Reemployment Rights of Returning Vets

Washington is a state whose citizens have been heavily involved in military service with Guard units called to active-duty.

Too, local citizens find the local military installations as home to Reserve units an attractive option for military service.

Employers sometimes do find themselves dealing with the reemployment rights of returning vets.

Today, KPLU features a story about advocacy for those reemployment rights.

To help employers better understand the reemployment rights of returning National Guard and Reservists, you may reference the ESGR site for assistance.

ESGR's Employer Appreciation Event

RSVP: Kathleen Wilcox or 253-512-8253 

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Noteworthies with a Local Link

The chief of staff, Army announced the following general officer assignments:

Maj. Gen. Richard W. Thomas, commanding general, Western Regional Medical Command, Tacoma, Wash., to director, health operations, Defense Health Agency, Falls Church, Va.

Brig. Gen. John M. Cho, deputy commanding general (Support), U.S. Army Medical Command, Falls Church, Va., to commanding general, Western Regional Medical Command, Tacoma, Wash.

Nominations Open for Military-Citizen Award

Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen compose a vital part of our community.  The Chamber wishes to recognize, with the 35th annual presentation, the John Anderson Military-Citizen of the Year.

The Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee will make the selection of the honoree.  Presentation of the award, named for John Anderson, former Mayor of Tacoma and Chairman of the Tacoma-Pierce Co. Chamber, will be made November 7, 12 noon at the meeting of the Rotary Club of Tacoma No. 8.

You are requested to submit nominees for this award.  The guidelines are:

1)   An active-duty Soldier, Airman, Sailor or Marine.  Reservists and Guardsmen called to active duty are eligible.

2)  Residing in Tacoma or Pierce County

3)  Professional in military occupation

4)  An exemplary volunteer in the community

Nominations should be no longer than two pages, no photos.  While military professionalism is important, this is usually a given standard.  It is recommended that the nomination focus on the nominee's volunteerism in the community.  You are referenced to the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, which has been added to the list of awards and decorations that earn promotion points. 

The deadline for submitting nominations is Nov. 1.  Nominations may be delivered to the Chamber’s offices, forwarded by mail, email (gary.brackett@tacomachamber.org) or fax.  Your consideration of this request is appreciated.

Tacoma-Pierce Co. Chamber

950 Pacific Ave., Ste. 300

Tacoma, WA  98402

PO Box 1933

Tacoma, W  98401-1933

Fax: 253-579-7305

Inaugural Issue of "Courage"

The Inaugural Issue of “Courage,” Lt. Gen. Robert Brown’s quarterly newsletter that is designed to keep you informed and up-to-date on what’s happening in America’s Corps.

You can also follow and watch on:
Facebook, Twitter, Flickr,YouTube 

SSMCP Annual Membership Forum

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REGISTER VIA EMAIL HERE

Map to Location

Complete Your Journey Workshops

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The Business Case for Hiring Vets

 The Chamber joins Hire Our Heroes, TrueBlue, Inc., The Association of Washington Business, Starbucks, and Eisenhower Carlson, PLLC to present “Standing Shoulder to Shoulder with our Military Veterans – The Business Case for Hiring Military Veterans”.

On November 13,  8 a.m. to Noon at TrueBlue, Inc., 1015 “A” Street, Tacoma, the event will focus on why hiring Veterans makes good sense, finding the right match amongst the many qualified Veterans available, and the Legal “ins and outs” related to hiring the Veteran of your choice.

All Tacoma-Pierce County businesses interested in hiring Veterans, currently hiring Veterans, or considering hiring Veterans should plan to attend this interesting and informative event. Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber member businesses may attend for only $25.00, morning refreshments are provided.

 REGISTER HERE

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Military Forum on WA Military Transition Council

 

MILITARY AFFAIRS FORUM

Date & Time: WEDNESDAY, October 9, 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.

Place: La Quinta Inn

          La Quinta Inn, 1425 E. 27^th St., Tacoma 98421

Price:  $13.00 pre-paid by Oct. 7, noon

          $15.00 pre-paid after Oct. 7

          $20.00 walk-ins/at the door

Information: Janice, (253) 627.2175 X100

RSVP:  DUE 12 noon, Oct. 7 (Monday)

REGISTER HERE!

Washington Military Transition Council

13,000 veterans per year through 2016, 8,000 per year from JBLM, expect to make Washington their home.

A battery of legal support (Department of Army Executive Order 054-12, Governor’s Executive Order 13-1, State HB 1432 and Congressional VOW to Hire Veterans Act), provides the framework for concerted action to meet the need.

 

The Washington Military Transition Council has a vision to ensure that separating service members transition seamlessly into civilian employment, training, and business opportunities as well as creating a sustainable cross-jurisdictional, ‘linked systems’ approach in Washington State that can be replicated across the nation.

Alfie Alvarado serves as the Director of YOUR Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, the statewide advocate for the benefits and services veterans and their families earned.

Alfie served 22 years on active duty retiring in August 1993 as Command Sergeant Major of Madigan Army Medical Center and Troop Command, Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

She serves on boards of directors of local and national associations and has received local, state and national awards including the Governor’s Distinguished Management Leadership Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award for women in the military from the Young Women’s Christian Association.

FUTURE EVENT:
November 7, 12 - 1:30 p.m., with Rotary Club of Tacoma featuring the John Anderson Military Citizen of the Year

Two Businesses Spotlighted for Achievements

Spotlight! On Business award recipients were announced at the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber’s awards luncheon held at Hotel Murano Friday.

2013 Spotlight! On Business Award Recipients:

Veteran-Owned Business:  Summit Strength & Conditioning

(l to r) Monique Trudnowski, Adriatic Grill, emcee; John Harman; Carlyn Roy, TAPCO, award sponsor.

Recognized for growing their client base of 25 to over 200 clients through the commitment of fitness trainer/owner John Jarman’s and his trainers have to serving their clients. John Jarman served in the United States Marine Corps, and has 21 years of experience in the fitness industry.  The vision and strength of Jarman’s business plan all contributed to the success and growth of his training facility.

Harborstone Credit Union Presents the Business Supporter of the Military: GEICO Insurance

Rick Stevens, Owner, GEICO agency

Recognized for GEICO Insurance agency owner Rick Stevens’ long term support of the military and business community. Since 1985, Stevens has been a lifetime member of the Association of the United States Army serving as President three times. He is also currently participating on the Pierce Military Business Alliance Board of Directors and Chairs the Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee.


Other Award recipients are:

Small Business (1 – 25 employees):  South Sound Magazine
Medium-sized Business (26 – 50 employees):  Eisenhower & Carlson, PLLC
Large Business (51+ employees):  Hotel Murano
Non-Profit Organization:  Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity

The Spotlight! On Business Awards recognizes the accomplishments and civic contributions that Chamber member businesses make to the community.  The selection committee, made up of volunteers, based their choices by following five criteria:  staying power, growth in employees, evidence of contributions to community-oriented projects, innovation of product or service and response to adversity.

The Chamber extends its gratitude to Spotlight! On Business Awards Presenting Sponsor Business Health Trust, Awards Sponsor TAPCO Credit Union, Media Sponsor Clear Channel Outdoor, Entertainment Sponsor Hardcastle Entertainment, Inc., Business Supporter of the Military Award Sponsor Harborstone Credit Union and Gift Sponsor Harry & David, for their support in making the event possible.