American Legion CO Visits PNW

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Veterans Day Rememberance

"We have gone forth from our shores repeatedly over the last hundred years ... and put wonderful young men and women at risk, many of whom have lost their lives, and we have asked for nothing except enough ground to bury them in, and otherwise we have returned home to seek our own, you know, to seek our own lives in peace, to live our own lives in peace..." Secretary of State Colin Powell, 2003

Facebook, Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber To Host Free Workshop For Tacoma Veteran and Military Family-Owned Small Businesses

On Tuesday, November 10, Facebook will be in Tacoma, Wash., to teach local veteran and military family small business owners how to optimize their presence and engage customers on the world’s largest social network.

Facebook’s veteran and military family-focused Boost Your Business will be held in Tacoma in honor of Veterans Day, November 11. The event will be co-hosted by Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, with Congressman Derek Kilmer welcoming entrepreneurs.

“The skills our service members pick up in the military are often the very same skills that make for a successful entrepreneur or small business owner,” said Congressman Kilmer. “As more service members transition to the civilian workforce it’s important they get the support they need to be successful. This forum will give our local veterans a chance to learn how to sharpen their ideas and reach an even broader audience online to help their business grow, all while networking with other veteran entrepreneurs.”

The Boost Your Business seminar will include a presentation by a Facebook small business expert on the latest Facebook best practices and strategies for success. A question and answer session will follow, featuring a panel of local small business people that will share their Facebook tips, tricks and suggestions. The panelists are representing the following local small businesses: home décor store Westhouse Décor, family run winery Mill Lane Winery, clothing retailer Combat Flip Flops and non-profit running community wear blue: run to remember.

Before the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to meet with representatives of local business development organizations and hear about community resources during the networking session.

How do Facebook and small businesses connect?

• There are more than 45 million small businesses using Facebook to connect with customers.
• Approximately 8 in 10 people in the US are connected to at least one small business on Facebook.

Members of the media who have any questions or would like to attend the event should RSVP to Samantha Spielman.

WHEN AND WHERE:        
Tacoma, Wash. – Tuesday, November 10
Tacoma’s Landmark Catering & Convention Center (Plaza Grand Ballroom)
47 Saint Helens Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402
Check In/Networking: 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Presentation and Q&A: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
To register and for more information HERE.

WHAT: FREE seminar on how to use Facebook to grow your small business.

WHO:  Representatives from Facebook, Congressman Derek Kilmer and veteran- and military family-owned small businesses.

Veterans' Honor Run

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Vets & Film in North Cascades

Please join us! You are invited to a free screening of short films and discussion with veterans and filmakers this Wednesday, November 4th at the McGavick Conference Center in Lakewood, starting at 7pm. (subject matter may at times be appropriate for mature audiences). Free Event.

Facebook's Boost Your Business Seminar Here

Facebook’s Boost Your Business seminars give you the change to learn from community leaders and Facebook small business experts. 

They also connect you with business resources in your community and help you find the solutions you need on Facebook.  Whether you just started your business or want to take things to the next level, you don’t want to miss this event.

REGISTER NOW 

Tuesday, November 10th

9:30 AM –   Check in begins / Networking Expo begins

9:50 AM–    Special Guest, Rep. Kilmer arrives

9:55 AM –    Photo opportunity with Special Guest, Co-host, and Facebook Team

              -     Presentation Begins ----

 10:00 AM – Brief welcome by Facebook Small Business Expert

 10:01 AM–  Brief remarks by co-host (introduces Rep. Kilmer)

 10:02 AM–  Welcome remarks by Congressman Kilmer about the importance of small business for the                      local economy (kicks off FB Training re-introduces FB Expert)

 10:05 AM – Facebook's Small Business Training Session: Learn from the experts about the latest                             Facebook best practices, strategies and success stories (speaker)

 11:00 AM–  Small Business Q&A Panel: local Small Businesses success, stories and experience with                       small business owners in your community!

 11:55 AM–  $500 ad credit give away (3 total; winners must be present to win!)

 2:00 PM–    Event Concludes

Celebrate Nat'l Vet Small Business Week

Join the conversation at #MyVetBiz to share veteran stories, encourage community members to highlight local veteran-owned businesses in their community, and show gratitude and support to veterans and their families.

Camo2Commerce Top 3-Finalist for National Award

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation today announced that Camo2Commerce is one of three finalists for the 5th Annual Hiring Our Heroes Capital One Award for Small Business Veteran and Military Spouse Employment.

