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Strategic Sourcing Initiatives at DHS

Jose Arrietta, Procurement Ombudsman at DHS discussed the agency’s procurement strategy and the agencies prioritization of Strategic Sourcing at the Department at GTSC’s recent annual meeting.

As a follow-up, Mr. Arrietta provided the following exceptions to Strategic Sourcing:

a.  Emergency operations – Specify the emergency operation, including the name, date, location, and description. Document how using a strategic sourcing contract vehicle would negatively impact the mission.
b.  National security – Include a written description of how using a strategic sourcing contract vehicle compromises national security.
c.  Remote locations – Specify the remote delivery location and include written analysis that quantifies the higher cost or delay that would result from using a strategic sourcing vendor.
d.  Greater savings – Purchases where the savings from using a non-strategic sourcing vehicle exceeds the savings from the strategic sourcing vehicle – Include a written analysis that shows the savings comparison. Documentation shall be signed by the official approving the exception (include name and title of official).
e.  Required by statute – Specify the statute that requires the use of a non-strategic sourcing vehicle.
f.  Priorities for Use of Government Supply Sources – Specify the supply source indicated as a higher priority in FAR Part 8.002 and the contract vehicle to be used. These sources may include Committee for Purchase from People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled and mandatory Federal Supply Schedules. These sources may not include optional use Federal Supply Schedules because strategic sourcing contract vehicles have higher priority than optional use Federal Supply Schedules.

Strategic Sourcing Initiatives at DHS

 

GTSC & IACCM Launch Strategic Partnership

Washington, D.C. – November 12, 2013 – The Government Technology & Services Coalition (GTSC) and the International Association for Contract & Commercial Management (IACCM) today launched a strategic partnership designed to increase cross collaboration and the exchange of best practices in government procurement related to the homeland and national security marketplace.

“We are very excited to partner with IACCM to expand our understanding of best practices to improve the efficiency, speed and success of government procurement,” said Kristina Tanasichuk, CEO of GTSC. “An excellent procurement and acquisition process is particularly critical for homeland and national security.”

IACCM is a non-profit organization that promotes the international standards and best practices for defining and managing trading relationships while encouraging innovation and collaboration to support economic growth and organizational success by ensuring commitments are ethical, achievable and sustainable. IACCM provides executives and practitioners with advisory, research and benchmarking services, and worldwide training for contracts, commercial and relationship management professionals.

“IACCM is looking forward to providing GTSC members with insight to commercial and contracting best practice and to working together with GTSC leadership on tackling the continued challenge of SDBs and mid-size enterprises in winning sustainable business in the Government sector,” said Tim Cummins, President and CEO of IACCM.

The partnership will focus on organization to organization support and information exchange to improve practices for fair, efficient procurement and contracting activities that meet the increasing demand for transparency and speed while achieving positive outcomes. In the spirit of cooperation, discounts to conferences and events will be offered to respective members.

The Chertoff Group, Dickstein Shapiro, Linden Resources and the Security Industry Association are GTSC’s other strategic partners. More information on each is available at www.GTSCoalition.com.

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The Government Technology & Services Coalition (GTSC) is a nonprofit, non-partisan 501(c)(6) association of companies that create, develop and implement solutions for the federal homeland and national security sector. Our mission is two-fold: first, to provide exceptional advocacy, capacity building, partnership opportunities and marketing in the Federal security space for small and mid-sized companies. Second, to support and assist our government partners achieve their critical missions with the highest integrity; best and most innovative technologies; and results-based, quality products and services to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to and recover from any terrorist attack or natural disaster. For more information on these mentors and the Government Technology & Services Coalition, please visit www.GTSCoalition.com.

The International Association for Contract & Commercial Management (IACCM) enables both public and private sector organizations and professionals to achieve world-class standards in their contracting and relationship management process and skills. It provides executives and practitioners with advisory, research and benchmarking services, and worldwide training and certification for contracts, commercial and relationship management professionals. IACCM is a non-profit membership organization that supports innovation and collaboration in meeting the demands of today’s global trading relationships and practices. Through its worldwide presence and networked technology, IACCM members gain access to the thought leadership and practical tools that are essential for competitiveness in today’s fiercely contested global markets. For more information, please visit www.IACCM.com.

