Following the successful return of the annual TVBA Keynote Dinner, Business Expo and Veteran Job Fair on Jan. 29 and 30, the Tennessee Veterans Business Association proved that the organization is back and better than ever!
TVBA held its annual Keynote Dinner, Business Expo and Veteran Job Fair on Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 29 and 30, 2018 at the Crowne Plaza in downtown Knoxville. TVBA President and CEO Dr. Eric W. Barton called the two-day event a “success” thanks to the support of TVBA Champion Partners, veteran supporters, members and exhibitors. The TVBA Keynote Dinner was sold out. Business Expo & Veteran Job Fair exhibitors and job seekers continue to sing praises about how the expo helped them connect with their target audience and secure new potential business and career opportunities.
“This year’s return of the annual TVBA Keynote Dinner, Business Expo and Veteran Job Fair truly shows the level of interest and commitment to the veteran community in the Knoxville area,” TVBA President and CEO Dr. Eric W. Barton said. “The momentum of this wonderful organization is at an all-time high, and we can’t wait for more TVBA events in the near future, including the annual golf tournament this summer, quarterly member meetings throughout 2018 and next year’s Keynote Dinner, Business Expo and Veteran Job Fair.”
Exhibitors have commented that they were busy all day talking to attendees, making great connections and pursuing business opportunities.
“I spoke to more Veterans than I can ever remember speaking to at this event. We had several follow up visits in the office yesterday and expect more in the coming weeks,” Tom Humphries, of Knox County Veterans Services Office, said. “I had people who interacted with Veterans at their booth, then bring the Veteran directly to me for assistance and to answer their questions.”
Virginia College in Knoxville said they had a blast during the TVBA Business Expo and Veteran Job Fair.
“The team made several connections with potential employers for our students and graduates,” the school said. “We appreciate TVBA for having us.”
To kick off this year’s festivities, the event opened with its Keynote Dinner on Monday evening. The event was sold out!! The dinner featured Keynote Speaker Delta Force Command Sgt. Major Tom Satterly, a highly decorated combat veteran who, along with his teammates, was portrayed in the Oscar Winning 2001 Film: Black Hawk Down. Satterly spoke to the crowd about his experience portrayed in the film Black Hawk Down and discussed the importance of recognizing and helping veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
The crowd also listened to the military wife’s perspective from Special Guest Speaker Jen Satterly, wife of Tom Satterly. Jen, who commits her life to helping veterans and families, spoke on the challenges facing the veteran’s spouse and family after a lifetime of supporting the choice to serve, the struggle to re-integrate with the family, the community and life in general.
Every year, TVBA holds its Keynote Dinner, Business Expo and Veteran Job Fair over a two-day span, offering networking, veteran services and career opportunities, professional development and educational opportunities.
Stay tuned! We will be announcing 2019’s Keynote Dinner, Business Expo and Veteran Job Fair date soon!!
