Free Entrepreneur Training for Veterans

By JOE GIORDANO
Project Opportunity

Is Entrepreneurship the right choice for you?
Do you have a business idea but not sure where to start?
Do you have a business and want to take it to the next level? 

Want to know more, register for the Project Opportunity Prince George’s Spring 2026 Orientation Session which will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 from 6:30–8:30 p.m. at Prince George’s Community College Lanham Hall (Room 206), 301 Largo Road, Largo, Maryland. 

www.project-opportunity.com/class/registration

Attendance at the Orientation Session is a mandatory step in our application process. If you are interested in this class but unable to attend you must contact Program Director Joe Giordano, joe.giordano@project-opportunity.com

Classes Begin Wednesday March 25, 2026.  Project Opportunity is an intensive curriculum based 10-week cohort program. The Spring 2026 program will meet every Wednesday March 25–June 3, 2026, from 6:30–9:30 p.m. at Prince George’s Community College Lanham Hall Room 206.  This program is free to all veterans. The curriculum and material are facilitated by small business professionals and subject matter experts.  The program concludes with a formal business pitch and Graduation Ceremony on Wednesday June 3, 2026.

Thank You to Our Class Sponsor
The Kahlert Foundation

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Educational Systems Federal Credit Union Celebrates National Customer Service Week with Ambassador Recognition and Activities

By PRESS OFFICER
Educational Systems FCU

GREENBELT, Md. (Jan. 22, 2026)—This past fall, Educational Systems Federal Credit Union celebrated National Customer Service Week with a series of recognition and engagement activities that highlighted Ambassador contributions and strengthened a culture of member-centric service.

Led by the Member Experience team, the celebration blended appreciation, connection and wellness. Highlights included a kickoff gratitude wall and leadership video message; peer-to-peer recognition and virtual awards; a coffee/tea social and lighthearted, team-building activities such as Virtual Bingo, Digital Desk Décor, “Who’s That Ambassador?” (baby photos) and a Pet and Plant Parade. Ambassadors also joined wellness sessions like Virtual Deskercise and Virtual Meditation. In branches, member testimonial boards showcased real stories of service.

“National Customer Service Week is an opportunity to spotlight the everyday moments that define our service culture,” said Girado Smith, President/CEO of Educational Systems FCU. “When Ambassadors care for one another—coaching, collaborating and recognizing great work—that spirit is reflected in every member experience.”

Ambassadors emphasized how recognition and leadership presence reinforced the Credit Union’s values. “The moment that best captured our service culture during Member Service Week for me was the recognition segment during the week. Having the opportunity to both give and receive recognition from peers really stood out to me—it was a pleasant and unexpected reminder that our daily behaviors can brighten someone’s day,” said Kylie Crest, Assistant Branch Manager.

Recognizing colleagues also connected directly to member outcomes. “A sense of value and belonging is created when Ambassadors are recognized for milestones and hard work,” said Barry Schenberg, Member Care Representative. “This positive reinforcement encourages and strengthens loyalty between Ambassadors and members, along with promoting employee motivation. I was recently recognized for consistent high performance during Member Service Week—I’m committed to improving on past performance and reaching new milestones.”

Educational Systems FCU’s celebration of National Customer Service Week reflects its ongoing investment in people-first service, continuous improvement and community partnerships—foundations that enable the Credit Union to deliver exceptional experiences in branch and through digital channels.

Educational Systems Federal Credit Union has proudly served the education community since 1955. With $1.3 billion in assets and 13 branches, the Credit Union serves over 95,000 members of the education community including school employees, students, parents and individuals working for education-related organizations. For more information, visit www.esfcu.org

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