Join us September 17th as we celebrate the official launch of the Tampa Chapter of the Florida Association of Veteran Owned Businesses (FAVOB).
Schedule to join:
3:30 to 4:00 Open Networking
4:00 to 4:30 / 4:45 Keynote Speakers
5:00 to 5:30 Open Networking
The purpose behind FAVOB is to promote and unite the established and start-up businesses that are owned by Veterans and Disabled Veterans and to increase awareness of the organization at the city, county, state and federal levels.
Attendees can engage with fellow Veteran business owners and Veteran supporters from Tampa as well as from across the State of Florida.
This is a great opportunity for networking by joining our live zoom event for more in-depth conversations.
---> Join the Event Here
Inspiring Keynotes with:
Mayor Jane Castor
Jane Castor is the 59th Mayor of the City of Tampa. Born and raised in Tampa Florida, Jane graduated from Chamberlain High School and attended the University of Tampa on an athletic scholarship.
She went on to join the Tampa Police Department and worked her way from a beat cop to Tampa’s first female Chief of Police. She served for six years in that role, helping reduce major crimes 70% citywide. She played a key role in ensuring safety during the 2012 Republican National Convention, the first Bollywood Awards held in America, and she oversaw a multi-jurisdiction security plan for Super Bowl XLIII.
In 2019, Jane was elected as the first openly gay mayor in the City of Tampa. Since then, she has passed the city’s largest water/wastewater infrastructure plan (PIPES), launched her Transforming Tampa’s Tomorrow Advisory Teams, and passed the first budget starting in the black since the great recession.
Jane currently resides in Seminole Heights with her longtime partner, Ana Cruz, and her two sons Sergei and Seely.
Marine Corps Major General James S. “Hammer” Hartsell (ret.)
Retired Marine Corps Maj. Gen. James Hartsell is Deputy Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The agency operates a network of seven state veterans’ homes and provides statewide outreach to connect Florida’s more than 1.5 million veterans with their earned services, benefits and support. He was appointed to his present position in April 2019. Hartsell served as an Enlisted Marine in the Reserves from 1981-83, and then was commissioned as an officer serving on Active Duty from 1983-1994. He then transitioned to the Reserves where he was mobilized for the following Operations; Iraqi Freedom I - 2003, Iraqi Freedom II - 2004, and Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan – 2009-10. As a General Officer he served as the Deputy Commanding General (Mobilization) I Marine Expeditionary Force and 1st Marine Brigade, as the Commanding General of the 4th Marine Division, and as the Mobilization Assistant to the Commander of the United States Pacific Command (USPACOM) where he served as the J5 Strategic Plans & Policy, the Chief of Staff, and as the Director of the Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies. The general’s awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star and Combat Action Ribbons for combat in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He is also a Marine Corps Distinguished Pistol Shooter. His civilian career while serving in the Reserves was focused on the health care industry with U.S. and global business responsibilities in the orthopedic implant business, in hospital administration, and in health care leadership. Upon retirement after 37 years of honorable and faithful service to our nation "Hammer" served as the Director of Future Operations for the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. 18 moths ago he joined the FDVA team serving our state's great Veterans.
Vincent Jackson
Vincent Jackson is a 12-year NFL Veteran and had joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2012. As a child of military serving parents, he moved around quite a bit including a three-year tour overseas in Europe before settling in Colorado Springs. There he attended Widefield H.S. and graduated 4th in his class with a 4.1 GPA. He was an academic and athletic scholarship student at the University of Northern Colorado where he studied Business and played both Football and Basketball. After an All-American collegiate career, Vincent was drafted in 2005 by the San Diego Chargers and joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2012.
He has been selected to three Pro Bowls, is a 4-time ‘Man of The Year’ recipient, and the won the 2016 USAA National Salute to Service Award for his work with Military Families through his Jackson In Action 83 Foundation.
As a self-claimed entrepreneur, Vincent owns seven restaurants, recently ran two Orange Theory Fitness studios, but focuses the majority of his time on his passion for Development.
In 2012 he co-founded CTV Capital. As the Chief Executive Officer, Vincent is involved in acquisitions, operations, marketing and managing its companies for growth and success. His vision and intuition have been instrumental for the expansion of the business. The South Tampa Chamber of Commerce recently recognized him as the ‘Citizen of the Year.’ Vincent lives in Tampa full-time with his wife Lindsey and three children: Carter, Amaya, and Dominick.
Join via Zoom here at 3:30!