>>Read the full press release here.

Nov. 19: GTSC Annual Member Meeting

Members of the Government Technology & Services Coalition for our third annual member meeting to learn about all the services of GTSC, provide your input on our letter to incoming DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson and share your feedback for our 2014-2015 priorities!

Emile Monette, the Senior Advisor for cyber security policy for the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), will join us to discuss the agency wide and interagency implementation of cyber security initiatives related to government facilities and acquisition. Linda Mathes, CEO of the American Red Cross in the National Capital Region, will talk about the American Red Cross Ready Rating program and its importance to GTSC’s Designation of Leadership Excellence. Jose Arrieta, DHS Ombudsman, will discuss the year ahead at DHS.

Given sequestration, budget cuts and possible future government shutdowns, GTSC is committed to exploring every business opportunity possible for your success. From the Small Business Collaboration Group to forming vigorous Action Groups and developing the Contracting Officers workshop, we’ve accomplished a lot over the past year and we’re excited to keep moving!

Please note: this is a GTSC Member only meeting. Thank you!

Agenda

I. Welcome and overview of GTSC’s 2012-2013: Discussion of Lion’s Den, Mentor and Workgroup activity.

  • Kristina Tanasichuk, CEO, GTSC
  • Jon Ostrowski, COO, GTSC
  • Workgroup Chairs
    • Chair, International Initiative: RADM Donald P. Loren, CEO, Old Dominion Strategies
    • Chair, Human Capital and Learning: Dr. Sheri Dougherty, President & CEO, DAI
    • Co-Chair, DHS Engagement: Sara Kindsfater0-Yerkes, Managing Partner, The Big Brain Co.

II. A View of the Year Ahead

  • Jose Arrieta, Ombudsman, DHS

III. Meeting the Challenges

  • Emile Monette, Senior Advisor, Cyber Security Policy, GSA
  • Linda Mathes, CEO, American Red Cross in the National Capital Region
  • Bruce Davidson, Director, SAFETY Act Office, S&T, DHS

IV. Government Relations

  • Incoming Secretary Jeh Johnson
  • Hill Activity
    • Michelle Mrdeza, Partner, Cornerstone Government Affairs & GTSC Founding Strategic Advisor
    • Chani Wiggins, President & Founder, Winn Strategies & GTSC Strategic Advisor
  • Broadening our Base

V. Business Development

  • Overview of procurements and focus areas for business development
    • Bill Carroll, Senior Partner, Strike Force Consulting
    • Andrea McCarthy, Senior Director NTT Data
    • Tony Sacco, Former Vice President, SAIC

VI. What do you see as our top priorities for 2014-2015?

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GTSC & Linden Resources interviewed about VetsReady2Work on FedNews Radio

 

Transitioning into civilian life after serving in the military isn’t always an easy or simple step for many servicemembers. Linden Resources and the Government Technology and Services Coalition have partnered to help. Together, they’ve developed VetsReady2Work to help prepare new veterans with tools they need to find meaningful work. With more about it is Hayley Gefell, executive vice president at Linden Resources, and Kristina Tanasichuk, CEO at Government Technology Services Coalition.

Hear the interview here.

Luke J. McCormack to serve as the DHS CIO

The following message is from DHS Acting Under Secretary for Management Chris Cummiskey:

I am pleased to announce that President Obama has appointed Luke J. McCormack to serve as the Department’s Chief Information Officer.  Mr. McCormack currently serves as the Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Information Resources Management/Chief Information Officer (CIO) at the Department of Justice, a position he has held since 2012.

Luke-McCormackPrior to this position, Mr. McCormack served in a variety of positions at DHS.  From 2005 to 2012, he served as the CIO for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  He served at Customs and Border Protection as Acting Director of Infrastructure Services Division from 2004 to 2005, Director of Architecture and Engineering from 2002 to 2003, and Director of Systems Engineering from 1999 to 2002.  Before joining the federal government, he served at various private sector companies including MCI and Ford Aerospace.  He received an M.B.A. from the Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland.

