more than $9.4 million to service-disabled veteran-owned businesses last fiscal year, exceeding goals, but more importantly, going beyond goals by giving small businesses an opportunity to showcase their innovation, agility and efficiency in support of the Air Force mission to fly, fight and win in air, space and cyberspace." 

Nelson Escribano, small business specialist for the 6th Air Mobility Wing and organizer of the second annual event, said this year's conference far surpassed his expectations. Attendance more than doubled from last year's inaugural event. 

"The networking opportunities at this event were outstanding," Mr. Escribano said. "The service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses were able to learn from each other, get new leads and attend workshops. They got a lot of valuable face-to-face time with potential clients and partners." 

Other guest speakers at the conference included Rick Weidman, executive director, Vietnam Veterans of America, and James Hume, special assistant to the director, Office of Small Business Programs, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics. 

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