Business leaders and elected officials gathered in Penfield this week to honor the achievements of veteran-owned businesses across New York State. The event highlighted the contributions of those who have successfully navigated the transition from military service to private entrepreneurship.
Danielle King, a U.S. Army veteran who served from 2012 to 2016, received the Veteran of the Year award from the New York Small Business Development Center. King is the founder of Skyn Therapy, a company that has grown from a home-based start-up into a permanent commercial operation. Her success serves as a model for veterans looking to establish themselves in the local economy.
During the ceremony, King spoke about the challenges of moving from a military environment into the civilian world. She noted that finding success requires resilience and a commitment to building roots within the local community. Her journey is one of several success stories being recognized by the state as part of an effort to support veteran business owners.
The event served as a broader platform to recognize the economic impact of veteran entrepreneurs across the region. Local officials emphasized the importance of these businesses in driving economic growth and creating jobs. By highlighting these stories, the state aims to encourage other veterans to pursue business ownership and provide them with the resources necessary for success.