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The Veterans in Business Expo is a premier event designed to support and empower veteran entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals. This expo provides a dynamic platform for veterans to connect with industry leaders, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs, offering valuable networking opportunities, business development resources, and educational workshops. Attendees can explore exhibitor booths featuring veteran-owned businesses, government contracting opportunities, and corporate partnerships. With expert-led panels, keynote speakers, and hands-on sessions, the Veterans in Business Expo is a must-attend event for those looking to grow their businesses, enhance their skills, and build a strong network within the veteran business community.

Featuring Keynote Speaker - Patrick Banger

Patrick was appointed City Manager in August 2011. Patrick has over 24 years of local government experience and 7 years of executive-level leadership in the private sector. 

In his current role and under his leadership, Gilbert has become the 72nd largest city in the U.S., with a growing population of 292,711. Patrick has been a key leader in transforming Gilbert into one of the most sought-after places for residential living, corporate expansions, and relocations. He is a forward-thinking, change-orientated leader who has been instrumental in helping Gilbert become one of the nation's most prestigious and award-winning communities. Since 2011, Gilbert’s financial performance has excelled and was recognized as the top performing city in the nation post-recession, tripling its general fund reserves and receiving thirty-six credit rating upgrades culminating in AAA ratings from all three agencies: Moody’s Investor Service, Fitch, and S&P placing Gilbert in the top .002% of cities in the nation. 

Patrick has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science from Missouri State University and a Master of Arts Degree in Management from Webster University. He is an active member of the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Sr. Staff Committee, Past Chairman of the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Management Board, Past President of the Arizona City/County Management Association (ACMA) and a former Honorary Base Commander at Luke Air Force Base. He also received the 2019 John J. ‘Jack’ Debolski Award for Excellence in City Management by the Arizona City/County Management Association, the highest ACMA bestows on a public official. 


When you attend this event, you enter an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By attending, you consent to such recording media and its release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction, including but not limited to marketing, promotional purposes, publication, distribution, and public display, without further authorization or compensation. 

By attending this event, you acknowledge and agree that the consumption of alcoholic beverages is entirely at your own discretion and risk. We strongly encourage all attendees to drink responsibly, adhere to local laws regarding alcohol consumption, and make appropriate transportation arrangements if needed. The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce disclaims any and all liability related to alcohol consumption, including any legal, health, or safety issues that may arise. Please drink responsibly.