And so it begins…….

 The program was designed to encourage the hiring of Veterans while removing some of the bias and inaccuracies regarding post traumatic stress disorder.  We conducted outreach to the local SHRM/HRMA chapters in the region. As a chapter, HRMA/SHRM felt removing some of this bias was very important to the community, to HR, and to the Veterans in the region Development and Design

 Created to provide attendees with the knowledge of how personal benefits of military service translate to an employer advantage.  The program was implemented with the help of our local Workforce Development Agency, local colleges and universities, national SHRM chapter and our local Veteran community and agencies. Development and Design

 Businesses attending the “Employer Boot Camp” received a Military Tool Kit for Employers outlining the advantages of hiring today’s military and also heard from local military specialists who explained how to successfully bridge the gap from military jargon to private sector transferable skills. Development and Design

 Opening remarks were given by retired military personnel who shared their transitional stories and gave testimonials as to the advantages of hiring veterans  The main speaker of the event was a professor from the university who has a doctorate in Military Sociology. She discussed the positive attributes of PTS and debunked several myths. Development and Design

 The second part of the event was a Veteran panel discussing with employers, their experiences in searching for meaningful employment. The panel was moderated by local media/journalist who asked the panel to discuss the positive and negative results they had with transitioning back into civilian life. This was the most empowering part of the day Development and Design

 The event was held at one of the local universities who donated their time and IT staff to tape the event as well as simulcast it as a live webinar for those who could not physically join the discussion on site.  After the event a copy of the seminar was uploaded to the local HRMA chapter website and the event is being continued as a webinar event that employers can sign up for at a minimal cost. Development and Design View the Blackboard Collaborate recording and available conversions

 A minimal charge for the seminar and webinar was drafted and all proceeds are being donated back to local organizations who work with Veterans  Catering was furnished by a local small business owner who is also a military veteran.

 Once the panel was completed a brainstorming session was held at several round tables and then results were discussed as to what our next steps should be. Development and Design

 Host a military networking event every year  Develop a portal on local HRMA chapter website to decode military jargon to civilian skill sets to assist employers in prescreening veteran resumes for open positions  Work closely with Veteran groups to increase hiring Recommendations

 Know who your local vet reps are in the community and who does outreach for them  Be aware of local and national veteran initiatives within the community  Reach out to the colleges and universities- most have veteran organizations and a good percentage of the student body may be veterans  Who are the student leaders on campus? Do they support “Got Your 6” initiative?  Poll your employers in the community to see which are owned by veterans