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U.S. Chamber’s Hiring Our Heroes Program, Hire Heroes USA, IVMF Launch Google+ Veteran Career Resource, VetNet

New Platform Designed to Be One-Stop Shop for Veteran and Military Family Communities as They Transition to the Civilian Workforce

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s National Chamber Foundation announced today the launch of VetNet, a new career resource for veterans, transitioning servicemembers, and military spouses created by the Chamber’s Hiring Our Heroes program, the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University, and Hire Heroes USA. The three organizations are partnering on the new program, which is hosted on Google+ and VetNetHQ.com.

“We see VetNet as a game-changer for the military community,” said Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Schmiegel (Ret.), executive director of Hiring Our Heroes. “The amount of resources available for transitioning servicemembers can be overwhelming, and this brings it all together in one place. We are changing the approach so our nation’s heroes can be better informed about the industries that are hiring and where the jobs are before they leave the military. There are a few million high-skilled career opportunities in America that aren't being filled because we lack a trained workforce. VetNet specifically provides talented veterans and transitioning servicemembers with the tools they need to connect with those good paying jobs.”

VetNet is designed to be a one-stop shop for the veteran and military family communities as they transition to the civilian workforce. It includes innovative networking tools, career training, job opportunities, and entrepreneur classes. The program is made up of three tracks:

  • Basic Training Track: This track is managed by Hire Heroes USA and includes a “kit bag” for getting prepped for the job search. Users can participate in resume writing workshops, hone their career search skills, and get networking advice.
     
  • Career Connections Track: This track is managed by the Chamber’s Hiring Our Heroes program and is the place to explore different career paths. Users can access Fast Track, where they can search among tens of thousands of job opportunities in the 100 fastest job-growing markets in America. Veterans and transitioning servicemembers can also chat with other veterans across industries, cities, and specialties.
     
  • Entrepreneur Track: This track is managed by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University and serves as a boot camp for entrepreneurs. Users can learn the fundamentals of starting a business and hear from veterans who have already done it.

In March 2011, the Chamber, in conjunction with the National Chamber Foundation, launched Hiring Our Heroes, a nationwide effort to help veterans and military spouses find meaningful employment. The Chamber started the program to improve public-private sector coordination in communities where veterans and their families are returning every day. To date, Hiring Our Heroes has hosted 370 hiring fairs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, helping 14,100 veterans and military spouses find employment.

The National Chamber Foundation (NCF), a non-profit affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is dedicated to identifying and fostering public debate on emerging critical issues. They provide business and government leaders with insight and resources to address tomorrow's challenges.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.