Camo2Commerce is among 21 finalists nominated for six awards because of demonstrated efforts to connect veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses with meaningful employment opportunities both within the company and throughout the private sector.

“Camo2Commerce has been a true small business leader in the movement to hire and support our nation’s veterans and military spouses,” said Eric Eversole, a vice president at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and president of Hiring Our Heroes.

Camo2Commerce understands the value in hiring the men and women who have served our country and has dedicated extraordinary efforts toward improving the lives of America’s veterans and military spouses.”

The Hiring Our Heroes awards are given in six categories: Veteran and Military Spouse Employment; Post-9/11 Veteran Employment; Wounded Veteran and Military Caregiver Employment; Military Spouse Employment and Mentoring; Small Business Veteran and Military Spouse Employment; and Individual Leadership.


This year’s finalists are:

• Capital One Award for Small Business Veteran and Military Spouse Employment, for demonstrated leadership by a small business or organization (less than 500 employees) in hiring veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses: Afterburner Inc.; Camo2Commerce; Greencastle Associates Consulting
• Lee Anderson Veteran and Military Spouse Employment Award, for overall excellence in hiring and retaining veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses: Comcast NBCUniversal; Hospital Corporation of America (HCA); Union Pacific Railroad
• Steve Robinson Post-9/11 Veteran Employment Award, for effective and sustained efforts to enhance the ability of post-9/11 veterans and transitioning service members to find meaningful employment: Hilton Worldwide; J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc.; PNC Bank; Roush Enterprises; Starbucks
• Don Weber Wounded Veteran and Military Caregiver Employment Award, for demonstrated leadership in addressing the unique challenges and demands for wounded, ill, and injured veterans as well as military caregivers in their search for meaningful employment: APi Group Inc.; Ryder Systems; SunTrust Bank
• Military Spouse Employment and Mentoring Award, for demonstrated hiring, mentorship, and support of military spouses in their search for meaningful employment: First Command Financial Services; Prudential Financial; United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
• Colonel Michael Endres Leadership Award for Individual Excellence in Veteran Employment, for an individual who has gone above and beyond to make a difference in employment opportunities for veterans, transitioning service members, and spouses: Mike Kelly, Assistant Vice President for Military Advocacy, USAA; Keith Nattrass, GM Military & Veteran Affairs, Global Diversity, General Motors; Blayne Smith, Executive Director, Team Red, White & Blue; Kris Urbauer, Program Manager for Military Recruiting, General Electric.

The Hiring Our Heroes Awards Committee will select the winners, which will be announced on November 10, 2015.

Since Hiring Our Heroes began in March 2011, more than 1,500 companies have hired 27,200 veterans and military spouses as a result of 900 hiring events. In March 2012, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Capital One launched Hiring 500,000 Heroes, a national campaign to engage the business community in committing to hire half a million veterans and military spouses by the end of 2014. This milestone was achieved in June 2015 when more than 500,000 veteran and military spouse hires were confirmed.

Vets & Supporters Awarded

The Chamber has focused military and veterans affairs by awarding three local companies at its 2015 Spotlight on Business Awards ceremony.

Odd Otter Brewing Company’s Slogan says it all: they are not like the “Otter” guys. Five friends – including three current and past military members united to open Odd Otter Brewing Company. Crowdfunded through a kickstarter campaign, Odd Otter is helping to contribute to the ever growing downtown brewery district with their unique blends and brews.

Congratulations Odd Otter Brewing!



When USO Northwest opened its door sin 1996 there were 4 employees. Today, 10 employees at USO Northwest serve more than 600,000 military members and their families throughout the Pacific Northwest through centers at Portland Airport, the Shali Center on McCord JBLM, their mobile canteen, and Seatac Airport, the busiest USO in the country. USO Northwest’s Helping Hands program is supported by the Combined Federal Campaign; 100% of these donations received through the CFC go directly to supporting military and families. Last year USO Northwest’s helping hands program served over 89,000 local military and their families.
Congratulations USO Northwest!

The Geneva Foundation was founded in 1993 by Jane Taylor, a critical care nurse, at the request of Madigan Army Medical Center. Since its inception, Geneva has supported medical research at over 50 Federal Laboratories and Military Treatment Facilities worldwide. Geneva sets itself apart by offering military researchers an exceptional level of service and expertise through our commitment to shared values of integrity, superior customer service, quality, teamwork, innovation, and respect for all. The  Geneva Foundation  recognizes that innovative collaboration is vital to medical advancement. Through collaborations with Industry and medical leaders, exciting new ideas are developed. These ideas have the power to improve patient lives and to provide security for the health and well-being of U.S. service members, their families, and the global community.

