Network seeks to promote veteran-owned businesses

Ten years after concluding her own tour of duty in the U.S. Army, business owner Tina Keeley likened current business conditions to a "war zone." And so she took action founding Northern Nevada

Association of Professional Veterans.

The goal is to promote companies run by military veterans, along with their products and services. Job one is to publish a business directory.

"People like to do business with a military background," she says, "because veterans continue to live and breathe the values they learned while serving their country: dedication, sacrifice and respect."

Keeley served from 1993 to 1997 as an Arabic linguist. She now owns American Qualitees, a promotional products company in Reno.

Keeley contacted every organization in town that dealt with veterans 16 in all and asked to have a notice put in their newsletters.

"I started a week ago and the response has been phenomenal," she says.

An organizational meeting is set for 2 p.m. May 31, open to all interested veterans, active duty personnel,

National Guard members and military spouses. Keeley expects an initial turnout of 200.

In addition to promoting veteran-owned businesses, Keeley hopes the group will also raise funds for military families suffering hardship personal or financial due to the absence or injury of a parent or spouse.

For information, visit Web site nnapv.bravehost.com or call 857-2850.