About Us
 The
Chamber’s Military Affairs Division has a two-fold mission. The first is
to sustain and cultivate our long-standing tradition of support to our
local military community and their families. The second facet of this
Division is to advocate and facilitate local defense industry growth by
helping small businesses connect with Department of Defense (DoD)
contractors.
Supporting Our Military Community
The central theme of our military affairs division is to help military
families. However, we could not accomplish this objective without the
efforts of hundreds of community volunteers. These action-based groups
and programs are: Military Affairs Council, Defense Mission Task Force,
Operation Home Front, Military Job Fair, Military Spouse Career
Committee, and Small Business Outreach programs. Collectively, these
groups and programs work to improve the quality of life for our military
families and collaterally, to improve the economic viability of the
Greater Colorado Springs Area.
Military Affairs Council (MAC)
Our area MAC, founded in 1941, is one of the most established and
effective organizations of its kind in the country. Comprised of more
than 200 members, the MAC is our lead on a myriad of recognition events
for our military personnel. Such as the Annual Armed Forces Week
Celebration. Held in May, Armed Forces Week is a celebration comprised
of two cornerstone events—a concert and an awards luncheon. During these
gatherings our community honors the contributions of our area military
members with an emphasis on recognizing the top enlisted personnel from
each installation—this is our most significant sponsorship event of the
year.
Defense Mission Task Force (DMTF)
The DMTF was formed in 1989 and is a group of senior military and civic
leaders who work collaboratively to solve military installation
infrastructure challenges related to Base Realignment and Closure
Actions (BRAC) and mission changes. Their efforts over the last 17 years
have helped Colorado Springs maintain and develop a vast array of DoD
missions benefiting our local economy.
Operation Home Front
This program, created in 2001 and fueled by the patriotism of local
business owners provides discounted services and products to our active
duty and their families.
Advocate Defense Industry Growth
Small Business Outreach (SBO)
The Military Affairs Division and SCORE in collaboration with area
Installation Small Business Specialists (SBSs) host a two-day education
and training event. The purpose of this conference is to provide a forum
for small business owners to meet prime contractors, installation SBSs,
and acquire targeted training—from the experts—on how to effectively
navigate through the DoD business process. The next SBO is set to be anounced for 2009.
Military Job Fair
Each year the Chamber hosts a Job Fair for transitioning military
members. During this day-long event, the Chamber convenes 70-80
employers interested in hiring Veterans.
Military Spouse Career Committee
This group is comprised of family support and family readiness group
representatives from each installation, who combine their resources to
help prepare military spouses for employment. |
