NACVSO 2014 Conference Dr. Mary Bell June 10, 2014 National Association of Counties Veteran & Military Service

Vision Healthy, vibrant, safe and resilient counties across America.

The National Association of Counties (NACo) assists America's 3,069 counties in pursuing excellence in public service. Works to advance sound public policies Promote county solutions and innovation Foster intergovernmental and public-private collaboration Provide value-added services to save counties and taxpayers money Mission Statement Founded in 1935, NACo provides elected and appointed county leaders with the knowledge, skills and tools necessary to provide fiscally responsible, quality driven and results oriented policies and services for healthy, vibrant, safe and resilient counties.

Why Counties Matter No two counties are exactly the same. Counties are one of America's oldest forms of government, dating back to 1634 when the first county governments were established in Virginia. The organization and structure of counties are charted under state Constitutions or law and are tailored to fit the needs and characteristics of the state and local areas. Counties are governed by locally elected officials. Roads Airports Bridges Transit Water Solid Waste Recycling Public Health Mental and Behavioral Health Elections Records and Administration Jails and Courts Nursing Homes Hospitals 911 Services Community and Economic Development Workforce Development Parks and Recreation Arts and Culture Housing

Why Counties Matter

Engage NACo members and affiliate partners to develop and highlight county best practices and policies for service members, veterans, and military families VMSC Mission & Vision Promote innovative programs, services, and benefits for our nation’s military, veterans, and their families

Focus Areas 1.Education: Paul Heimel Commissioner, Potter County, PA 2.Employment: Jim Young CVSO, Vernon County, WI 3.Health – Behavioral Health: Hub Walsh County Supervisor, Merced County, CA – Physical Health: Tom White Supervisor, Apache County, AZ

2013 – 14 Priorities Provide solid research foundation Capture best practices Provide policy-based initiatives Enhance communications Build and enhance joint relationships

VETS: Critical Success Factors Value – clear value proposition to market segment Effectiveness – information/program dissemination to applicable market segment Transportability – able to replicate the information/best practice/policy in other areas Sustainability – program/best practice is able to have long-term effect and is sustainable in a tightened budget environment

2014 Living Veterans

2012 VA Expenditures

States with CVSOs

Capture Best Practices Is your County an Innovation Hub? Use your expertise to answer questions online by registering with the County Innovation Network (COIN) and become a Helping Hand COIN is: – an online community for local government leadership and staff – enables counties to share the wisdom of the crowd nationally, for learning, discussion and decision-making – COIN is a Public-Private partnership between NACo and Solutionize

Connect in COIN Today Join the Veterans and Military group Become a community Helping Hand Ask questions Find and connect with COIN members Post documents to share the information you value Request the information and connections you want Start or join conversations in community hot topics Register at: For more information contact:

Enhance Communications Imperative: Engage media and other publications on military and veteran issues Semi-monthly VMSC newsletter Focus on vet & military issues in County News Develop a VMSC page on NACo website – articulate information – video welcome – social media connection – meeting information

Build & Enhance Relationships NACVSO DoD – Joint Chiefs of Staff – Office of Training & Development – Office of Environment - REPI – Office of Economic Adjustment – Military Community & Family Policy Veteran’s Affairs Big 7 Non-profits – NATAL – Wounded Warrior – Others For Profit Partners

Upcoming Initiatives NACo 2014 Annual Conference & Exposition July New Orleans, LA Priorities & Initiatives Boots on the Ground: Understanding the role and importance of a County Veteran Service Officer CVSO policy initiative Introduction of NACVSO to NACo Board

Questions/Comments Stan Batemon, Chair Office: (205) Mary Bell, Staff Lead Office: (202)