Signalink earns cert in veteran procurement

MADISON – Signalink Inc. has earned certification from the Veteran’s Institute of Procurement GROW program or VIP.

Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation in Rockville, Md. sponsors VIP GROW. “VIP GROW is a comprehensive training and certification program that helps veteran-owned businesses strengthen their ability to win government contracts and do business with both military and civilian agencies they once served in uniform,” Signalink CEO Alice Lessmann said.

On March 22, Signalink was one of 50 businesses from 18 states to graduate from VIP GROW. Program officials held a special reception to celebrate the 1000th VIP Graduate. Sponsors, partners, alumni, prime government contractors, along with federal, state and local government representatives, attended the milestone ceremony.

“VIP Grow is an outstanding executive level training program focused on the federal procurement process,” Lessmann said. This program, taught by experienced industry and government professionals, will be invaluable in helping Signalink reach the next plateau.”

VIP GROW is the first program of its kind in the nation. Professional subject-matter specialists explain the essentials in winning government contracts: law, accounting, insurance, human resources, marketing and proposals.

“Veteran-owned businesses are more likely to hire, mentor and train other war veterans as they transition to private life, which is a national priority,” Barbara Ashe said. Ashe is President of Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation. “We are honored to give back to men and women who served our country by providing them with the tools necessary to succeed as government contractors.”

VIP GROW certification requires three-day, 27-hour training. Participants must be a C-level leader in a veteran-owned small business that has operated two years minimum with three employees minimum. Volunteer instructors conduct sessions with no cost to participants.

For more information, call Lessmann at 256-715-6744 or visit signalink.net. For information on VIP, call Barbara Ashe at 301-738-0015, ext. 215, email bashe@mcccmd.com or visit NationalVip.org.