Mr. McCormack will oversee the Department’s continuing efforts to implement information technology (IT) enhancements and enhance IT security.

Mr. McCormack’s bio:

Luke J. McCormack will serve as the chief information officer (CIO) for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Prior to joining DHS, Mr. McCormack served as the ICE CIO since 2005 and was named CIO of the Department of Justice in February 2012. As the agency’s top technology administrator, Mr. McCormack brings significant management expertise from a career in both government and the private sector.

Mr. McCormack has more than 18 years of service in the federal government. Before joining ICE, Mr. McCormack served as acting executive director of the Infrastructure Services Division in the Office of Information Technology at U.S. Customs and Border Protection. In addition, he gained diverse experience in the private sector with MCI, Ford Aerospace and smaller minority-owned firms.

Since joining ICE, he has restructured the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) to ensure that it is aligned with the overall ICE mission, current operational priorities, core business processes and emerging information technology needs. He continually seeks opportunities to partner with other organizations within ICE, the Department of Homeland Security and other federal law enforcement agencies to provide support to operations and strategic initiatives.

Mr. McCormack holds a Masters of Business Administration degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, along with key certifications from the Columbia University Graduate School of Business, Customs Leadership Institute and the National Defense University.

A native of Long Island, N.Y., Mr. McCormack has two sons and resides in Virginia.

 

Dec. 10: GTSC Holiday Awards

Join the Government Technology & Services Coalition for an extraordinary celebration of a great year and a toast to a new and prosperous 2014 at our Annual Awards Celebration! We’re thrilled to feature our Italian Feast dinner buffet in addition to holiday libations, great company and a fun evening to ring in the holidays.

The 2013 GTSC Holiday Awards honors:

Federal Small Business Champions of the Year Award: John Morton, former Director, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement & Jonathan Porter, Chief of Staff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Federal Small Business Champion of the Year is awarded annually to the Federal official(s) who show a distinct commitment and tangible results toward improving the environment and success for small businesses in the Federal homeland and national security market.

 

Market Maven of the Year Award: Chad C. Sweet, Co-Founder & CEO, The Chertoff Group

Normally presented at the GTSC Anniversary, 2013 year’s Market Maven of the Year Award will be presented at the holiday party. It is presented to an exceptional individual who contributes in a concrete and tangible way to the efficiency, productivity and effectiveness of the homeland and national security market. Proven as a thought leader with a belief in increasing individual opportunity, the power of free enterprise and the nurture of innovation to advance and support the homeland and national security mission.


Strategic Partner of the Year Award: Brian E. Finch, Partner, Global Security Practice, Dickstein Shapiro LLP

The Strategic Partner of the Year is awarded annually to the Strategic Partner that demonstrates a clear commitment to GTSC, contributes significantly to the content and substance of the organization and provides GTSC members with counsel, insight and resources to perform exceptionally on behalf of the homeland and national security mission.

Strategic Advisor of the Year Award: Bill Carroll, Senior Partner, Strike Force Consulting

The Strategic Advisor of the Year is awarded annually to the Strategic Advisor who works on behalf of GTSC to increase our capacity, membership and opportunities to bring the innovation, creativity and solutions of small and mid-sized companies to the homeland and national security mission.

 

Small Business Member of the Year Award: PReSafe Technologies LLC

The award is presented annually to the GTSC Member that exemplifies exceptional quality and ethics for the Federal government, a commitment to GTSC’s small business members and advocacy on behalf of our community.

 


Mentor of the Year Award: TASC & Mike Kelly, Vice President, Business Development, Civil and Infrastructure Security Group, TASC

Mentor of the Year is awarded annually to the GTSC Mentor who has worked to increase members’ understanding of the homeland and national security market, increased business opportunities for small companies through formal and informal mentoring and engages with GTSC to promote an innovative, robust, fair market for all.

About the Border Patrol Foundation

The Border Patrol Foundation provides resources to the families of the fallen and creates awareness of the escalating risk of those who keep America’s borders safe. These services create a financial bridge through the turbulent time following a family’s loss. The Foundation supports programs improving awareness of United States border security and recognizes community leaders supporting the families of the U.S. Border Patrol. The Foundation’s volunteers have served with the U.S. Border Patrol or are professionals, friends and family committed to the importance of securing America’s borders and dedicate their lives to the same.

