Deputy Asst. Sec. of the Navy Dennis Biddick to Speak at Military Business & Community Expo

April 30, 2012 - PRLog -- CAMARILLO, CALIF.--Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Reserve Affairs Dennis Biddick will be the keynote speaker at the 5th Annual Military Business & Community Expo, May 8, at the Ventura County Office of Education Conference Center (5100 Adolfo Rd., Camarillo). As part of his duties, Biddick is principal advisor on policy and program matters relating to Navy and Marine Corps Reserve personnel and programs. He oversees manpower and personnel issues that impact the balance between the military, civilians and contractors.

   Biddick has roots in Ventura County. In the mid-1990s, he was executive officer for the Naval Construction Battalion Center at Port Hueneme, heading the efforts to regionalize the installation with Naval Air Station, Port Mugu to eventually form the current Naval Base Ventura County.

   Other presentations at the conference include "Your Navy in Ventura County - NBVC" luncheon presentation by Captain Lawrence R. Vasques, United States Navy, commanding officer, Naval Base Ventura County, "How to Become a Navy Contractor", "Employing Military Job-Seekers," "Interactive Briefing on Future Training Techniques" and a panel discussion on “The Future of Unmanned Systems: Military and Civilian Uses." Nearly 30 exhibitors will also be on hand.

   The expo is hosted by the Ventura County Economic Development Association (VCEDA),    TRIAD, Santa Barbara & Channel Islands Navy Leagues and the Regional Defense Partnership for the 21st Century. Sponsors are the Ventura County Community College District, Workforce Investment Board of Ventura County, Ventura County Star, Pacific Coast Business Times and Signs Pacific.
   
    A simultaneous free job fair will feature local employers, staffing services and Navy base employment opportunities. The job fair is designed to align potential candidates to positions open on base and throughout the community. Veterans who are currently looking for employment are encouraged to attend but all job seekers are welcome.  Job fair hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Those who participate can attend a free seminar, "How to Get A Job On Base" from 10:30 a.m. to 11:55 a.m. and again at 1:30 p.m. to 2:55 p.m. The speaker is Ed Vicuna, director of human resources for Naval Base Ventura County.

"The Navy base is Ventura County's largest employer with over 18,000 military and civilian personnel,” said Bill Buratto, president of VCEDA and chair of the Military Expo Planning Committee. "It also supports thousands of off-base jobs. It plays a critical role in our county's economy."

   Expo and job fair hours are 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Admission to the expo and conference is $50. Admission includes access to all exhibitors, presentations, workshops and expo continental breakfast and lunch. To register online, go to http://www.militarybizexpo.com.