Mazel Tov to my friend, Moe Vela, on his upcoming book launch – "Little Secret Big Dreams"

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Little Secret Big Dreams is the real-life story of Moe Vela’s upbringing in a Hispanic, Catholic home in deep south Texas as the son of a pioneer family. Moe’s story is that of perseverance and survival when everything you know and love tells you that who you are is wrong. Join Moe on his journey as he comes to own his “little secret,” and launch himself on a journey to become the first Hispanic American and first Gay American to serve two senior executive roles in the White House. From growing up and learning to love and accept his little secret, the author takes us on a historic journey to influence major public policy, get inside the top circles of government, and to live the American dream. We get an insider’s perspective of life inside the White House, on the campaign trail and in the lives of some of our nation’s greatest leaders. Little Secret Big Dreams provides readers with a unique and personal perspective into American history and motivates us all to live our truth, celebrate our own worth, love without limitation and laugh as often and loudly as possible.

Pre-order on Amazon.com!

West Rogers Park – Well Represented At The White House!

Friends and Neighbors:

 

It was an honor to represent the Jewish Community Council of West Rogers Park at the White House annual Chanukah reception. My wife, Elisheva, and I received a call and invitation with just days advance notice and made quick arrangements to travel to Washington DC.

 

The special guest at this year’s reception was Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin. This 15-minute video of President Obama, President Rivlin, and the candle-lighting ceremony captures some of the excitement (although the Maccabeats performance was not included).

 

I also attended the Jewish Community Policy Briefing on a variety of topics with representatives from the State Department and National Security Council earlier in the day. 

 

During my brief interaction with President and First Lady Obama, we discussed West Rogers Park and he shared fond memories of our neighborhood and encouraged our leaders to “keep up the good work”. Joined at the White House by Rabbi Leonard Matanky, our neighborhood was well represented!

 

Shalom Klein

Jewish Community Council of West Rogers Park

Briefings in the Indian Treaty Room at the White House

Our 3rd annual Jewish B2B Networking / Small Business Advocacy Council Washington DC delegation photos

Visit to the White House Bowling Alley
Visit to the White House Bowling Alley

 

meeting with office of Us Representative Tammy Duckworth
meeting with office of Us Representative Tammy Duckworth
Washington DC dinner meeting at Elis Kosher
Washington DC dinner meeting at Elis Kosher
at our joint Chicago DC business networking event
at our joint Chicago DC business networking event
with the office of US Senator Dick Durbin
with the office of US Senator Dick Durbin
on the Senate Subway
on the Senate Subway
morning briefing with Avi Jorisch
morning briefing with Avi Jorisch
with House Small Business Committee staff
with House Small Business Committee staff
with the office of US Senator Mark Kirk
with the office of US Senator Mark Kirk
with Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky
with Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky

Quick stop at President Obama's limo

Quick stop at President Obama’s limo
with good friend, Avi Jorisch
with good friend, Avi Jorisch
Meetings at the White House
Meetings at the White House
Kicking off a briefing at the Embassy of Israel in Washington DC
Kicking off a briefing at the Embassy of Israel in Washington DC
with Economic Minister Eli Groner
with Economic Minister Eli Groner
Hanging out with fellow Jewish B2B Networkers
Hanging out with fellow Jewish B2B Networkers
with Representative Brad Schneider
with Representative Brad Schneider
White House with Jewish B2B Networking

Enjoy this 2012 blog post on Jewish B2B Networking's visit to Washington DC and the White House: Intechnic’s CEO Invited to the White House & Congress

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I recently traveled to Washington DC with a group of prominent Chicago business owners and executives to participate in a series of meetings with members of the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as the White House Administration. The delegation was set up as a collaborative effort for Chicago’s business leaders to voice their thoughts and share ideas amongst each other, and with top decision makers in our nation’s capital.Intechnics CEO Andrew Kucheriavy White House

The day started with a coffee reception at the U.S. Capitol with U.S. Senator Richard Durbin and U.S. Senator Mark Kirk’s senior staff.  Among topics discussed with Senator Richard Durbin were Health Care Reform, China’s influence on the U.S. Economy, SOPA and PIPA legislation, and other important businesses-related issues in the U.S.  I must say that many in the room were pleasantly surprised by the Senator’s concrete positions on controversial issues that he openly shared and opened for debate.

US Capitol

Unfortunately, Senator Mark Kirk was not able to participate due to health reasons, so Deputy Legislative Director Andria Winters expressed the Senator’s position on many of the same issues, and took questions from the delegation on his behalf. The meeting at the U.S. Capitol was followed by meetings at the Cannon Office Building with the U.S. Rep. Robert Dold and U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky.   U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu (Louisiana) who is the Chairman of the Senate Small Business Committee lead a fantastic discussion on tax policy.

the white house

The White House welcomed the Chicago Delegation with a discussion session and panel consisting of government officials from the President’s Obama administration and other government agencies, including Ari Matusiak, Executive Director, White House Business Council; Jonathan Greenblatt, Director, Office of Social Innovation and Civic Participation; Greg Nelson, Deputy Director, Office of Public Engagement;  Stephen Leeds, Senior Counselor to the Administrator, General Services Administration; Ann Kalayil, Regional Administrator for the Great Lakes Region, General Services Administration;  Jerry Flavin, Assistant Administrator for Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, Small Business Administration; and Jiyoung Park, Associate Administrator, Office of Small Business Utilization, General Services Administration.

Andrew Kucheriavy White House, West Wing

The discussions focused on innovation and social stewardship/responsibility in business, business growth/opportunities, followed by a fascinating conversation on Health Care Reform with Sol Ross, Director of Business Outreach, Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs, Department of Health and Human Services.

Despite the very packed agenda and a rainy DC weather, the delegation managed to cover most of the capital for meetings with many senior Congressional and Administration officials.  At the end of the day, everyone’s voice was heard and every opinion was expressed.  Special thanks to Shalom Klein and JB2BN for organizing this amazing event.

Jewish B2B Networking / Small Business Advocacy Council – Mission to Washington DC

White House

Jewish B2B Networking with the Small Business Advocacy Council at The White House!
Israel briefing
A very informative briefing with Noam Katz, the Minister of Public Diplomacy from the State of Israel, was scheduled as well. Everyone enjoyed his talk and the follow-up discussion.
U.S. House Small Business Committee
presenting our proposal on tax reform to the U.S. House Small Business Committee
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky addressing Jewish B2B Networking and Small Business Advocacy Council Washington visitors..
Small Business Committee
A rare joint discussion meeting between the Republican staff on the House Small Business Committee and the Democrat staff on the Senate Small Business Committee, listening to Jewish B2B Networking business owners.
Small Business Administration
We had two hours of briefings from Small Business Administration senior officials on access to capital, international trade, government contracting, support available to start-ups, and the Affordable Care Act. The Department of Defense came in to meet with our group too!
Despite the weather, a large group of small business leaders made it out to Washington DC to advocate on important initiatives and legislation.
Despite the weather, a large group of small business leaders made it out to Washington DC to advocate on important initiatives and legislation.
Washington DC

A group of Jewish B2B Networking and Small Business Advocacy Council enjoying dinner in Washington DC… networking and discussing policy initiatives.