New England Veterans Chamber of Commerce (NEVCC)  wants to hear from military-involved business owners

BELCHERTOWN—The founder of the New England Veterans Chamber of Commerce (NEVCC), which serves businesses owned by veterans, active military, the National Guard, the United States Reserves, and their family members, throughout New England, wants to hear from its constituents.

As the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) sweeps across the country, temporarily shuttering businesses and devastating the economy, the founder of NEVCC wants to hear from military-involved business owners in hopes the nonprofit may be able to offer an assist.

“We understand we are in a time where there are unknowns, and we have a lot to figure out,” said NEVCC Executive Director Lisa Ducharme of Belchertown, who created the organization a year ago to connect the 140,000 military-owned businesses in New England to one another.

“We want to be able to help military and veteran businesses in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont,” she added. “We have many resources. I don’t know that we can help everyone, but we have resources, and we would like to see how we can work together to manage problems.”

Ducharme can be reached at Lisa@NEVCC.org.

While she has seen no official reports on how small business owners are being impacted by the virus, she is sure there is indeed impact. 

A retired United States Air Force veteran, Ducharme created NEVCC under the umbrella of the United States Veterans Chamber of Commerce, (USVCC,) which assists military-involved business owners with advertising, advocacy, and networking.  NEVCC offers the same services.

Ducharme is the daughter of a retired Air Force Vietnam veteran, a retired Air Force veteran herself, and the mother of a retired Army veteran. She holds a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism management with a concentration on event planning from University of Massachusetts, Amherst, a master’s degree in public administration from Westfield State University, and several certifications. 

Ducharme now serves as the veteran and military service coordinator at Westfield State University.

To learn more about NEVCC or its member businesses, visit www.NEVCC.org.

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New England Veterans Chamber of Commerce is based in Belchertown

BELCHERTOWN—A retired United States Air Force veteran has created a nonprofit called New England Veterans Chamber of Commerce (NEVCC), under the umbrella of the United States Veterans Chamber of Commerce. NEVCC caters to businesses owned by veterans of the military, active military, the National Guard, the United States Reserves, and their family members, throughout New England.

NEVCC Executive Director Lisa Ducharme of Belchertown created the organization a year ago to connect the 140,000 military-owned businesses in New England to one another and to provide them with resources.

The NEVCC assists military-involved business owners with advertising, advocacy, and networking. “We have designed a campaign to bring attention to our businesses to help with awareness and experience business growth,” Ducharme said. “We collaborate throughout New England with organizations including the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center, Quabbin Mediation, SCORE, the Small Business Administration, VETRN Streetwise MBA, and the Veteran Business Outreach Centers.” 

“We are not reinventing the wheel. We are always looking for resources and ways to help our businesses who are military-connected,” Ducharme added. “One of the most important things I learned is that no one can do it alone.”  

Currently, Ducharme is focused on a “Buy from a Veteran-Owned Business New England” campaign with the tagline, “Thank you for your service. Buy veteran-owned.” The goal is to raise awareness of veteran-owned and active military businesses. 

“I hope to help create communities that connect military-owned businesses together,” Ducharme said. “I also want to host events, including military-connected business expos, round table conversations, networking events, and also be a part of job fairs, military appreciation events, and Veteran Small Town Expos.”  

“If you are looking for a veteran-owned business and can’t find one, email us at Lisa@NEVCC.org, and we will help you find them,” Ducharme said. 

Ducharme is also looking for people to mentor veteran business owners or host events or workshops for veteran-owned businesses. “We are always looking for networking opportunities for our veterans and business owners,” she said.

Sharing posts about veteran-owned businesses on social media is also encouraged; NEVCC will use the hashtags #BuyVOBNE and #BuyveteranNE. On Facebook and Twitter, search for @NEVCC2018, and, on LinkedIn, new-england-veterans-chamber-of-commerce.

“Partner with a veteran-owned business, not just in November,” said Ducharme, adding, “Hire a veteran. In Massachusetts, in our career centers, there are representatives who help veterans find jobs.”

Veteran business owners are invited to visit www.NEVCC.org.

Ducharme is the daughter of a retired Air Force Vietnam veteran, a retired Air Force veteran herself, and the mother of a retired Army veteran. “I know first-hand the challenges veterans face when separating from the military and how difficult it is to find a job,” she said. “Those who want to start their own businesses often don’t know where to go or how to start. There are so many resources available to veterans it is easy to get lost and give up and say, ‘I’ll do it on my own.’” 

Ducharme holds a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism management with a concentration on event planning from University of Massachusetts, Amherst, a master’s degree in public administration from Westfield State University, and several certifications. She served as executive assistant to the vice president of development at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, where she learned about fundraising. 

Ducharme works on the NEVCC nights, weekends, and holidays. She also serves as the veteran and military service coordinator at Westfield State University.

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Founder Jordie Kern said Northampton native Susie McCrea was hired recently to assist the team in recruitment and strategic planning for the expansion of 7 Eagle Group. McCrea joins four other local staff members: Kern; Chris Caffrey, a former captain in the U.S. Marine Corp; Bob Clark; and Lorrie Dragon, a U.S. Army veteran. David Davidson, a retired U.S. Navy SEAL, of Stuart, Fla., and Megan Johnson of Queens, N.Y., work remotely for the firm.

“Our growth allows us to better serve our clients across the country who are interested in connecting with America’s highly qualified military veterans,” Kern said.

“Our military veterans are dedicated, loyal, multi-skilled and have can-do attitudes,” Kern added. “They have risked their lives for our freedom and deserve our support in finding them great careers that match their talents.”

McCrea said, “We assist military veterans employed in the civilian workplace to secure even better positions that align with their talents. 7 Eagle Group also partners with veterans transitioning from the military to ensure that they are placed in the best job possible. It’s a win-win for both the employer and the military veteran.”

Employers and veterans seeking more information can visit www.7eagle.com or contact McCrea at 413-537-4083.

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The 9K race is held annually in honor of veterans struggling with PTSD, brain injuries or other invisible war wounds. All proceeds raised through the event are designated for clinical care provided to veterans and their families at the Home Base clinic in Boston.

NeJame will run on the course through scenic Boston and is excited that the race ends with the unforgettable experience of crossing home plate in historic Fenway Park. Friends and family can cheer on their loved ones from the stands, and, as a longtime Red Sox fan, this was a motivator for NeJame in taking part.

NeJame also has friends in the military, and he was inspired to raise money for this specific cause. “The thought that some soldiers come home to family, to friends, to their communities, and they are unable to adjust to civilian life is a sad fact,” he said. “I want to give back by running for the men and women who risk their lives and make such a large sacrifice for our country.”

The race takes place on Saturday, July 25. NeJame hopes to raise $750 by July 20.

For more information or to donate, contact NeJame at 413-588-7703 or robeynejame@gmail.com.

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