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Virginia Values Veterans program reaches major milestone

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virginia-blue-oversizeGov. Bob McDonnell announced this week that the Department of Veterans Services’ Virginia Values Veterans Program (V3) certified 103 Virginia employers in its pilot year who have committed to providing over 4,000 jobs for Virginia’s Veterans, and that 2,487 Virginia veterans have already been hired.

V3 is a best practice initiative developed in support of McDonnell’s goal of positioning Virginia as the most veteran-friendly state in the nation. The V3 program is a Commonwealth-wide approach to creating employment opportunities for veterans.

Speaking about the announcement, McDonnell commented, “The program is unique in that it aims to build vital public-private partnerships by leveraging state and federal agencies and industry leaders to share resources and educate employers on how to tap into the exceptional pool of talented Veterans, National Guard and Reservists in Virginia’s workforce. We owe it to our brave men and women in uniform to do everything we can to ensure that there are opportunities for them when they return home. ”

Secretary of Veterans Affairs & Homeland Security Terrie L. Suit remarked, “Virginia is committed to helping our returning service members as they transition from active duty to civilian life.  This program teaches employers the value of bringing these brave heroes into their organization.  It is the least we can do for the men and women who have done so much for us.”

Paul Galanti, Commissioner of Veterans Services, said, “The V3 program blankets the Commonwealth by offering Training Conferences for employers and supports Job Fair Recruiting Days for Veterans across the state.”

Majority Leader of the Virginia House of Delegates, Kirk Cox of Colonial Heights added, “The Commonwealth has invested in V3 to expand this program because of the tremendous support it provides Virginia employers to help them hire and retain Veterans.”

 

Upcoming Employer Training Events

What: Small Business Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Training Day
Where: Darden School of Business, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
When:  August 7, 2013, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

What: Virginia Values Veterans Conference
Where: The Inn at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg
When: August 20, 2013, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Both events focus on teaching organizations how they might develop a system to recruit, train and retain Veterans.

Individuals or organizations interested in learning more about these and additional V3 events should visit: www.virginiavaluesveterans.com. The V3 program is largely supported through private donations and sponsorships to augment the training services provided by the Commonwealth. Support inquiries may be made through the Veterans Services Foundation, Contact Jack Hilgers, Executive Director at 757-481-4164[email protected].

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