SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The Veterans Business Council of The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce will host its annual breakfast at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 5 at the Holiday Inn in Saratoga Springs. This yearly event celebrates area veterans and supports the vital work of the VBC in providing scholarships and career connections for veterans.  

The morning of connection and camaraderie will feature recognition of the council’s year-round work along with a keynote address from retired United States Marine Command Sergeant Major Gary Smith, Founder and Chief Consultant of Smith Leadership Consulting Group, which specializes in motivational speaking, executive leadership coaching and workforce leadership development.

Smith is a retired United States Marine Command Sergeant Major with almost three decades of service, seeing and executing leadership from various vantage points both home and abroad including combat tours. He has practical knowledge for coordinating, directing and completing a full range of leadership and management activities in support of different functions within many organizations.

Smith holds a bachelor’s degree in management from Excelsior College and a master’s degree in human resource education from Louisiana State University. He is also a certified professional counselor through the U.S. Department of Labor.

To date, Smith has trained professionals from the federal government, including the U.S. Department of Defense, along with an array of​​ organizations among the private sector.

"The Veterans Business Council annual breakfast is an inspiring morning of connection and camaraderie where we honor the achievements of our scholarship recipients and hear from an exceptional keynote speaker,” said Joseph Juracka, Chair of the Veterans Business Council of The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.  “This year, we're thrilled to welcome Gary Smith, retired U.S. Marine Command Sergeant Major and leadership expert, who will share valuable insights on achieving optimal performance in business and beyond. It's a rewarding experience for everyone who attends and a wonderful opportunity to show support for those who have served our country."

Bond, Schoeneck & King, SaratogaWine.com and Elite 9 Talent Solutions are major sponsors of the 2025 Veterans Business Council Annual Breakfast, along with Mr. Electric of Queensbury, Munter Enterprises, Capital Bank, Quick Response, Empire State University and Saratoga: The Turning Point.

Additional sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Andrea Mulholland at amulholland@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.