Veterans Chamber of Commerce NFP

?? Calling All Veteran Entrepreneurs & Advocates! ?? On March 5, 2025, the Veterans Chamber of Commerce is heading to Springfield, IL, for Veteran Business Advocacy Day—a crucial opportunity to champion fair legislation that supports veteran-owned businesses and fosters economic growth. Veteran entrepreneurs drive innovation, create jobs, and strengthen our economy, yet they continue to face barriers in funding, procurement, and regulatory policies. It’s time to advocate for change and ensure veterans have a seat at the table when it comes to state-level business policies. Why This Matters ? Advocate for pro-veteran business policies that ensure fair access to contracts, funding, and business resources. ? Meet with state legislators to push for policies that empower veteran entrepreneurs. ? Build strategic connections with fellow veteran business owners, corporate partners, and advocacy groups. ? Make a direct impact on the future of veteran entrepreneurship in Illinois and beyond. Who Should Attend? ?? Veteran business owners & entrepreneurs ?? Military spouse-owned businesses ?? Policymakers & legislative advocates ?? Veteran-supportive organizations & corporate partners ?? Veterans passionate about business & economic policy ?? Location: Springfield, IL ?? Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2025 Advocacy starts with action. Let’s ensure veteran entrepreneurs receive the opportunities, resources, and recognition they deserve to thrive in today’s economy. ?? Join us in Springfield and be part of the movement! ?? Register now: https://lnkd.in/gNpq8wNb Frank Gutierrez | Sarita Connelly | Saul Marchan | July Franco | Michael A. Salim, | Ryan Patrick Hunt, PHR | Carlos Cardenas, CAE, AAiP #VeteranEntrepreneurs #VeteranBusiness #Advocacy #VeteranOwned #VeteranChamber #EconomicOpportunity #SmallBusiness #Leadership #PolicyMatters

?? WE DID IT! 94 Floors Conquered for a Cause ?? Yesterday, our Veterans Chamber of Commerce, NFP team took on the 2025 Hustle Chicago Stair Climb, scaling 94 floors & 1,632 steps to support veterans facing respiratory challenges. ?? Our Impact ?? $1,200 raised for the Respiratory Health Association ?? Every team member made it to the top! ?? Joined by the IT team at National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) & met new friends from Wipfli Nonprofit, Government and Education ??? Why We Climbed As a Veteran Service Organization, we stand with those who face respiratory health challenges due to service-related exposures, including burn pits. This climb was about: ? Raising awareness for the Burn Pit Registry & PACT Act: https://lnkd.in/g2gpJ-kv ? Supporting lung health initiatives for veterans ? Demonstrating teamwork, resilience, and commitment to our mission ?There's still time to donate! https://lnkd.in/gQwyWpJn ?? A Huge Thank You! To everyone who climbed, donated, and cheered us on—YOU made an impact. This wasn’t just about the steps; it was about standing up for those who served. ?? Were you there? Share your experience in the comments! ?? Missed it this year? See you in 2026! Who’s ready to take on the challenge? ????? #VeteransChamber #HustleChicago #ClimbForACause #PACTAct #VeteranSupport #RespiratoryHealth #MissionAccomplished #StrongerTogether Sarita Connelly, Frank Gutierrez, Carlos Cardenas, CAE, AAiP, July Franco, Michael A. Salim, Saul Marchan, Ryan Patrick Hunt, PHR, Andrew Ahabwe, George Persekian

Illinois Veteran Business Owners – Your Voice Matters! Join us for Veteran Advocacy Day at the Illinois State Capitol on March 5th, 2025 – an opportunity to educate policymakers on the challenges and contributions of veteran entrepreneurs. Veteran-owned businesses are a vital part of Illinois' economy, yet access to state contracts, funding, and support programs remains a challenge. This event brings together veteran business owners, supporters, and lawmakers to discuss key legislation, including SB0101, and how policies impact veterans in business. Meeting Point: VFW Post 755 (tentative) Date: March 5, 2025 Time: 8:00 AM Location: 2211 Old Jacksonville Rd, Springfield, IL 62704 Why Attend? ? Share your experiences as a veteran business owner and how state policies affect your ability to grow and succeed ? Connect with legislators to provide insights into the veteran business community ? Network with fellow veteran entrepreneurs and expand your impact ??Learn about key policy discussions that could shape future opportunities for veteran-owned businesses This is an educational and engagement opportunity focused on raising awareness about veteran business issues. Your participation ensures veteran entrepreneurs are part of the conversation. Seats are limited—Registration details coming soon! #VeteranAdvocacy #IllinoisVeterans #VeteranOwned #VeteranEntrepreneurs #EconomicImpact #SpringfieldIL #Veterans #PolicyEngagement Sarita Connelly, Frank Gutierrez, Saul Marchan, July Franco, Michael A. Salim, Ryan Patrick Hunt, PHR, Carlos Cardenas, CAE, AAiP