Congratulations to the Geneva Foundation!

WA Service Member for Life Two

Washington State Service Member for Life Transition Summit

Tuesday, September 22, 2015 - 9:00am to Thursday, September 24, 2015 - 4:00pm
Hiring Our Heroes
Joint Base Lewis-McChord,
WA 98433 United States

See map: Google Maps

Join us at the Washington State Service Member for Life Transition Summit at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

This three-day summit brings together key federal and state agencies, influential military leaders, innovators in the business and employer community, and local community leaders with transitioning service members, veterans, and their families.

This summit features participation by and speakers from the Washington State government including the Washington State Department of Commerce, The Office of Governor Jay Inslee, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Department of Labor' Veteran Employment and Training Service, the Joint Services Support-Washington National Guard, the U.S. Army's Soldier for Life and Installation Management Command, the U.S. Small Business Administration, Camo 2 Commerce, the U.S. Department of Defense's Transition to Veterans Program Office, Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, the Washington State Military Transition Council, and local chambers of commerce, as well as the launch of the Onward to Opportunity program.

The three-day transition summit will feature seminars, roundtables, panel events, recruiter training, and facilitated discussions focused on improving competitive employment for service members, veterans, and military spouses in addition to networking opportunities for all involved.

• Day 1 is for senior leaders including companies and employers, senior military leaders (O-3/E-6 or above), local support organizations, chambers of commerce, economic development groups, CEOs and regional support organizations.
• Day 2 will focus on Transitioning Service Members, Family Members, National Guard and Reserve Members and Veterans looking for employment.
• Day 3 will bring together job seekers, employers, and other leaders and culminate in a hiring fair, college and apprenticeship fair, and small business fair.

This summit is held with support from Starbucks, Capital One, First Data, and Camo2Commerce.
Employers: Learn how to make the most of these Transition Summits here.

REGISTRATION
? Job Seekers, Employers, and Service Organizations: Click here to register.

Why register? Job seekers can upload their resumes to be viewed by employers ahead of the event.

For general questions about Hiring Our Heroes, please visit our FAQ page or email us.

VA Launches Campaign to Increase Veterans’ Economic Potential

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald, with leaders from national and local Veterans service organizations, corporate employers and government agencies, announced the launch of the Veterans Economic Communities Initiative, an effort focused in a total of 50 U.S. cities to promote economic success for Veterans.

The initiative is part of MyVA, which is dedicated to making Veterans the center of all we do. “The best way to get things done for Veterans is to involve partners from both the public and private sectors – national to local,” said McDonald.  “If history has shown us anything, it’s that all you have to do is give Veterans an opportunity and they will go beyond anything you could ever envision.  Community leaders understand the purpose of MyVA and will find innovative ways to support it.”

The goal of the VECI is to increase education and employment opportunities for America’s Veterans by bringing together local and national employers to coordinate services for Veterans, service members and military families.

With the sacred commitment of making customer service for Veterans the focal point, VA will look to communities around the country to help make the VA the best federal agency. “MyVA will work State by state, community by community, person by person,” said McDonald.  “We want to expand our reach and collaboration in communities where Veterans live.”

The Veterans Economic Communities Initiative launch event was hosted in Dallas. Secretary McDonald and Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings provided remarks, during the event. Campaign partners also participated in panel discussions on public-private partnerships.  Representatives from major corporations such as Hilton and TriWest joined Secretary McDonald in pledging their commitment to furthering Veteran economic opportunities.

The Veterans Economic Communities Initiative includes a VA Economic Liaison in each community who will expand and encourage collaboration among private and public organizations that offer resources related to education, training and employment. Through strategic partnerships, and by offering Veterans innovative forms of learning and employment opportunities, these communities will help Veterans gain competitive career skills and knowledge in locally in-demand fields.

Campaign partners include the departments of Defense and Labor, the Small Business Administration and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in addition to regional and national nonprofits, businesses and educators. The first 25 communities were chosen based on local Veteran unemployment rates, Veteran population and the projected increase in Veteran population.

