By Lisa Balschunat
Denise Romeo, vice president of membership for the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, believes that the chamber’s newly formed Veterans Business Council could be the first of its kind in New York, and sees it as a possible trendsetter for all regions within the Empire State.
“We are embarking on a whole new adventure here. It happened quickly and was met with much enthusiasm,” she said.
In the Spring of 2013, the chamber was contacted by the Saratoga County Veterans Services Agency.
“They asked us if we could assist them to help veterans in the region who are transitioning out of military service back into civilian life by connecting them with people in the business sector,” she explained. “We reached out to chamber members and first formed a small task force, then our sense was that there is a lot the chamber can do to assist our veterans with reintegration.”
Romeo said the chamber found that many members are veterans, successful business people, “and they are eager to help their fellow veterans find employment or to help them gain the skills they need to enter the work force.”
The council was formed swiftly and quickly helped with the second annual Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency Trust Fund 5K Race and Children’s Nature Run. Chamber members worked at the race, solicited sponsorships, and recruited runners for the November event held at the Hudson Crossing Park in Schuylerville. The number of runners in the race more than doubled over last year, and $10,000 was raised for the Veterans Trust Fund.
Established in 2011, the fund assists local veterans with training, education, health care, housing and essential services.
“This is very much a team effort,” Romeo added. “We’re thrilled to be giving back to our veterans for all they have done for us.”
The council is comprised of 13 chamber members who are veterans. They are a conduit to make sure veterans’ skills and talents are matched to private sector needs. The group will be guiding the chamber to explore and define potential opportunities to benefit both local veterans and the business community.
Veterans Business Council members are: Chairman Chris Homicz, Momentive Performance Materials; Brian Adelson, Adirondack e-Payment Solutions; Ally Andolina, DeCresente Distributing; Mike Billok, Bond Scheoneck & King PLLC; Courtney Burns, NYS Military Museum; Karen Charbonneau, Realty/USA/Living Healthy Rocks; Allison Clower, H&V Collision Center; Dan Colvin, AngioDynamics.
Filipe Moon, Saratoga County Veterans Services Agency; Pat Phillips, Insurance Agency Group of NY, LLC; Intern Michelle Rusk, Saratoga County Chamber; Michelle Taylor, Logo Wearhaus; Jennifer Therrien, Global Foundries; Laurel Tator, The Wesley Communities; Jon Ruscitto, NBT Bank; and Chuck VanVorst, Empire State College.
The newly formed council will look into developing future fundraising opportunities to build the trust fund, possibly by creating a community gala or creating a military focused calendar, and will assist with the third annual 5K race in 2014.
Any chamber member who is a veteran, has an employee who is a veteran, or is interested in joining the council should contact the chamber for additional information, 584-3255.