AT&T Launches 2012-2013 Class of Operation Hand Salute Mentoring Program
A national program for service disabled veteran CEOs helping them improve their business operations and enhance their ability to win corporate contracts
Questions contact:
Shari Martinez
AT&T Global Supplier Diversity
DALLAS, May 16, 2012
Last summer, we graduated our first class of graduates from Operation Hand Salute, our AT&T Supplier Diversity mentoring program for Service Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBEs). Operation Hand Salute is something we’re passionate about – it offers us an opportunity to give back to our veterans for their military service, while helping to grow and develop their businesses by providing mentorship opportunities and enhancing their ability to win corporate contracts. Today we’re at it again – we are proud to announce the 2012-2013 Operation Hand Salute Mentoring Program.
AT&T recognizes that service disabled veterans in business can face unique challenges, which is where Operation Hand Salute comes in. After an extensive process, 15 of the brightest service-disabled veteran business CEOs are embarking on a 10-week program through JFK University where they’ll learn everything from entrepreneurship to growing a management team.
Each participant will receive the support of a “blue ribbon” taskforce comprised of other service-disabled veteran owned business mentors, AT&T executives and industry experts. They will also “Fast Pitch” their business to a panel of experienced CEOs and AT&T executives.
Operation Hand Salute is a great opportunity for service disabled veteran business owners, who have proudly served our country, to grow their business with the help of a mentor relationship and guidance that only AT&T can provide. It’s a win-win—the more we can help service-disabled veteran business owners succeed, the more quality products and services we can continue to offer our customers.
Let’s welcome this year’s Operation Hand Salute participants as they begin their journey toward a brighter future.
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John McKinley, President & CEO |
Allegiance Supply Incorporated |
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Amber Peebles, President |
Athena Construction Group |
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James E. Kimble, President |
Boersma Travel |
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Johnny Dillard, PhD, President |
Central Research Inc. |
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David Johnson, President & CEO |
Concise Inc. |
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Peter Penzell, CEO |
Epsilon Inc. |
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Michael E. Jones, President & CEO |
Global Technology Solutions Inc. |
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Adam Pattisall, President & CEO |
IncrediTek |
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Charlie McCarty, President |
Innovet |
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Jay H. Van Dyne, COO |
Phalanx Energy LLC |
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James M. Terhune, President & CEO |
T&T Materials Inc. |
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Christopher Bumgarner, CEO |
Ventura Telephone |
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William J. Puopolo, President |
Verissimo Global |
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Theresa Blackwell, President & CEO |
Virtuo Group Corporation |
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Phyllis W. Newhouse, President & CEO |
Xrteme Solutions Inc. |