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THE NEXT MISSION: PROFESSIONAL FULFILLMENT

Veterans in Business Expo
Join us for a premier event designed to support and empower veteran entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals. The Veterans in Business Expo offers powerful networking, actionable resources, and mission-critical knowledge to help you thrive in business.
 

🚪 Veteran Vendor Showcase
Explore exhibitor booths from local veteran-owned businesses, government contracting opportunities, and corporate partners supporting the veteran entrepreneur community.

✨ Opening Session: Welcome to the Mission
Be part of the kickoff as we honor the drive and dedication of our veteran business community and set the tone for a day of empowerment and growth.

🏛 Keynote Address: Leading Through Transformation
Featuring Patrick Banger, City Manager of Gilbert, AZ With over 24 years in local government and private sector leadership, Patrick has transformed Gilbert into one of the most desirable and financially sound cities in the nation. Discover what forward-thinking leadership can achieve and how you can apply it to your own business mission.

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. 

🎙 Expert Insights Panel: From Foundation to Freedom
This dynamic panel discussion brings together veteran-friendly professionals who specialize in business law, coaching, finance, and accounting. Together, they will provide guidance to help you build, grow, and protect your business.
💼 Legal Launchpad: Business Formation & Risk Management
Presented by Korey Bahme, Bahme Law
Gain clarity on business structures, liability protection, and preventive legal strategies to set your business up for secure growth.
📈 The Growth Strategy: From Start-Up to Exit
Presented by Eric T. Whitmoyer, My Biz Coaches
Learn the six core competencies of successful businesses and how to scale from your first dollar to your first million—and beyond. Real strategies, real results.
💰 Financial Readiness: Wealth Building for Veterans
Presented by Michael Kreitinger, Liberty Star Wealth
Cut through the noise and learn how to build personal and business wealth with simple, veteran-focused investment and planning strategies.
🪙 The Financial Engine: Bookkeeping & Tax Foundations
Presented by Tom Murray, Arthur Bookkeeping & Tax
Master the basics of bookkeeping, taxes, and financial forecasting so you can take control of your cash flow and reduce tax-time stress.
🏢 Building Long-Term Security
Presented by Peter Salazar, CPA
Explore retirement planning and tax minimization strategies to strengthen your financial foundation and secure your future.

Meet the Panelists:


Eric T. Whitmoyer proudly served in the Army National Guard for almost 9 years.  He is also a best-selling author, speaker, inventor, former champion kickboxer, business strategist, and the Founder & CEO of My Biz Coaches which is based in Chandler, AZ, and is a national business coaching and consulting firm dedicated to helping entrepreneurs grow smarter and scale faster. With over 30 years of executive leadership & entrepreneurship (including 15 businesses), Eric brings proven expertise in sales, marketing, finance, operations, and strategic growth. Under his leadership, My Biz Coaches launched its Billion Dollar Mission: to help 1,000 small businesses profitably achieve $1 million in annual revenue. Eric and his team are passionate about educating business owners on the 6 Core Competencies to successful businesses and live by the motto: “From Start-Up to Exit, we are with you every step of the way.”

Korey Bahme founder of Bahme Law, is a dedicated Arizona attorney focused on empowering businesses with proactive legal counsel. A Florence native, she earned her law degree from Arizona State University and brings experience across business law, litigation, real estate, insurance, hospitality, and energy sectors. Korey’s background as in-house counsel and her versatile legal skills allow her to guide businesses of all sizes with strategic, preventive solutions. At Bahme Law, she is committed to helping clients minimize risk and achieve their vision for success.

Michael Kreitinger is the founder of Liberty Star Wealth and a U.S. Army veteran who now helps fellow veterans and business owners make smart, confident financial decisions. With a focus on practical support—not pressure—Michael partners with his clients to simplify investing, plan for the future, and build financial strategies that align with their goals. He brings a relatable, real-world approach to every conversation, helping other veteran entrepreneurs strengthen both their personal and business finances. 

Peter Salazar is a business owner, keynote speaker and workshop facilitator. He spent over 20 years in the corporate sector in senior finance roles. Today, he works with businesses to ensure they have a strong financial foundation. His focus is to minimize taxes and maximize retirement. He holds an MBA from ASU's WP Carey School of Business and a CPA designation.

Tom Murray is the founder and Chief Problem Solver at Arthur Bookkeeping & Tax, a veteran-owned firm based in Gilbert, Arizona. With over 15 years of experience in financial management, Tom specializes in providing small businesses and nonprofits with clarity, confidence, and control over their finances. As an Intuit Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor, he offers services ranging from virtual bookkeeping to strategic tax planning and financial forecasting. A proud U.S. Army veteran, Tom brings discipline and dedication to his work, helping fellow veterans and entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of financial management.

🧰 The Resource Briefing: Tools for the Veteran Business Journey
Presented by Dr. George Olander, Director, AZ VBOC Learn about Arizona's best-kept resources for veterans, spouses, and transitioning active-duty members. Discover grants, mentorships, and business-building services.

Speaker - Dr. George Olander


Dr. George Olander is the Director of the Arizona Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) for the State of Arizona, headquartered here in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Olander is a former Marine Corps Aviator and dedicated to assisting Veterans in the formation of Veteran owned businesses. Previously, Dr. Olander was a Finance Professor at Arizona State University, the Carey School of Business. Prior to joining ASU, Dr. Olander worked for over 30 years in Corporate Finance and Business Consulting. He brings the academic as well as practical experience to the role of VBOC Director. 
" The Resource Briefing: Tools for the Veteran Business Journey" 
Learn Arizona State resources offered to veterans, spouses, and transitioning active-duty members. 

 

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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.