Thank You to our Sponsors!

Gold Sponsors

 

Silver Sponsors

 

Thank you to Old Dominion Strategies!

Support and sponsorships of our holiday event are welcome  — please contact us to help make this our best event ever!

Register nowParking & Public Transportation

Parking: There is some on-site and two-hour metered street parking. Parking is also available at GMU.

Metrorail: The Arlington Arts Center is one block south of the Virginia Square-GMU metro station on the Orange line.

Metrobus: Line 24P and ART Line 41 stop directly in front of the AAC.

DoD Finalizes Cyber Security Threat Sharing Program

On October 22, the Department of Defense (DoD) finalized the details for its DoD-Defense Industrial Base (DIB) Voluntary Cyber Security and Information Assurance (CS/IA) threat sharing program with defense industrial base companies. No changes have been made to the interim final rule published in May 2012.

This final rule responds to public comments regarding the establishment of the DIB CS/IA program, a voluntary cyber security information sharing activity between DoD and eligible DIB companies to enhance and supplement DIB participants’ capabilities to safeguard DoD information that resides on, or transits, DIB unclassified information systems. The program is codified at 32 CFR Part 236 and implements DoD statutory authorities to establish programs and activities to protect DoD information and DoD information systems, including information and information systems operated and maintained by contractors or others in support of DoD activities (see 10 U.S.C. 2224 and the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA), codified at 44 U.S.C. 3541 et seq.). It also fulfills important elements of DoD’s critical infrastructure protection responsibilities, as the sector specific agency for the DIB sector see (Presidential Policy Directive 21 (PPD-21), “Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience”). This program allows eligible DIB companies to receive U.S. Government (USG) threat information and to share information about network intrusions that could compromise DoD programs and missions. In addition, the program permits DIB companies and DoD to assess and reduce damage to DoD programs and missions when DoD information is potentially compromised. Furthermore, the information sharing arrangements between the DoD and each participating DIB company that implement the requirements of this are memorialized in a standardized bilateral agreement, known as a Framework Agreement (FA), signed by the participating DIB company and the Government.

The rule also provides the eligibility requirements for a company to participate in the DIB CS/IA program.
Costs for DIB participants include obtaining access to DoD’s secure voice and data transmission systems supporting the DIB CS/IA program and acquiring DoD approved medium assurance certificates. There also are costs associated with the collection requirements for providing point of contact information and cyber incident reporting. Government costs include onboarding new companies and collecting and analyzing cyber incidents from DIB participants.

A foundational element of this bilateral information sharing model is the recognition that the information being shared between the parties includes extremely sensitive nonpublic information, which must be protected against unauthorized uses and disclosures in order to preserve the integrity of the program.

For additional information regarding the Government’s safeguarding of information received from the DIB companies, with specific focus on PII, see the Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) for the DIB CS/IA Program.

In addition, this rule and program are intended to be consistent and coordinated with, and updated as necessary to ensure consistency with and support for, other federal activities related to the handling and safeguarding of controlled unclassified information, such as those that are being led by the National Archives and Records Administration pursuant to Executive Order 13556 Controlled Unclassified Information (November 4, 2010).

This rule is not intended to implement the new requirements from section 941 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013.

For more information, read the full final DIB CS/IA rule in the Federal Register.

Dec. 12: The National Security Supply Chain: Reducing the Vulnerabilities

Join the Government Technology & Services Coalition (GTSC) for a program featuring an overview of acquisition, technology and innovation in the intelligence community to both assure we have the most advanced protections in place to mitigate our vulnerabilities, and the most recent tools and information on how to protect intellectual property, prevent insider threats and understand supply chain considerations in the government contracting environment.  Keynote Frank Montoya, Jr., National Counterintelligence Executive, Office of the Director of National Intelligence will keynote with a preview of the 2013 Economic Espionage Report (EER).

