VanDahl Engineering recently completed the Veteran Institute Procurement (VIP), a comprehensive training and certification program that helps veteran-owned businesses strengthen their ability to win government contracts and do business with both military and civilian agencies they once served in uniform.
On October 17, 2013, VanDahl was one of 52 businesses from 10 states and the District of Columbia to graduate from the NationalCenter for the Veteran Institute for Procurement. During the program’s graduation, Peter VanWolvelaerd was presented with a congressional citation on behalf of Representative Kryten Sinema Arizona 9th Congressional District.
“Can Do….You are only as good as your last job”
The first program of its kind in the nation, VIP is conducted by professional subject-matter specialists in the essentials necessary to win government contracts: law, accounting, insurance, human resources, marketing and proposals. It also provides participants with access to Federal and prime contracting executives along with a national network of veteran owned small businesses that they can team with on opportunities.
Since its launch in 2009, VIP has helped 348 service-disabled and veteran-owned small businesses grow. A survey of 121 of the program's graduates determined that 1,535 new jobs were created and the size of their businesses increased by an average of 41% within a year of graduating from the Institute. More than 80% of surveyed graduates credited VIP for equipping them to make recent business decisions and avoid unseen pitfalls. Additionally, veteran-owned businesses are more likely to hire, mentor and train other war veterans as they transition to private life, which is a national priority.
"We are honored to give back to the men and women who served our county by providing them with the tools necessary to succeed as government contractors." said Barbara Ashe, President of the Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation. “We hope this training fosters their success as businesses and employers.”
For information: Carla Watson (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) 480-884-1815
For information on VIP: Barbara Ashe, 301-738-0015 x215; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
For additional information, please visit www.NationalVip.org or the Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation.
