\nHear from a panel of experts and veteran-owned business owners. They&rsquo\;ll highlight their veteran experience\, business experience\, and how the Chamber community could help all veterans.
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\nPanelists:\n
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- Laura Dean\, Alaska&rsquo\;s only Certified Military Financial Advisor \n
- Billy Hughes\, \;Tundra Testing \n
- Megan Militello\, Supply Chain Optimization Manager at Alaska MEP\, Founder of Elevated Oats and Elevated Community. \n
- Matthew Worden\, CEO of GoHikeAlaska \n
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\nBilly Hughes\, Realtor
\nGrowing up in Anchorage\, Alaska\, within a military family\, I cultivated resilience and a love for the outdoors alongside three sisters and a brother. Alaska&rsquo\;s diverse cultures and natural beauty instilled a deep connection to nature\, while experiences like deployments and personal challenges shaped a commitment to family values. Now\, as my family expands with the recent addition of a daughter\, they fuel my unyielding pursuit of success. Beyond the personal\, my engagement with the community reflects a belief in empowerment through empathy and mentorship. Volunteering for suicide prevention organizations exemplifies my dedication to uplifting the community\, guided by the philosophy that a strong community fosters collective well-being. Holistic health\, with daily routines emphasizing both physical and mental well-being\, is not just a personal commitment but a positive influence on those around me. Unwavering ethics is at the core of my interactions\, anchored in transparency and accountability\, reflecting the belief that trust is a daily practice and a catalyst for positive outcomes.
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\nMegan Militello \;is the Supply Chain Optimization Manager at the Alaska Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)\, where she leverages her expertise to support and enhance the operational efficiency of Alaska&rsquo\;s manufacturers. A former Army Air Traffic Controller and the founder of Elevated Oats\, Megan combines her military discipline with entrepreneurial experience to drive impactful solutions in the manufacturing sector. Passionate about empowering businesses\, she brings a unique perspective on resilience\, adaptability\, and growth to veteran-owned enterprises in Alaska.
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Matthew Worden
\nHey! My name is Matt\, and I love exploring the Alaskan wilderness with my own two feet. I live in Anchorage Alaska with my partner\, Brandi\, and daughter\, Norah. I have two funny cats named Peat and Moss. Outside family life\, I own two tour operations in the Anchorage area\, Go Hike Alaska and Lifetime Adventures.
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\nGo Hike Alaska\, offers world-class guided day hiking and backpacking tours in the Chugach State Park just to the east of Anchorage. Lifetime Adventures is located at majestic Eklutna Lake just north of Anchorage. We rent bikes and kayaks\, host groups\, and provide guided activities at the lake.
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\nI have a pretty diverse background. I'\;ve been a paperboy\, culinary expert\, C-5 aircraft mechanic in the United States Air Force\, loan servicer\, and grant funds manager. I also hold a Master of Business Administration from Alaska Pacific University. I believe in following your dreams\, and finding happiness with your work. As the old saying goes\, "\;If you are happy doing what you do\, you will never work another day in your life."\; It took me 4 decades\, but I think I'\;ve found my fortune.
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\nMy three rules for being successful in the wilderness:
\n#1 - Look Good
\n#2 - Feel Good
\n#3 - Safety
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\nSee you on the trail!
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