AGENDA AT A GLANCE
 
12:00 PM Welcome & Introductions
  • Kristina Tanasichuk, CEO, GTSC
  • Elena Kim-Mitchell, Director, Private Sector Outreach, ODNI

 

12:10 PM ODNI Movie

12:30 PM – 1:30 PMKeynote Luncheon:Preview of the 2013 Economic Espionage Report
Frank Montoya, Jr., Counterintelligence Executive, ONCIX

1:30 PM – 2:00 PM CERT & Insider Threat

Randy Trzeciak Senior Member of the Technical Staff, Software Engineering Institute’s (SEI), CERT Program, Carnegie Mellon University

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Best Practices on Insider Threats & Supply Chain Security

  • Joan McCarroll, Director, Systems Engineering and Integration (SE&I) Center of Excellence
  • Kathy Mills, Corporate Security Officer/Security Director, CENTRA Technology, Inc.

3:00PM – 3:30PM Cyber Threats & Vulnerabilities to Small & Mid-Sized Companies

3:30 PM – 4:15 PM Acquisition, Technology & Innovation
Dr. David A. Honey, Ph.D., Director for Science & Technology, Assistant Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Science & Technology, ODNI

4:15PM – 5:00 PM What Can Business Do?

  • DHS Business Continuity tool
  • FBI Resources
Keynote: Dr. David A. Honey, Director for Science & Technology, Assistant Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Science & Technology, ODNI
Dr. David Honey serves as the Director for Science & Technology and Assistant Deputy Director for National Intelligence for Science & Technology for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Dr. David A. Honey joined the DoD’s Office of the Director, Defense Research and Engineering as the Director for Research on 31 August 2009. Dr. Honey was responsible for policy and oversight of DoD Science and Technology programs from Basic Research through Advanced Technology Development. He was also responsible for oversight of DoD laboratories, ensuring the long-term strategic direction of the Department’s S&T programs, and for developing those technologies needed for continued technological superiority of US forces. Before assuming this position Dr. Honey was the General Manager and Senior Vice President of the Defense Sector for Information Systems Laboratories (ISL), a small business pursuing science and engineering innovations in the fields of advanced sensors, communications, UAVs, adaptive signal processing, and undersea warfare technology. Dr. Honey also served on the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board. Dr. Honey was the Director of the Defense Advance Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Strategic Technology Office (STO), Director of the Advanced Technology Office (ATO), and Deputy Director and Program Manager of the Microsystems Technology Office (MTO). While at DARPA he led efforts in optoelectronics, networks, communications, information assurance, network-centric-warfare applications, information assurance, sensor systems, space and near-space sensors and structures, maritime technology, underground facility detection and characterization, alternative energy, and chemical-biological defense.

Keynote: Frank Montoya, Jr., Counterintelligence Executive, Office of the National Counterintelligence Executive (ONCIX) 

Frank Montoya, Jr. began his career as an FBI special agent in May 1991 and reported to the San Antonio Field Office, where he worked violent crime and fugitive investigations. He established and led activities of the division’s fugitive task force. Montoya also worked temporarily in the Oklahoma City Field Office to assist in the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building bombing investigation. In April 2000, Montoya was promoted and worked at FBI Headquarters. He oversaw national security investigations and operations. During this time, he assisted in the Robert Hanssen investigation. Montoya transferred to the Milwaukee Field Office in November 2002. He served as supervisor and oversaw the counterintelligence squad and several national security investigations. Montoya returned to FBI Headquarters in December 2005, was promoted to unit chief in the Counterintelligence Division, and participated in the establishment of the National Cyber Investigations Joint Task Force. He moved to the West Coast in July 2007 and worked in the San Francisco Field Office as assistant special agent in charge in the counterintelligence branch.

Joan McCarroll, Director, Systems Engineering and Integration (SE&I) Center of Excellence

In her role as SE&I COE Director, Joan is responsible for establishing and promoting TASC’s best practices and processes in SE&I, program protection and cybersecurity including insider threat analysis.  In her current role, Joan identifies Leading Practices in SE and deploys them across the company resulting in innovative solutions for our customers. In the area of program protection, Joan has expertise in both external and internal threat assessment and protection. Since joining TASC in 1990, Joan has performed and led end-to-end technical efforts in support of operationally deployed systems, systems under development, and future system architecture studies. She has held senior program management positions supporting the intelligence community in secure communications and SIGINT. Joan received her BSEE from Drexel University and her MS in Systems Analysis and Management from George Washington University. She has also attended Executive education courses at Darden and Strategic Marketing at the University of Chicago.


