The 3rd Annual Veterans Florida Expo will be a full-day virtual event on 24 June. The Expo is an opportunity for Veterans Florida to showcase the endless opportunities, resources, and benefits for military families to live and work in Florida. Through a series of panel discussions, guest speakers, interactive virtual booths, and the Battle of the Pitches, participants will be be able to network with veteran-friendly employers across a number of industries, get expert professional advice on a variety of topics for those seeking new opportunities, learn about resources for starting and growing a business and be inspired by veterans who are doing just that, and further learn why Florida is the best state for veterans. The Expo is free and is for currently serving military, transitioning military, veterans, military families, and employers seeking to hire more veterans.

This Town Hall session will feature a one-on-one discussion between FAVOB's Executive Director Barron Mills and the Executive Director of Veterans Florida, Joe Marino. They'll discuss the history and purpose of the Expo, how to best utilize the Expo's virtual format, and talk about the future of the Expo. Please click on this Zoom link in order to join the live session or watch it on our Facebook page.

Joe Marino is a West Point graduate and former US Army officer. During his time in the Army, he was a commissioned Air Defense Artillery Officer. Following his military service, Joe spent eight years working for the State of Florida in various capacities. Joe has been active in Florida Legislative policy regarding military, veteran and defense economic development issues since 2002. From 2002 to 2006, he also worked as a legislative analyst on the Florida House of Representatives Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. From 2006 to 2008, he was Deputy Legislative Affairs Director for the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, advocating for Veterans issues and the departmental budget. From 2008 to 2010, he was the Governor’s Office liaison to the state’s military installations and communities. Prior to his time with the State of Florida, Joe was a recruiter assisting separating military officers find employment with Fortune 500 companies. Joe founded a trade association in 2010 for Florida defense businesses working to improve their business climate in Florida and to connect defense businesses for opportunities all across the state.