New Role for Our Heroes

Several other Chamber staff and I learned more recently about the American Jobs for America's Heroes campaign. With our upcoming business and military tribute at the 24th Annual Awards Dinner, there is no better time to share some of the details:

Hiring National Guard members is a win-win for your company, your community and veterans and their families.  The nonprofit American Jobs for America’s Heroes campaign gives you free, direct access to highly trained National Guard members who are transitioning to civilian jobs.

“Hiring Guard members is a win for employers because they bring tremendous skills and teamwork values to the workplace – they’re very results-oriented and creative in achieving their objectives,” said Steve Nowlan, campaign director.  “Keeping Guard units strong helps our communities.  We all depend on the Guard to help during disasters and to defend our country."

Employers also benefit because the National Guard trains in 107 occupational specialties, making the men and women of the National Guard among the most highly qualified employment candidates in America.  Guard members are focused on continuous learning and improvement so they excel in advanced job training.

Learn about the success Total Quality Logistics (its Indianapolis operation was named a 2013 Best Places to Work) has had in hiring Guard members.  https://www.CenterForAmerica.org/tql.pdf

In this campaign, your free job postings flow directly to National Guard employment counselors in the states who work one-on-one with Guard candidates to match them to your job requirements.  These counselors help you understand how military training and experience translates to your civilian requirements.

You can watch a five-minute video about the campaign – www.CenterForAmerica.org/video.html — and then visit the web site at www.CenterForAmerica.org to register online.  A campaign counselor will contact you to set up your posting and answer questions.  All services are free.  More than 935 employers are already participating.

Questions?  Contact: Steve Nowlan, Center for America, 201-513-0379 or SNowlan@CenterForAmerica.org.

When the Job is a Lot More Than Just Work

Wow! This job is cool. With all the deadlines, distractions and other workplace (and life) challenges we all face, a day like last Friday is certainly needed every once in a while.

Working on a video project for the Indiana Chamber's 24th Annual Awards Dinner, I was privileged to meet and hear the stories of some truly outstanding men.
 
In a tribute to Indiana business and the military that night, attendees will see and hear from a decorated Army tank commander, Air Force pilots and more. We filmed the first three of those interviews last week. While the on-camera discussions were great, it was even more special from a personal standpoint to learn the stories of how these people served (and continue to serve) our country in so many ways.

The skills they learned in military service were crucial in making the transition to business success — in these first three cases for organizations that work directly as defense contractors.

And the great part is there are more interviews to come. I'm honored to be able to play a small role in helping tell their stories. Join us on on November 12 to be part of the celebration. It's always an outstanding event, but one that will be even a little more special this time around.