Support the Veteran Chamber of Commerce in the 2025 Hustle Chicago Stair Climb! Key members of the Veteran Chamber of Commerce, NFP, and our friends will be climbing on?Sunday, February 23, to raise?$2,500?for?the Respiratory Health Association—and we need your support! ? Goal:?$2,500 ? Raised So Far:?$450 ? Event Date:?Sunday, February 23 As a?Veteran Service Organization, we recognize the?respiratory challenges veterans face?due to their service. That’s why we are raising awareness about the?Burn Pit Registry & PACT Act?while supporting lung health initiatives that impact thousands. How You Can Help: ? Donate to our cause and help us reach our goal ? Join our team and climb with us for a great cause ? Spread the word to raise awareness Donate or Join Us Here:?https://lnkd.in/gQwyWpJn Learn more about the Pact Act Here:??https://lnkd.in/g2gpJ-kv Together, we can make a difference for veterans and all those impacted by respiratory health issues. Thank you for your support! #VeteransChamber #HustleChicago #SupportOurVeterans #RespiratoryHealth #ClimbForACause

?? Introducing Veteran Entrepreneur 100! Are you a Veteran, Active Duty Service Member, Reservist, or Military Spouse looking to level up your business skills? ????? The Veteran Entrepreneur 100 course is designed to equip Veteran entrepreneurs, active duty personnel, reservists, and military spouses with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to succeed in today’s competitive market. Whether you're launching a startup or scaling your operations, this course provides practical insights tailored for the entire Veteran business ecosystem. ?? Here's What You’ll Gain: ? Business growth strategies for long-term success ? Financial & funding guidance to secure capital ? Networking opportunities with fellow Veteran entrepreneurs ? Expert-led sessions on leadership & entrepreneurship ?? Ready to take your business to the next level? Stay tuned for details on enrollment and how to get started! Thank you to Orion Engineers, PLLC for the great image and partnership on this, and huge thank you to the American Legion Cicero Post 96. #VeteranEntrepreneur100 #VeteranOwnedBusiness #Entrepreneurship #VeteranSuccess #MilitarySpouseEntrepreneurs #ActiveDutyBusinessOwners #ReservistsInBusiness #VetsInBusiness #BusinessGrowth

Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday! The energy in the room was exceptional and we hear you loud and clear. We are thrilled to share highlights from our inaugural event held at the historic Union League Club of Chicago. This gathering was a remarkable convergence of veterans networking, discussing advocacy, and exploring business opportunities. A distinguished panel led insightful discussions, featuring: ? Senator Mike Porfirio, currently serving as a Naval Officer ? State Rep Stephanie Kifowit, a proud Marine Corps Veteran ? July Franco, Marine Corps Veteran and owner of Franco Hauling ? Staci Boyer, a Navy Veteran and accomplished entrepreneur ? Moderated by Mike Saltijeral, Marine Corps Veteran ? Hosted by Robert Kreisman We were honored to engage with Veteran serving institutions, such as the U.S. Small Business Administration, Chicago Transit Authority, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, Institute for Veterans and Military Families - IVMF, Veterans Business Outreach Center, Syracuse University, CRO-GS, and Wintrust Financial Corporation. A huge thank you to all the veterans who attended, engaged, and are ready to meet the moment together. Your enthusiasm and commitment energize our mission. Special appreciation to our board of directors—Saul Marchan, July Franco, Frank Gutierrez, Ryan Patrick Hunt, Michael A. Salim, Carlos Cardenas, CAE and Sarita Connelly—for their relentless dedication and leadership. Together, we are setting the foundation for a community of support and growth. Will you join us? Visit our website and sign up for our newsletter to stay informed of upcoming events. We'd love for you to join us in Springfield, IL, on March 5, 2025. Website: https://lnkd.in/g7VBsdj5

