Veterans Business Council to Host Annual Breakfast on Nov. 1
Event to feature inspirational talk by veteran, author, and artist Ryan Smithson
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The Veterans Business Council of The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce will host its annual breakfast at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 1 at the Holiday Inn in Saratoga Springs. The morning of connection and camaraderie will feature a keynote by local veteran, author, and artist Ryan Smithson and is open to all to attend. Registration is $25 per person, and proceeds will benefit the programs and mission of the Veterans Business Council.
Smithson’s keynote, War, Writing and Butterflies, will discuss his military service in Iraq and how a college writing assignment turned into therapy and a published memoir. Smithson was an engineer in the Army Reserve and served in Iraq from 2004 to 2005. He fortified military posts, repaired roads, and convoyed supplies across northern and western Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Upon returning, and for therapeutic reasons, he wrote his memoir, “Ghosts of War: The True Story of a 19-Year-Old GI” (HarperCollins, 2009). Having earned his MA in English from SUNY Albany, he currently works in State Government Sales for T-Mobile and has two school-age children. During the pandemic, he began creating art and continues to find the creative process transformative.
"This annual event presents an outstanding networking opportunity, while simultaneously championing the mission of the Veterans Business Council," stated Jason Collins, Chair of the Veterans Business Council of The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. "I am thrilled for our attendees to hear about Ryan's inspiring story and the profound impact creativity has had on his life."
The event is open to all with advance registration, which is available online at www.saratoga.org.
Sponsors for the Veterans Business Council Annual Breakfast are Community Resource Federal Credit Union, Bond, Schoeneck & King, and Curtis Lumber.
For further information, please contact The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce at (518) 584-3255 or visit www.saratoga.org.
About the Veterans Business Council: The mission of the Veterans Business Council of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce is to facilitate opportunities for Military Veterans residing in Saratoga County. Efforts include connecting Veterans with the business community to enhance their knowledge of employment opportunities, job or entrepreneurial training, and new business development. The Council also works on other initiatives in support of local Veterans.
About the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce: Since 1918, the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce has been opening doors and closing deals for businesses throughout the Saratoga County community. Guided by a strong and sustainable vision, the Chamber leads the way in maintaining and strengthening a healthy business climate, initiating constructive community action, and creating a community where all can thrive.
