Congresswoman Michele Bachmann Recognizes Veteran Small Business Owner

Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (MN-06) recognized Mark Ellson, of Woodbury, Minn. upon his graduation from the Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP) and his dedication to improving the lives of  veterans. Ellson, a Army combat and service disabled veteran, currently serves as the President and CEO of JEMINI Inc., a facility resource company that specializes in supplying paper, graphic imaging, facility maintenance, as well as packaging systems and design to their customers. Ellson has had more than 20 years of experience as a small business owner and chose to complete the VIP program in an effort to further expand his business and create more job opportunities for his fellow veterans.

“I applaud Mark’s dedication to his community as a small business owner and his commitment to our nation as a former military member,” said Bachmann. “At a time when Americans face a high unemployment rate and a dismal economic outlook, I encourage all of my constituents to, like Mark, find solutions that will put their fellow Americans back to work again. I am so proud to represent Mark Ellson in our nation’s capital and I wish him continued success as a small business owner.”

At the VIP graduation ceremony, Bachmann’s Legislative Assistant, Chase Kroll, presented Ellson with a copy of the official statement in the Congressional Record recognizing his achievements in the VIP program. The statement reads:

Mister Speaker, this month, veteran business owners from across the nation are receiving special training through the National Center for the Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP). Upon completion of this training, these veteran employers are equipped with the knowledge and skills to compete in the federal government contract process. Today it’s my honor to recognize one of those veterans, President and CEO of JEMNI Inc., Mark Ellson, of Woodbury, Minnesota upon his graduation from VIP.

As a small-business owner, Mark brings more than 20 years of experience to providing services and products for his customers. Mark was a perfect candidate for the VIP certification because of his distinction as an Army combat and service disabled veteran and his dedication to hiring other disabled veterans. VIP invests in veteran-owned businesses because they know owners, like Mark, will strongly consider hiring and mentoring a veteran for future business growth. This VIP certification strengthens Mark’s ability to secure federal government contracts that will grow his business, and in turn, increase job opportunities for veterans.

Mister Speaker, Mark’s dedication to veterans is admirable in every way and it is my sincere wish that the VIP certification will continue to create jobs for these heroes in Minnesota’s Sixth Congressional District and beyond. Please join me in congratulating Mark Ellson of JEMNI, Inc. on his graduation from the National Center for the Veteran Institute for Procurement.
The statement recognizing Ellson appeared in the Oct. 13 edition of the Congressional Record. The Congressional Record is the official record of the U.S. House of Representatives.

VIP is a program sponsored by Maryland’s Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce and is designed to help teach veterans how to navigate the federal contracting market as small business owners.