?? Thank You for the Overwhelming Support! ???? Sales for our Legislative Update & Networking for Veteran Business Owners event have officially ended! We are truly grateful for the incredible support from everyone who made this inaugural event possible. A special shoutout to our sponsors Wintrust Financial Corporation, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, and IVMF BunkerLabs for their generosity and commitment to empowering Veteran entrepreneurs. Your support is instrumental in making this event a success and creating opportunities for our Veteran business community. This marks a significant step forward in fostering connections, sharing legislative insights, and advocating for the success of Veteran business owners. We’re looking forward to an impactful evening with an inspiring lineup of speakers, insightful discussions, and meaningful networking opportunities. To all attendees: we can’t wait to see you on Monday, January 27, at 5:00 PM as we come together to drive change and support the Veteran business community. Let’s make this a night to remember! Stay tuned for updates, and thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we’re building a stronger future for our Veteran entrepreneurs. ???? #VeteranBusiness #Networking #LegislativeUpdate #VeteranAdvocacy #Leadership #Entrepreneurship

Exciting Update! We are thrilled to announce that the Legislative Update & Networking for Veteran Business Owners event, our Inaugural Event, will now be held in the Lincoln Ballroom at the Union League Club of Chicago! This incredible space will serve as the perfect setting for an evening of connection, learning, and advocacy as we bring together Veteran business owners, public and private sector leaders, and organizations dedicated to supporting our Veteran community. ?? Date: Monday, January 27, 2025 ?? Time: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM CST ?? Location: Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W. Jackson Blvd We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors— Wintrust Financial Corporation, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, and the Institute for Veterans and Military Families - IVMF —for helping make this inaugural event the success that it is. We would also like to thank the Union League Club of Chicago for graciously providing the space for this important gathering. Reminder: Today is the last day to register! Don’t miss your chance to be part of this impactful and historic event. ??? Register here https://lnkd.in/gbyAJ4BZ We can’t wait to welcome you all and make this an evening to remember. See you there! Stephanie Kifowit Mike Porfirio July Franco Staci Boyer Michael A. Salim, Carlos Cardenas, CAE Saul Marchan Sarita Connelly Ryan Patrick Hunt JuanPablo Prieto Richard L. Martinez, Jr. Raul Diaz Ennedy Rivera Keith M. Edward Farmer Ellen Holzman Daley Dave L. David Rambhajan Charles Frangos, PE Dan Futrell Mike Saltijeral Frank Gutierrez #VeteranBusinesses #NetworkingEvent #VeteranAdvocacy #UnionLeagueClub #InauguralEvent #ThankYouSponsors #LastDayToRegister

Exciting News from the Illinois Legislature! We are proud to congratulate State Representative Dan Swanson and Senator Mike Porfirio on their new roles within the Illinois House Veterans Affairs Committee and State Senate, respectively. Both have served honorably — Rep. Swanson in the Illinois Army National Guard and the U.S. Army, and Sen. Porfirio in the U.S. Navy. We had the pleasure of meeting them during last year’s Advocacy Day in Springfield, witnessing first-hand their dedication and commitment to our veteran community. Join us in celebrating their leadership and meet one of our advocates, Sen. Mike Porfirio, at our upcoming event, "Legislative Update & Networking for Veteran Business Owners" on January 27, 2024, at the Union League Club of Chicago. This is your chance to connect with legislators, discuss policies, and network with fellow entrepreneurs dedicated to empowering the Veteran business community. ?? Reserve your spot now and let's support our leaders making a difference! https://lnkd.in/g9kDkikT #VeteranBusinessOwners #VeteranEntrepreneurs #NetworkingEvent #VeteranAdvocacy #Veterans Frank Gutierrez | Saul Marchan | July Franco | Michael A. Salim, | Sarita Connelly | Carlos Cardenas, CAE | Treazure O.

?? Attention Veteran Business Owners and Supporters! ?? ?? The Legislative Update & Networking for Veteran Business Owners is just around the corner! Join us on Monday, January 27, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the Union League Club of Chicago for an evening of impactful conversations and valuable connections. ?? Here’s what’s in store: ? Connect with legislators, procurement reps, and Veteran service organizations. ? Advocate for policies that support Veteran-owned businesses. ? Network with fellow entrepreneurs and stakeholders who share your passion for success. ?? Event Highlights: ? Legislative Panel: Insights from experts and leaders advancing initiatives for Veterans. ? Networking Reception: Enjoy heavy hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. ? Resource Sharing: Tools and connections to empower your entrepreneurial journey. ??? Cost: $25 ?? Location: Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W. Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL ? Special Thanks to Our Sponsors: Wintrust Financial Corporation | Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago | Institute for Veterans and Military Families - IVMF ?? Save Your Spot Today: https://lnkd.in/g9kDkikT Let’s rally to strengthen the Veteran business community, advocate for change, and build lasting connections! #VeteranBusinessOwners #VeteranEntrepreneurs #NetworkingEvent #Advocacy #Veterans Frank Gutierrez | Saul Marchan | July Franco | Michael A. Salim, | Sarita Connelly | Carlos Cardenas, CAE