U.S. Chamber Member Joins Partnership to Create Jobs for Soldiers

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Con-way Freight – a U.S. Chamber of Commerce member and the 2007 winner of the Secretary of Defense's Employer Support Freedom Award – joined the U.S. Army Reserve's partnership to recruit, hire, and train reserve soldiers seeking careers in the trucking industry.

"By formalizing a relationship with the Army Reserve, Con-way not only assists the military in this time of stress but also strengthens their own workforce," said Ann Beauchesne, vice president of the Chamber's National Security and Emergency Preparedness Department. "These young men and women serving in the Reserve are rich in skills and are an incredible addition to any company."

Launched in April 2008, the Army Reserve Employer Partnership is a joint public-private sector venture designed to give business leaders tangible benefits for employing our nation's soldier-employees. The Army Reserve can also share training by aligning military and civilian credentialing and licensing, providing highly skilled and capable soldiers who can meet the demands of the civilian workplace.

"This unique initiative provides a mechanism for the Army Reserve and civilian industries to share the common goals of strengthening the community, supporting reserve soldiers and their families, and maintaining a strong economy," Beauchesne said.

"More than 600,000 National Guard and Reserve have been called up since 9/11, presenting challenges for the military, our soldiers, their families, and their employers," she said. "However, the partnership program will help transition our citizen-soldiers as they move back-and-forth between the military and their civilian jobs."

The Chamber's National Security Department has worked to ensure the business community continues to be a vital part of the national dialogue about transforming the National Guard and Reserve into a 21st century operational force.

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation, representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

www.uschamber.com

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