Military Affairs
For over 50 years, Accelerate Brevard, formerly the Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce, has been a trusted resource, providing vital support and services to the military personnel stationed in our Space Coast community. Initially organized through a Military Committee, these efforts grew into the Military Affairs Council (MAC) in 1991. Today, the MAC, a council of Ascend Brevard, Inc., the 501(C)3 Foundation of Accelerate Brevard, remains a steadfast advocate for military members and their families.
The MAC is a dedicated, all-volunteer group composed of members—both civilian and military—who are committed to enhancing the quality of life in our community. Their focus is on supporting and uplifting the enlisted service members stationed throughout the Space Coast.
2025 MAC Chair: Ryan Trandell, Alliance Cyber
Chamber Staff Liaison: Cory Skeates, Vice President of Community Development
THANK YOU TO OUR MAC ANNUAL SPONSORS
Organization: Space Coast Top 3
Event: 2025 Joint Military Ball
Event Date: 11/21/2025
Event Time: 5:30 PM
Event Location: Kennedy Space Center, Apollo/Saturn Center
Request: Monetary donations to help create a memorable and meaningful event for our military members and their families.
Contact: ryan.r.ellsworth.mil@health.mil (716) 560-2517
MAC Advisory Committee: Meetings are held on the 2nd Friday of each month (except July and December) at 10:00 AM at via Microsoft Teams.
MAC Monthly Meetings: Meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month (except July and December) at 5:30 PM. Venues alternate monthly between locations on and off base.
MAC purposefully rotates between MAC member businesses and military facilities as to allow members to become familiar with military operations and active personnel to learn about the community and member businesses. Our monthly meetings always consist of a program that highlights the community/military organization hosting the event. These programs provide valuable insight into how many of our local organizations support the Department of Defense and include mission briefings on how our local military protects our way of life. Monthly meetings foster a better relationship between our local military units and our Chamber/MAC members.
MAC On-Base Annual Sponsor (May 2024 - May 2025) Upper Mohawk, Inc.
Sponsorship for the Civilian Meeting Series is now available for $1,500/each.
In-Kind MAC Meeting Host Sponsorships are also available.
Contact Cheryl Clark at cclark@acceleratebrevard.org or Andrea Baca at abaca@acceleratebrevard.org to secure your sponsorship.
Please RSVP for the meetings by contacting Cory Skeates, VP of Community Development, at cskeates@acceleratebrevard.org
In addition to our monthly meetings, the MAC offers a variety of ways to be involved and support our military community. These include:
Champions Golf Tournament: "Tee Off for the Troops" - April
The Annual Champions Golf Tournament is one of the Chamber’s longest running and most beloved events. A favorite among Chamber investors, this traditional tournament supports the ongoing efforts of the Ascend Brevard and its Military Affairs Council (MAC).
More than just a competition, the event provides a unique opportunity for members to network, build relationships, and conduct business while enjoying a day on the greens. Unlike a standard networking luncheon, this tournament fosters camaraderie, fun, and connections that extend beyond the course.
Participants can also enjoy contests with exciting prizes, each sponsored by Chamber members and community partners, adding to the lively atmosphere of the day.
Month of the Military Child Event - April
The Month of the Military Child Event, hosted by the Military Affairs Council (MAC), is a special celebration honoring the resilience and sacrifices of military children and their families. This family-friendly event is free for active-duty military members and their dependents, providing a day filled with fun activities, entertainment, and opportunities to connect with the community. Designed to recognize the unique role military children play, the event offers a joyful and supportive atmosphere where families can create lasting memories while being celebrated for their dedication and service to our nation.
Junior Enlisted Appreciation Day (JEAD) - November
For nearly 30 years, the Military Affairs Council (MAC), in partnership with the Space Coast Top 3 Association, has proudly hosted the annual Junior Enlisted Appreciation Day (JEAD). This event provides junior enlisted personnel (E-6 and below) with a well-deserved half-day of relaxation and camaraderie.
Highlights of the day include a delicious barbecue lunch served by Top 3 unit commanders and the 45th Space Wing command staff, alongside raffles and giveaways of donated prizes—from gift certificates to weekend stays at local Cocoa Beach hotels. The JEAD is a morale-boosting tradition attended by approximately 600 active-duty and reserve personnel each year, celebrating and appreciating their service to the Space Coast community.
Space Coast Military TransitionCON - November
The Space Coast Military TransitionCON is designed to support military personnel, veterans, spouses, and dependents as they transition to civilian careers.
This comprehensive event offers:
- Educational sessions on critical topics such as academic advancement, financial literacy, and vocational training.
