Small Business Development Center to hold seminar on veterans' resources

The Illinois Small Business Development Center at McHenry County College is collaborating with Paulsen Productions and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Development to host From Service to Success from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 6 at the Shah Center, 4100 W. Shamrock Lane, McHenry.

This is a free seminar providing information regarding the resources available to assist area veterans and veteran business owners.

The event will provide an overview of the personal and business resources available to Illinois veterans. An in-depth discussion of veteran-related legislation and the impact to veteran-owned business will be provided by Gerald Paulsen, president/CEO of Paulsen Productions Inc. Paulsen is a founding member of the United States Association of Veterans in Business, a member of Vet-Force, board member of the American War Heroes Organization, and a 2008 SBA, Region V, Small Business Champion of the Year.

"This event is the result of hard work and collaboration of federal, state and local resources coming together to better serve the veteran community," said Mary Margaret Maule, coordinator of the ISBDC.

"Each presenter will also have informational displays and representatives to answer individual questions. We will be providing a complimentary breakfast and box lunches as well. This is our opportunity to thank our veterans for their service and sacrifices."

Participating agencies and organizations include United States Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs, Illinois Department of Central Management Services, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Illinois Procurement & Technical Assistance Center, Illinois Department of Employment Security, area legislators and Cardinal Health.

The daylong event is free, but registration is required. Seating is limited. Registration closes May 2. To register, call the ISBDC at (815) 455-6098 or e-mail sbdc@mchenry.edu.