In late 2021, during our VFW meeting, members were discussing how to support local veteran-owned businesses. Pete Dames, a local businessman, veteran, and former Mayor of La Mirada said, “You’re only as fast as your slowest player.” He stressed that supporting or excluding businesses on the basis of ownership characteristics is a degradation of the local economy. He highlighted one of the U.S. military’s most important qualities…teamwork.
We at VFW Post# 9148 are a committed team player with the City of La Mirada and the La Mirada Chamber of Commerce; we support the growth of our local businesses and are supportive of programs and efforts that help promote and maintain a strong and healthy local economy. As an extension of that initial conversation with Pete Dames, we have since focused on initiatives that offer our members and the local community, training, marketing opportunities, and business opportunities.
In late 2022, we established the VFW Education Series (ED) Series. The program is designed to leverage the management and leadership experience gained during military service and equips veterans with formal business knowledge
to help develop critical thinking skills. Participants discover the transferability of their military experience and skill sets to the business environment, as well as the ability to launch, manage, and grow a new business. In August 2022, the VFW launched the first series of training with a series entitled, “Information Technology: Secure Your Accounts,” where speaker, Pedro Hernández, veteran and businessman, covered valuable information on steps on how to maximize online safety and information security.
In addition, we started offering marketing
opportunities that go beyond sponsorships and are committed to supporting local businesses by including business sponsors in our ED series, regular meetings, and events. On February 2, 2023, the owner of E2 Engineering Earthwork, Inc., Erik Franzen, a retired U.S. Navy Commander, will speak about being a veteran in business.
Our commitment to local business goes beyond day-to-day business opportunities with our vendors and in the last six months has included offering contracts with II Shea Roofing, Inc., Newell Roofing, Fast Path Data & Electric, Inc., and Acosta HVAC.
The VFW is an advocate for local businesses and supports increasing synergistic opportunities that promote collaboration that supports a strong local economy.
