VBC Annual Breakfast Honoring Veterans

The Veterans Business Council of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce invites all who support Veterans to its annual breakfast honoring Veterans. This morning of connection and camaraderie will feature a short formal program to recognize scholarship recipients and a keynote, along with a fantastic opportunity for networking. The VBC Annual Breakfast is a fundraiser for the Veterans Business Council, which works to provide scholarship opportunities and career connections for Veterans.

2026 Event Details:

Wednesday, November 4
Holiday Inn - Saratoga Springs
$45 per person
Register in advance here
Check-in opens at 7:45 a.m.
Breakfast and Program - 8a - 9:15a

Program to feature a keynote address by Garry R. White, Rear Admiral (Ret.), United States Navy and President, Excelsior Enterprises

Sponsorship opportunities are also available by contacting Greg Dixon at gdixon@saratoga.org.

Register today!

*Please use the guest option on the right if you are not a current member of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

About the 2026 VBC Breakfast Keynote Speaker

Garry R. White

Rear Admiral (Ret.), United States Navy
President, Excelsior Enterprises

Rear Admiral Garry R. White is President of Excelsior Enterprises, a diverse consulting and investment firm. In this capacity he draws on his years of experience as a Corporate Executive and Military Leader to benefit Executive and Corporate Clients. In addition to Executive Coaching, he uses his broad and extensive expertise to provide specific technical assistance to a wide variety of customers. Previously, Admiral White served as President of The Light Connection, a fiber optic cable manufacturer; Vice Chairman and Consultant to Busek Incorporated, an advanced Space Propulsion and Systems company; and the Global General Manager of Terex Utilities, leading an international utility equipment construction business.

Admiral White graduated from the State University of New York with a Degree in Biology and started his professional career in retail business management. He was Commissioned a Naval Officer and after flight training was designated a Naval Aviator, subsequently Flying Advanced Fighter Aircraft. Admiral White attended the Naval Fighter Weapons School, “TOPGUN”, and was designated an Adversary Instructor teaching advanced Fighter Tactics. Upon selection to be Aide to Commander in Chief Allied Forces Southern Europe and Commander in Chief US Naval Forces Europe; he served in the NATO headquarters, Naples, Italy and the U.S. Navy Headquarters in London, England. During Operational F/A-18 Command, Admiral White participated in Operation Southern Watch in Iraq, contingency planning in support of the International Atomic Energy Agency negotiations with Korea, was the OIC for Exercise Inspired Alert in Pakistan, and was the Senior Battle Group Liaison Officer to Australia.

Admiral White was then assigned to the Pentagon in Washington, DC after which he commenced Nuclear Power Training and was Certified to Operate a Nuclear Reactor. As Commanding Officer of the USS ARCTIC, he deployed to the Mediterranean/North Seas and Arabian Gulf providing logistics support for the Second/Sixth/Fifth Fleets in addition to leading Maritime Intercept Operations, boarding and towing United Nations Sanction violating vessels, and providing armed escort for other U.S. Vessels. On September 11th 2001, ARCTIC was the first warship on station in the Northern Indian Ocean and part of the initial response to the terrorist attack and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Admiral White next served as Chief of Staff, Commander Second Fleet/Striking Fleet Atlantic, where he inspired hundreds of senior US and Coalition leaders to ensure the combat readiness of forces in the Iraq War and prevent subsequent terrorist attacks. He was again selected for Command and led the Nuclear-Powered Aircraft Carrier USS GEORGE WASHINGTON through a 12-month, Major Dry-docking Overhaul ahead of schedule and under budget receiving the coveted Secretary of Defense Maintenance Award, and, Project Management Institute’s Project of the Year Award. Admiral White took “GW” on a Partnership of the Americas deployment before transferring to the Chief of Naval Operations Staff in Washington, D.C. as the Director of Total Force Manpower Requirements, and Special Assistant for Comprehensive Casualty Care; where he oversaw the Navy’s Manpower Requirements, Lean Six Sigma, competitive sourcing programs, Education, and Training across the US Navy. Admiral White returned to Command in February 2009 as the Commander, Strike Force Training Atlantic where he orchestrated the training, assessment, and certification of deploying USN and USMC Forces for the Atlantic Fleet. After relinquishing Command on 23 July 2010; Rear Admiral White began transitioning to service in the civilian sector in October 2010.

Admiral White’s Board service includes First Vice Chair of the Military Officers Association of America; Vice Chairman of Giotto Enterprises; Vice Chairman of Busek Incorporated; Boy Scouts of America; George Washington’s Mount Vernon; Institute for Voices of Liberty; New York State Military Museum; Northwoods Homeowners Association; Broward County Navy Days; and Director, Vice President, and subsequently President, of the Interlaken Home Owners Association.

Admiral White currently lives in Saratoga Springs, New York with his wife of over 40 years and his two Yellow Labs.

Register today!

*Please use the guest option on the right if you are not a current member of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.