In a bid to demystify the intricacies of doing business with the federal government, AFCEA hosted a highly anticipated Small Business Panel this January. The event featured a distinguished lineup of panelists, including Paul Ward, deputy director of the Office of Small Business Programs at U.S. Special Operations Command; Leslie Babich, director of SOFWERX; Karen Krymski, consultant at the Florida APEX Accelerator; and Jessica Gaskins from the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Government Contracting Area III.
The panel, representing a spectrum of expertise, provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of engaging with the federal government. Attendees had the unique opportunity to glean knowledge from ground-level startup strategies to navigate the complex process of presenting their company's capabilities to USSOCOM.
The discussion delved into crucial aspects of government contracting, addressing queries from the audience and shedding light on the intricacies of working with USSOCOM. It served as a comprehensive guide for businesses looking to establish a foothold or enhance their presence in the federal contracting landscape.
In conjunction with the enlightening panel discussion, the chapter marked a pivotal moment with the introduction of its new president, Col. Jared Snawder, USA, commander, Defense Information Systems Agency Central Command. The chapter also expressed gratitude to the outgoing chapter president, Col. Brian Kadet, USA, USSOCOM J63, acknowledging his years of dedicated service to the chapter. Col. Kadet is set to continue contributing to the Chapter Executive Committee as a chairman at large.
The event garnered overwhelming participation, drawing a packed house of eager entrepreneurs, industry professionals and government contracting enthusiasts. The palpable energy in the room mirrored the enthusiasm of the AFCEA community for events that facilitate knowledge-sharing and professional development.
Notably, the event extended its reach beyond the panel discussion and presidential transition, incorporating an element of excitement with a raffle. The chapter expressed gratitude to its raffle sponsors, GC&E and TM3 Solutions, for their generous contributions, adding an extra layer of engagement to the already dynamic gathering.
In conclusion, the success of AFCEA's Small Business Panel underscored the commitment of the organization to provide meaningful insights and opportunities for its members. The event not only facilitated knowledge transfer but also served as a platform for networking, collaboration and the celebration of leadership transitions within the chapter.
As AFCEA looks forward to an eventful year ahead, the Small Business Panel stands as a testament to the organization's dedication to fostering growth, collaboration and success within the federal government contracting community. The chapter expresses sincere thanks to all attendees, volunteers and sponsors who contributed to the success of this memorable event.
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