The Pittsburgh City Council met yesterday to discuss legislation introduced last week by Councilwoman Theresa Kail-Smith and Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl that would set a goal of awarding 5 percent of city contracts to veteran-owned businesses.

NaVOBA showed up in full force to support the measure with national spokesman Rocky Bleier leading the charge. NaVOBA member Bob Delucia, owner of the Star Transportation Group followed Bleier and Matthew Pavelek, NaVOBA director of communications, also testified during the public comment phase as well as the discussion  phase preceding the vote.

The efforts were successful and support for the bill was overwhelming as the council voted unanimously to pass the legislation. In fact, eight members of the nine-member council asked to be listed as a co-sponsor. There were some clarifications requested to amend the final passed version, namely that the 5 percent goal be a mandate, not a goal.

Pittsburgh now joins a growing list of vetrepreneur-friendly cities across the country. Is your city vetrepreneur-friendly? If not, it should be. If it is we need to know about it.

To share a program or to learn how to affect change in your hometown, send an email to localtracker@navoba.com.

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