Employment, Entrepreneurship and Naval History Highlight Outstanding Veterans' Summit
From the Capital Region, Central New York, Hudson Valley and North Country, more than 30 representatives of the veterans' community packed NYSID's Training Center for the June 20 Veterans' Summit.
Summit participants came together for education, networking, camaraderie and mutual support, hailing from New York State government agencies, not-for-profits, veterans' service organizations, institutions of higher learning, and rehabilitation organizations, including NYSID members.
"Great experience!" said Michelle Viola-Straight, president, Guilderland Chamber of Commerce and mother of two sons currently serving in the military. "I attended my first Veterans' Summit meeting and cannot thank you enough for hosting the event. I was able to connect with some amazing people. Looking forward to many more Summits and new connections!"
Presenters included:
- Col. Eric Hesse (Retired), director of the United States Department of Labor Division of Veterans' Employment and Training Service. Previously, he was the director of the New York State Division of Veterans' Affairs, appointed by Governor Andrew Cuomo.
- Amy Amoroso, director of the Veteran Business Outreach Center NY/NJ at the Arsenal Business & Technology Partnership. Amoroso held the position of business advisor at the NYS Small Business Development Center (SBDC) from 2006-2014, then took on the role of SBDC's VBOC Program Coordinator from 2014-2016.
- Chief Petty Officer Art Dott, USS Slater. Moored on the Hudson River in Albany since 1997, the USS SLATER has undergone an extensive restoration that has returned the ship to her former glory. The museum offers hour-long guided tours, naval reunions and youth group overnights.
Among the legislative staffers who attended:
- Caitlin Rooney, regional director, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services
- Alex Bellizzi, constituent services representative, U.S. Congressman John Faso, (R-19)
- Dan Casale, director of constituent services, NYS Senator Kathleen Marchione (R-43), member of the NYS Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs
Karen Wolff, investor relations and talent connect coordinator, Center for Economic Growth (CEG), attended her first Veterans' Summit and looks forward to participating in future Summits.
"CEG is currently working on a veterans initiative, and I met many dedicated individuals who are making an impact within this community in our region," she said. "I never tire of hearing Veteran Business Outreach Center Director Amy Amoroso speak, because her dedication and enthusiasm for our veterans always inspires me. The presentation by Chief Petty Officer Art Dott about the USS Slater was illuminating and underscored the historical significance of this destroyer escort."
Jon Adams, secretary, The Research and Recognition Project, updated Veterans' Summit attendees on the organization's groundbreaking Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) treatment for veterans, having gathered hundreds of volunteers and supporters to assist returning veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
"On behalf of The Research and Recognition Project, thank you for hosting the Veterans' Summit and allowing us to promote our program," he said. "I was able to make several contacts at the event. Thanks for the great work NYSID does in coordinating this enjoyable Veterans' Summit."