- Practical workshops featuring mock interviews and resume reviews to prepare attendees for the civilian workforce.
- Networking opportunities through an evening reception, fostering meaningful connections ahead of Day Two’s events.
The event also features a trade show and job fair, where attendees can engage with businesses actively recruiting military talent. Panel discussions on SkillBridge offer valuable insights for companies interested in becoming partners, spotlight participating organizations, and share inspiring success stories from the program.
TransitionCON is an invaluable resource for military families as they navigate the path to civilian success.
Wine for Warriors Holiday Luncheon - December
The annual Wine for Warriors Holiday Luncheon, formerly known as the MAC Wine Raffle and Luncheon, is the Accelerate Brevard's final signature event of the year. This festive gathering brings together businesses and community members to celebrate the holiday season while supporting the military personnel of the Greater Space Coast.
Attendees enjoy great food, networking, and the chance to win 50 bottles of wine through the highly anticipated wine raffle. One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit the Military Affairs Council (MAC), supporting programs, local military-focused nonprofits, and enlisted military members stationed in Brevard County.
The event typically hosts 100-150 guests, and tickets sell out quickly. It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate the season, bring your team together, and show your support for those who serve.
MAC Levels of Investment
Patriot Level Member - $ 2,500 Annually (Chamber Investor) $3,750 (Non-Chamber Investor)
- Company name/logo recognition on the Chamber’s MAC page as the top-level “Patriot” level member.
- Company name/logo recognition on the rotating digital display at MAC meetings and in the Chamber office.
- Prominent company name/logo recognition on the MAC Minute Newsletter as “Patriot” level member.
- "Shout out" of company name/logo on CBRCC Military Affairs Council Facebook page.
- Complementary standard vendor space at TransitionCON ($500 value)
- Four (4) seats at the annual Wine for Warriors Holiday Luncheon. (Value $220)
- Two (2) player spots at annual Golf Tournament. (Value $270)
“Red” Level Member - $1,000 Annually (Chamber Investor) $1,500 (Non-Chamber Investor)
- Company name/logo recognition on the Chamber’s MAC page as “Red” level member.
- Company name/logo recognition on the rotating digital display at MAC meetings and in the Chamber office.
- Prominent company name/logo recognition on the MAC Minute Newsletter as “Red” level member.
- "Shout out" of company name/logo on CBRCC Military Affairs Council Facebook page.
- Two (2) seats at the annual Wine for Warriors Holiday Luncheon. (Value = $110)
- Two (2) player spots at annual Golf Tournament. (Value $270)
“White” Level Member - $500 Annually (Chamber Investor) $750 (Non-Chamber Investor)
- Company name/logo recognition on the Chamber’s MAC page as “White” level member.
- Company name/logo recognition on the rotating digital display at MAC meetings and in the Chamber office.
- Company name/logo recognition on the MAC Minute Newsletter as “White” level member.
- "Shout out" of company name/logo on CBRCC Military Affairs Council Facebook page.
- One (1) seat at the annual Wine for Warriors Holiday Luncheon. (Value = $55)
- One (1) player spot at annual MAC Golf Tournament. (Value - $135)
“Blue” Level Member - $250 Annually (Chamber Investor) $375 (Non-Chamber Investor)
- Company name/logo recognition on the Chamber’s MAC page as “Blue” level member.
- Company name/logo recognition on the rotating digital display at MAC meetings and in the Chamber office.
- Company name/logo recognition on the MAC Minute Newsletter as “Blue” level member.
- "Shout out" of company name/logo on CBRCC Military Affairs Council Facebook page.
MAC Member - $75 (CBRCC Chamber Investor), $150 (Non-CBRCC Chamber Investor)
Ready to join the MAC? CLICK HERE!
MAC dues are tax deductible as the funds go to Ascend Brevard, Inc., a recognized 501(c)(3) organization.
Our work at the MAC will be guided and informed by our commitment to:
- Advocacy – We create positive change by actively supporting or opposing military & defense issues that significantly impact our residents and businesses.
- Quality of Life – Our goal is to make the Space Coast “America’s Military Hometown” through events and initiatives that make a positive impact on the lives of our military community.
- Talent Development/Education – We value and work with partners to develop the diverse talents, initiative, and leadership necessary to fill the jobs of tomorrow.
- Health & Wellness – We believe that a healthy workforce is a productive workforce.
- Entrepreneurship – We’re determined to transform our citizen’s bold ambitions into a profitable reality.
- Employment – We serve as a connector for those seeking talent and those with the skills to be successful.
- “Buy Local” – We open doors for partners interested in establishing lasting business relationships throughout the community and the active-duty military establishment.