July 2013 Newsletter: Velocity Happenings: Macomb County to help employers value vets

Full-day event will educate, inspire and motivate companies to launch veteran hiring programs.

Macomb County is planning to host a conference for area employers who are interested in learning how to hire and retain veterans.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, 29.4 percent of recently discharged veterans in Michigan are unemployed compared to the current statewide average of 8.4 percent. A 2012 Prudential survey discovered that 60 percent of recently discharged veterans named “finding a job” as their greatest challenge in transitioning to civilian life. Survey respondents also say that while they believe they have the right skills, there are significant issues involved in translating military work experience with civilian hiring expectations.

And, while training programs and hiring incentives are available to offer aid to employers of veterans, many are unaware of the benefits

“We are on a mission to integrate Michigan’s workforce with highly skilled and able veterans,” said County Executive Mark A. Hackel. “This is an important component to both the success of our residents and our economy as well.”

The day-long Michigan Values Vets program will offer information and resources for employers who wish to be a part of the solution by creating dedicated veteran hiring and retention programs. The program will introduce participants to leaders from local companies that already have strong programs in place. They will also learn how to translate veteran job experience to match current hiring needs, obtain resources for accessing ready, willing and able veterans and make available programs that offer assistance in training new employees or offsetting payroll expenses.

The free conference will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12 at Macomb Community College’s South Campus. Funded through a grant awarded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the county will work with TMG, Inc. to pilot the program. All Michigan businesses are invited to attend.

To register for the conference, visit http://mv2sept2013.eventbrite.com/#