Recap of The Bunker Pre-Launch Event

By Alison Fedoris, 1871 Intern

Last week, 1871 hosted hundreds of veteran and non-veteran community members to celebrate the pre-launch of the newest 1871 incubator, The Bunker. This veterans-led, veterans-focused venture led by CEO Todd Connor has already been making waves, with multiple individuals looking to start their own veterans’ incubators across the country.

The Bunker will be “the epicenter of innovation,” said Connor. With its already national reputation, the Bunker will open in October 2014, and with its opening veteran-owned companies will have access to all of the 1871 resources for entrepreneurs.

1871 CEO Howard Tullman addressed the crowd to discuss 1871’s commitment to supporting organizations like The Bunker. “It’s not about making a living,” Tullman said. “It’s about making a difference.”

Following Connor and Tullman, multiple veterans spoke about their growing companies, including RideScout CEO Joseph Kopser and Sky-Farmer‘s Trevor Orsinger and Calvin Young. Special guests included John Edelman of the public relations firm Edelman and Senator Dick Durbin. Both discussed their personal connections to veterans as well as their commitment to making Chicago a safe place for veterans to start and grow their businesses.

Throughout the event, which was briefly interrupted to have everyone cheer for his or her branch of the military, an artist from Ink Factory “live drew” the conversation, inspired by her 20-year retired helicopter pilot father. All of the vendors, from the caterers to the DJ, were chosen because of their ties to the veteran community.

Ultimately, Connor and each of the other speakers highlighted the importance of serving those who have served our country. This is something that will continue to grow at 1871, and hopefully all over the United States.