KTP2007 Resounding "WIN-WIN"
A ‘Win’ ‘Win’ for Veterans and American Business
For service-disabled veterans in California, it was a ‘promise kept’ by corporate America, State and Federal government agencies that met one-to-one with 500 DVBE company representatives. For two days in Anaheim, California some of America’s largest and most respected companies and government agencies established direct business relationships with veteran-owned companies capable of delivering a wide range of goods and services for contract bids. Over 1200 ‘business matchmaking’ sessions were held in conjunction with training, company management, marketing and corporate business panels.
The 16th Annual California Disabled Veteran Business Alliance “Keeping the Promise” 2007 Exposition surpassed expectations for helping veterans create opportunity, and support themselves and their families, through self-empowerment. Certified disabled veteran businesses are guaranteed by law contract participation goals with regulated utilities, State and Federal agencies and many private industry contracts. The non-profit DVBE Alliance exists to help veterans become certified, create businesses and obtain their goals. Learn more at www.cadvbe.org.
Sprint Nextel was the title sponsor of this event supported by PG&E, AT&T, Southern California Edison, Lockheed Martin, Sempra Energy, South West Gas, Apple, Northrop Grumman, Union Bank of California, Caremark Rx, McKesson, National Merchants Center, California Department of General Services, Verizon, Nevada Bizopps, Wells Fargo, Chevron, Sierra Pacific Resource, Genentech, Wells Fargo, SMA Global and American Airlines.
At the “Keeping the Promise” Gala Dinner at the Anaheim Hilton, the DVBE Alliance presented awards to many notable individuals and businesses supporting disabled-veteran business awareness and outreach.
A Special Recognition award was present to Ms. Pam Aberg from Challenge News and the Madding Award for the best DVBE participation within the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation once again went to Calipatria State Prison, accepted by Ms. Shelia Anderson.
The Alliance then recognized Mr. John Lopez’s organization, the Association for Service Disabled Veterans. Mr. Lopez is the father of the DVBE program in California and at the federal level as well.
Also recognized were outgoing Alliance President Don Gonneville, SMA Global CEO Chuck Ashman, American Airlines and the cast and crew of the upcoming movie release, “Music Within”.
“Music Within” is the poignant story of Richard Pimentel, a Viet Nam disabled veteran who authored, and helped enact the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Mr. Pimentel was the keynote guest speaker at the Gala dinner.
For more information on DVBE Alliance or “Keeping the Promise” 2008 call Executive Director Rich Dryden at 916-446-3510. Media contact: Rick Reed 916-704-0080
