Elite SDVOBAttention Small Business Owners:  The Elite SDVOB Network is bringing its 8th National Convention to Chicago on July 20-22, 2011. Organized by U.S. military veterans, but available to all business owners and entrepreneurs, the convention will include workshops and seminars, Business Matchmaking sessions, tradeshow exhibits and dinner and cocktails.

What is the Elite SDVOB Network?
The term “Elite” is taken from military history, in recognition of veterans who have been disabled as a result of their military service and seek to contribute to business enterprise in the U.S. and its territories. The Elite SDVOB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Network) is a non-profit 501(c)19 corporation that was established over fifteen years ago. After serving their country, veterans have historically found themselves struggling as business owners, so a group of veterans established The Elite SDVOB to advocate on behalf of service-disabled veterans and veteran-owned small businesses. Elite is now in 42 states and Puerto Rico. With chapters continuing to form across the nation, the Elite SDVOB Network has attracted the participation of thousands of companies whose collective voice is gaining attention throughout the federal procurement space.

Some of the this year’s Elite convention topics include:
“Mining Data for Opportunities and Partnerships” – Gloria Berthold, President of Marketing Outsource Associates, which created TargetGov and the Government Buyers Guide

“Doing Business with Large Prime Contractors” – Orysia Bunchan, Lockheed Martin Supplier Diversity Program Manager

“Simplifying Social Media for Successful Businesses” – Michele Rempel, Social Media Trainer and Consultant, and founder of Westvyne Marketing

“Working with the Dept. of Homeland Security” and “Govt Contracting 101” – Dan F. Sturdivant II, Assistant to the Director, Outreach Programs, Department of Homeland Security, Offi ce of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization

“Understanding Request for Proposals” – Joan Fulkerson, Director of Small Business Programs and Contracting Officer at United States Air Force & Department of Defense

“How to Become a Strategic Supplier to the Federal Government” – Richard Hernandez, Certified Professional Contracts Manager and founder of E-MBE.net

“It’s Just a Blue Pen- Keeping Your Business in Perspective” – Jason Meszaros, founder of It’s Just a Blue Pen Academy and the award winning author of Interrogation of Morals 

This year, attendees can choose to regsiter for the entire convention or pay a reduced rate to attend any of the workshops, trade show and lunch on July 21st.  If you’re a business owner, you’ll find a wealth of information to help you succeed.