Communities participating in the Veterans Economic Communities Initiative include:

• Atlanta, Georgia; 
• El Paso, Texas; 
• Las Vegas, Nevada; 
• New York, New York; 
• San Antonio, Texas; 
• Chicago, Illinois; 
• Honolulu, Hawaii; 
• Los Angeles, California; 
• Norfolk, Virginia; 
• San Diego, California; 
• Cincinnati, Ohio; 
• Houston, Texas; 
• Louisville, Kentucky; 
• Phoenix, Arizona; 
• Seattle-Tacoma, Washington; 
• Colorado Springs, Colorado; 
• Jacksonville, Florida; 
• Miami, Florida; 
• Richmond, Virginia; 
• St. Louis, Missouri; 
• Dallas, Texas; 
• Kansas City, Missouri; 
• Nashville, Tennessee; 
• Riverside, California; 
• Washington, DC

Under the Veterans Economic Communities Initiative, communities will develop scalable, sustainable models over the next two years that include:

• Resources and education for employers on hiring and supporting Veterans.
• Employment summits to connect talented job seekers with local employers who have immediate hiring needs.
• Policy academies where experts generate ideas, form partnerships and make policy recommendations that will help lower the unemployment rate and increase economic opportunities among Veterans and their families.
• Learning or resource hubs to help connect Veterans to economic opportunities including entrepreneurship, credentialing and skills building.

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Veterans Career Fair Next Month

SBA Renews Funding for Pacific Northwest Veteran Business Outreach Center

The SBA announced funding in the total grant amount of $3.8 million for 14 Veteran Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs), including the continuation of the VBOC in Seattle, which covers Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska.

The extended funding will enable the VBOC to counsel, train, and provide assistance, comprehensive business assessment and mentoring to veteran and service-disabled veteran entrepreneurs, in addition to Reserve Component, National Guard and transitioning service members interested in starting or expanding a  small business.

A key responsibility of the VBOCs is to support transitioning service members as they embark on post-military service careers that often include small business ownership and other forms of self-employment.

During 2014 alone, the VBOC in Seattle served 831 clients, assisted with 185 business startups, and helped create or maintain 309 jobs.

A portion of the funding will be used to cover costs associated with coordinating, delivering, and conducting outreach to increase participation in the entrepreneurship track of the Department of Defense’s (DOD’s) Transition Assistance Program (TAP), known as Boots to Business, on military installations in the continental United States and its territories. VBOCs are directed by the Small Business Act to participate in the DOD’s Transition Assistance Program.

Each year the SBA helps more than 200,000 veterans, service-disabled veterans and reservists start and grow their small businesses.

To learn more about additional opportunities for veterans available through the SBA, visit HERE.

To connect with the local VBOC, click HERE, call (206) 324-4330 x122 or e-mail HERE.

Boots2Work Comes Back

Save the Date for the 2nd Vet Resource Fair

On the 30th of May, the 2nd annual Veterans Resource Fair at the Tacoma Dome will be taking place.  At last year’s event over 130 service providers and over 1,000 Veterans and family members that attended.

Veterans Resource Fair at the Tacoma Dome HERE.

You May Like The Veterans Resource Fair on FB HERE.

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Veterans Home Ownership Summit & Expo

Here is an “educational only” Veterans Homeownership Summit and Expo,that veterans may benefit from.

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Fellowship for Opportunity & Success

Local companies are welcoming heroes of the Heroes Corporate Fellowship program, a partnership between Joint Base Lewis-McCord (JBLM) and Hiring Our Heroes (HOH)/U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

The Corporate Fellows program is a result of the Transition Summit held at JBLM in October 2014. The Veteran & Business Service via the Chamber partnership with WorkForce Central, was deeply involved in the planning and implementation of the Summit through supporting the collaborative employment initiatives (one being the Corporate Fellows Program) which have resulted from the energy of the Summit.

The Corporate Fellows program provides separating service members who already have a degree and some years of military experience opportunities to connect with a corporate sponsor, become more familiar with the civilian work place, step into the vernacular of civilian society, and build key relationships that will lead to a meaningful civilian career and successful transition.

The Corporate Fellows program participants are soon-to-separate service members enrolled in the Camo2Commerce Program, vetted through a competitive interview event and do a 3-month project for a corporate sponsor. The participating service members continue to receive their military salary and are released from military activities to pursue the fellowship. Many of the participants will have an opportunity to interview for a position with the corporate sponsor for whom they have completed the 3-month project. It is a win-win for everyone involved and provides a critical “leg up” for separating service members as they transition to civilian life.

The individuals chosen by the Chamber will be doing projects aimed at evaluating the impact and effectiveness of the Veteran & Business Service activity and supporting various general development activities of the Chamber.

Opportunity with Alliance Northwest

Opportunities to be a sponsor or exhibitor for the Alliance Northwest B2G Conference.

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Veteran Networking Event

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Two Opportunities Focused on Spouses

Here's two complementary hiring events - a free networking reception and a military spouse hiring fair coming up next month.

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