Kathy Mills, Corporate Security Officer/Security Director, CENTRA Technology, Inc.

Kathy joined CENTRA Technology, in November 2008 as the Corporate Security Officer/Security Director.  She is responsible for all aspects of CENTRA’s Security operations, including personnel security, program security, physical security, and Information security, at both CENTRA’s Arlington and Burlington locations. Kathy has over twenty years experience in security including management of day-to-day operational security, personnel management, administration, and maintaining all aspects of a security program under the National Industrial Security Program.

Randy Trzeciak Senior Member of the Technical Staff, Software Engineering Institute’s (SEI), CERT, Carnegie Mellon University

Randy Trzeciak is currently a Senior Member of the technical staff for the Software Engineering Institute’s (SEI) CERT Program. Mr. Trzeciak is a member of a team in CERT focusing on insider threat research. The studies analyze the physical and online behavior of malicious insiders prior to and during network compromises. Other insider threat research uses system dynamics modeling for risk analysis of the impacts of policy decisions, technical security measures, psychological issues, and organizational culture on insider threat. Mr. Trzeciak also is an adjunct professor in Carnegie Mellon’s H. John Heinz School of Public Policy and Management. Prior to his current role in the CERT Program, Mr. Trzeciak managed the Management Information Systems (MIS) team in the Information Technology Department at the SEI. Under his direction, the MIS team developed and supported numerous mission-critical, large-scale, relational database management systems.

 

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Dec. 16: Business Development for Emerging Small Companies

Join the Government Technology & Services Coalition (GTSC) and the Emerging Small Business Group on December 16 to learn about best practices for business development for emerging small companies. Our presenter is Tony Sacco who is the former Vice President of SAIC. He over 40 years of experience in business development, IT systems development, integration and operations. Topics will include:

  • Introduction to the BD lifecycle from a small business perspective
  • Challenges and opportunities in each phase
  • Strategies and techniques to be successful at BD

Tony saccoAbout Mr. Sacco

Mr. Sacco has over 40 years professional and management experience in the fields of Business Development, IT Systems development, integration and operations. A majority of his experience was and is involved in the management of significant, fixed price, software intensive, development, systems integration and O&M programs for the federal government. His last responsibility, before retiring, was the SAIC program manager for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) EAGLE $1.25B IDIQ program which included winning and executing over 40 competitive Task Orders. His previous assignment includes more than 7 years of IT program management on DHS and predecessor agency contracts, leading a $400 million IT engineering services program. Mr. Sacco is a PMI-certified PMP and an experienced earned value methodology (EVM) instructor with real-world ability in implementing solu¬tions for large federal programs. As program manager on a major IT services contract, Mr. Sacco oversaw critical projects for DHS, including the design and build of the DHS network backbone for OneNetwork, design and imple¬mentation of the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) facility, and design and implementation of the DHS enterprise architecture (EA). In part, the work that Mr. Sacco led for SAIC re-sulted in SAIC’s selection by Frost and Sulli¬van as the 2005 Homeland Security Company of the Year. He also was the program manager for the development and worldwide deployment of the Navy War Gaming System (NWGS). He holds a BSEE from Polytechnic Inst of NY; a MSOR from New York University and a MBA from Rider University. He is a member of the Program Management Institute (PMP) and a IEEE Life Member He is certified to teach EVM and courses in Business Development, PM and Quality Management.

elaine kap

About the Emerging Small Business Group

The Emerging Small Business Group is open to GTSC members with revenue <$2.5 million. It will focus on understanding the numerous challenges of starting/growing a small business in the Federal space and marshaling GTSC’s vast resources of peers, owners, mentors, subject matter experts and online virtual tools to provide our emerging small business members the knowledge and techniques they need to meet the challenges of growing a business.

Emerging Small Businss Group Chair: Elaine Kapetanakis

 

 

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