Each year, the Tampa Bay Business Journal posts three lists in its July issue – top Defense Contractors and top Veteran-Owned Businesses, and Tampa Bay Heroes at Work. Looking at this list, there are also so many companies and leaders that belong in these groups – who else would you include?

Congratulations to the following companies for making these lists and having a big impact on our community:

CWU, Inc.

VATC*

VYKIN

Lukos

Lukos-VATC

Task Source

Wittenberg Weiner Consulting

9Line

Custom Manufacturing and Engineering

MSGI

Skybridge Tactical

AC4S

National Forensic Science Technology Center

Pergravis

CI Group

Quiet Professionals

Celestar Corporation

Vistra Communications

Book Zurman

Marjau Systems

Alakai Defense

VetCor Services

Arma Aviation

Aero Simulation

*VATC is on all three lists

At Solvability, we’re committed to creating community and camaraderie across Florida’s federal communities. My associate, Pete Blum, hosts the Veteran Connection Podcast, where he interviews veterans and veteran advocates about the transition process from the military and what they are doing as leaders today. My podcast is the Florida GovCon Podcast, focused on growth strategies for second-stage federal contractors.

So, should you be on this list? Here are others I’d include:

Yuill Strategic Solutions

RISA

Northern Technologies Group

McCormick-Stevenson

Crystal Clear Technologies

The DarkStar Group

Shim Enterprise

Kastellum Group

Venatore

EEI Manufacturing

Ardent Eagle Solutions

Streamline Defense

Praetor Technologies

SmartSAT

SE2S

Let’s don’t miss the list from Tampa Bay Heroes — with a few I’ve added:

Russ Barnes, Systro Consulting

Matthew Shankweiler, Tampa Bay Heroes

Michael Grochol, ISPA

Glenn Nielsen, Pics in the Glenn

Scott Macksam, Veterans Art Center Tampa Bay

This list could go on forever. Who do you think should be added?

Pete and I would love to have you on our podcasts to talk more, but first we need you to start listening and sharing:

• VeteranConnections.us
• FloridaGovCon Podcast

Connect with me, Jenny W Clark, on LinkedIn and let’s talk more. I can also be reached at jwclark@solvability.com or phone 256-882-6276.

Do you know a transitioning veteran – would you connect them into your network?

Just checked in with Marine veteran Pete Blum, who is on his way to MacDill AFB for the Project Transition USA workshop. Nancy Laine and Pete Blum show transitioning service members how to use LinkedIn to post their profile, search for jobs and connect with a network. Pete Blum also has a Veteran Connection series podcast, where he interviews veterans about their transition and asks for their best tips for other veterans going through this critical career and life change. Here’s Pete’s podcast interview with Army veteran Paul Huszar of VetCor.

Tag a transitioning veteran: Would you send them a text or quick e-mail and let them know about the Veteran Connection track we’re holding on Wednesday March 29 as part of the Florida GovCon Summit – registration is at govconconference.com. There is no charge for a transitioning veteran and they can e-mail Pete at peteblum@solvability.com for more info.

Here’s what Pete has on the agenda:

Paul Huszar, P.E. of VetCor Services on “The Value of a Veteran”

Jeff Goble of JeffGobleSpeaks.com and the Veteran Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Tampa Bay Wave

John Vann of Racing4Vets will be bringing his race car for the Wednesday evening reception.

Beau Higgins of Amazon will be talking about Amazon’s commitment to hiring veteran talent.

Blayne Smith of Team Red, White and Blue will discuss how to stay on track during the transition process.

Pete will also be sharing LinkedIn strategies for veterans to find jobs, and for recruiters to find veterans.

For more information about this event and to register, go to govconconference.com. Or connect with me, Jenny W Clark, and message me on LinkedIn.

Got this from Kenneth Nahrwald and Larry Braue…they are at 33% of their goal.

“We need your help! On Friday 28 October the Office of Veteran Success launched our crowdfunding project Help Support Student Veterans at USF. As we prepare for Veterans Day 2016, we are so excited to kick off this campaign in an effort to raise $10,000 in 30 days.  Click here to view the site http://usffdn.usf.edu/herdfunder

Our office is dedicated to supporting this mission by providing quality services leading to academic success, professional growth and meaningful employment. I am passionate about this project and am excited to share with you a way to help our veterans with their transition from military service to serving the community! We will only be able to meet our goal if we make the community aware of the great things we’re doing. Please help us get the word out by posting this on Facebook, Twitter, Linked-In, and emailing to family, friends and co-workers so they can share.

We also welcome your support! Visit the HerdFunder site http://usffdn.usf.edu/herdfunder and make a contribution to support our veteran students! Gifts of all sizes will make a difference!”

Many thanks to Rebekah Stroman of the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation for sharing this great resource on how to set up veteran hiring programs.

Rebekah has visited with the Military Affairs Council of the Greater Tampa Bay Chamber several times, discussing the US Chamber Foundation’s program called Hire Our Heroes.  They have many resources to assist both employers and job seekers.

For your copy of the Employer Roadmap from the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation,  go to: