Luminary Global Endorsed by National Invest In Veterans Week® for Tampa Bay Chamber SBOY Award: A Model of Ethical Business Practices, Innovative Management, and Community Leadership

Luminary Global, co-founded by Valerie Ellis Lavin and Jeremy Lavin, is a remarkable company that embodies solid ethical business practices, effective management, operational excellence, innovation, and exceptional community leadership.

Valerie Ellis Lavin, a retired Army First Sergeant with over 21 years of service to her country, established Luminary Global with a mission to serve those who serve. Her passion for supporting veterans and everyday heroes is reflected in the company's philosophy of integrity, quality, and ethical business practices. Luminary Global prioritizes the needs of its clients and employees, ensuring a positive and productive work environment.

The company's management team is highly effective in setting business goals and planning for the future. Their operational management practices are efficient, ensuring personnel, profitability, and administrative processes are optimized. Luminary Global's use of innovative technology has enabled the company to adapt and respond to adversity, economic conditions, and competition.

Luminary Global's leadership philosophy centers on community contributions, including community service involvement, leadership, and corporate citizenship. Valerie and Jeremy are active members of state and local organizations advocating for veteran entrepreneurship. The company's community leadership has made a positive impact on the lives of veterans, military families, and everyday heroes.

Luminary Global's commitment to ethical business practices and exceptional management is evident in its operational excellence. The company's personnel are highly trained and motivated, ensuring customer satisfaction and profitability. The company's use of innovative technology has enabled it to stay ahead of the competition and respond effectively to economic challenges.

In addition to its business success, Luminary Global is a model of community leadership. Valerie and Jeremy are active volunteers in organizations advocating for veterans and military families. The company's commitment to corporate citizenship is evident in its support of community service projects and other charitable initiatives.

Luminary Global's exemplary performance in all these areas makes it a clear choice for the Tampa Bay Chamber Small Business of the Year (SBOY) award. We are confident that the company's history and philosophy, management, operational management, innovativeness, technology, response to adversity, and leadership philosophy will continue to guide its success in the future.

We applaud Luminary Global's dedication to quality, integrity, and support for heroes - both professional and everyday individuals. Their commitment to serving those who serve sets an example for other businesses to follow. We are honored to endorse Luminary Global and its founders for their unwavering commitment to ethical business practices, operational excellence, innovation, and community leadership.

Endorsement: Aaron Jones for the Walter Payton NFL "Man of the Year" Award

Drayton Florence is a former NFL player and co-founder of National Invest In Veterans Week® an organization that advocates for veteran business development. He is also a champion for veteran-focused initiatives and has received numerous awards for his advocacy work.

As a co-founder of National Invest In Veterans Week® it is my honor to endorse Aaron Jones for the Walter Payton NFL "Man of the Year" award. Jones' commitment to his community and his work with military veterans exemplify the values that the award represents.

The connection between the military and the National Football League is a strong one. Many NFL players have served in the military or have family members who have served. The discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills learned in the military translate well to the football field, and the NFL recognizes the sacrifices and contributions of military veterans.

Jones' work with his charitable organization, A&A All The Way Foundation, focuses on impacting the lives of children and military families. This work is especially meaningful to me as a veteran myself, and I have seen firsthand the impact that organizations like A&A All The Way Foundation can have on the lives of those who have served our country.

Through his foundation, Jones and his brother have hosted events like charity softball games and turkey giveaways, raising funds for programs that focus on youth recreation and fitness, children's basic needs, and military families. This kind of community engagement is essential to creating positive change and supporting those who need it most.

Jones' commitment to veterans extends beyond his foundation work as well. He has participated in the NFL's Salute to Service initiative, which honors military veterans and their families. He has also visited troops overseas and spoken about the importance of supporting veterans in his interviews with the media.

As someone who has dedicated his post-football career to supporting veteran business development and advocating for veteran-focused initiatives, I know firsthand the importance of having allies in the NFL community who are committed to this work. Jones' dedication to veterans and military families makes him a valuable asset to the NFL and the wider community.

It is my hope that the NFL will recognize Jones' contributions by awarding him the Walter Payton NFL "Man of the Year" award. This award is not just a recognition of Jones' achievements on the field but also a celebration of his commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

I believe that Jones' work with A&A All The Way Foundation and his dedication to veterans make him a deserving candidate for the award. His example can inspire others to get involved in their communities and support those who have sacrificed so much for our country.

Thank you for considering my endorsement of Aaron Jones for the Walter Payton NFL "Man of the Year" award.

Sincerely,

Drayton Florence Co-Founder, National Invest In Veterans Week®

National Invest In Veterans Week® 2023 Celebrates Award-Winning Individuals and Organizations for Supporting Veteran Empowerment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

National Invest In Veterans Week® 2023, a week-long celebration dedicated to promoting veteran entrepreneurship, employment, education, social impact, and advocacy, has recognized outstanding individuals and organizations for their significant contributions and impact in these areas.

The awards were presented during National Invest In Veterans Week®, which took place from March 6 to March 12, 2023. The awardees were recognized for their unwavering support of veteran entrepreneurship, raising awareness about the issues affecting veteran employment, outstanding success, innovation, and impact in their industry, commitment to empowering veterans through education, training, and other support services, significant social impact through their programs and initiatives, dynamic social media content advocating for and promoting the well-being and success of veterans, and consistent and effective advocacy for veterans' issues and needs.

The awardees are as follows:

• Champion of Veterans Entrepreneurship Award: Governor Greg Gianforte

• Trailblazer in Veteran Hiring Award: Bruce Thompson

• Veterans in Business Excellence Award: JDog Brands

• Empowerment Through Education Award: Action Zone Tampa

• Social Impact Action of the Week Award: A&A All The Way Foundation

• Social Media Influencer of the Week Award: EnergyUnited

• Veteran Advocate of the Week Award: Dana Nessel, Michigan Attorney General

"These awards reflect the significant contributions of individuals and organizations to the veteran business community and their ongoing commitment to supporting and empowering veterans," said Lonnell McCall, Director of Advocacy for National Invest In Veterans Week®." National Invest In Veterans Week® continues to celebrate these achievements and inspire others to join the movement towards a more inclusive and supportive community for veterans."

National Invest In Veterans Week® 2023 was a remarkable success, with events and activities that helped aspiring veteran business owners gain valuable insights, network with other entrepreneurs, and access the resources they need to grow their businesses. It was an inspiring demonstration of the power of community and collaboration, and it serves as a shining example of how we can all work together to support our nation's veterans and their families.

2023 Awardees Bios:

Governor Greg Gianforte was awarded the Champion of Veterans Entrepreneurship Award for his unwavering support of veteran entrepreneurship. His advocacy for policies and initiatives that promote small business ownership and economic empowerment has been a driving force behind the success of many veteran-owned businesses.

Bruce Thompson was awarded the Trailblazer in Veteran Hiring Award for his work in raising awareness about the issues affecting veteran employment and providing resources to help veterans manage these issues. His efforts have inspired many to follow in his footsteps and create more opportunities for veterans in the workforce.

JDog Brands was awarded the Veterans in Business Excellence Award for their outstanding success, innovation, and impact in their industry. As a veteran-owned business, JDog Brands has inspired and empowered other veterans to pursue entrepreneurship, making a significant contribution to the veteran business community.

Action Zone Tampa was awarded the Empowerment Through Education Award for their commitment to empowering veterans through education, training, and other support services. Their efforts have helped veterans transition into civilian life and achieve their goals, making a positive impact on their lives and their communities.

A&A All The Way Foundation was awarded the Social Impact Action of the Week Award for their significant social impact through their programs and initiatives. This civilian-led organization has created positive change in the veteran business community and beyond, inspiring others to follow their lead.

EnergyUnited was awarded the Social Media Influencer of the Week Award for their dynamic social media content advocating for and promoting the well-being and success of veterans. Their efforts have inspired and empowered others to support and uplift veterans, creating a more positive and inclusive community.

Dana Nessel, Michigan Attorney General, was awarded the Veteran Advocate of the Week Award for her consistent and effective advocacy for veterans' issues and needs. Her efforts have made a significant impact on improving the lives of veterans and their families, and she has been a longtime supporter of National Invest in Veterans Week®.

These awards reflect the significant contributions of individuals and organizations to the veteran business community and their ongoing commitment to supporting and empowering veterans. National Invest in Veterans Week® continues to celebrate these achievements and inspire others to join the movement towards a more inclusive and supportive community for veterans.

National Invest In Veterans Week® 2023 was a remarkable success, with events and activities that helped aspiring veteran business owners gain valuable insights, network with other entrepreneurs, and access the resources they need to grow their businesses. It was an inspiring demonstration of the power of community and collaboration, and it serves as a shining example of how we can all work together to support our nation's veterans and their families.

For more information on National Invest In Veterans Week® 2023 and how you can get involved, visit the official website at www.investinveteransweek.com.