June 2012 - In This Issue
Top Chicago Employers At UIC July 12th
Surplus Items Available For Veterans' Groups
State's VBP Helps Boost Veteran Businesses
Volunteers Sought For Warrior To Warrior Program
Employer Event Set At Jesse Brown VA
Kreitzer is June 2012 Veteran Of The Month

Top Chicago Employers At UIC July 12th

100K Jobs Mission logo 

The 100,000 Jobs Mission, a coalition of 53 companies committed to hiring at least 100,000 veterans by 2020, is hosting a big hiring event for military veterans, transitioning servicemembers and military spouses in Chicago from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 12, 2012 at the University of Illinois at Chicago's UIC Forum.

 

Participating companies are looking to fill jobs in the Chicago area--and nationwide--ranging from entry-level to managerial positions. Registration prior to the event is highly encouraged. 

 

Like the recent USDVA hiring event in Detroit, this event uses an innovative pre-register, pre-match model that results in pre-scheduled interviews and, in some cases, on-the-spot job offers. Since the program's March 2011 launch, the group has collectively hired more than 12,000 veterans.

 

For more information--including a list of participating companies--please download the accompanying fact sheet.

Surplus Items Available For Veterans' Groups

Surplus PCsDid you know that non-profit veteran organizations are eligible to acquire federal surplus goods?

 

Thanks to a law signed by President Obama in 2010, veteran organizations can now obtain a variety of items including computers, foodservice equipment, office furniture, tools, machine shop equipment, vehicles, and much more!

 

The federal surplus property program is administered by the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) and may include a nominal service charge for each item of property received. Generally in good condition, federal surplus property items are items that have been used to their standard life expectancy, must be replaced for various reasons, or are otherwise in excess of the government's needs.

 

For more information, please see the accompanying fact sheet.

VBP Helps Boost Veteran Businesses

Road workerSigned into law last August by Governor Pat Quinn, the Veterans Business Program (VBP) encourages state agencies and universities to spend at least 3% of their procurement budgets with certified veteran-owned businesses.

 

Qualifying businesses include service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSB) and veteran-owned small businesses (VOSB) that have annual gross sales of $75 million or less. Larger veteran-owned businesses can apply for an exemption if they can demonstrate that a significant number of veteran-owned suppliers or subcontractors would benefit.

 

For complete program information, and to learn how to certify your veteran-owned business, please download the official VBP brochure.

Volunteers Sought For Warrior To Warrior Program

The Illinois Army National Guard and Health & Disability Advocates are looking for veterans to act as Volunteer Liaisons to assist current Illinois Army National Guardsmen access resources. No one knows better than a veteran what challenges a soldier will face when reintegrating to civilian life.

 

These challenges can include education, employment, family, finance, and many others. Our military training encourages us to become self-reliant, which often times means we don't ask for help when we need it most. The Illinois Warrior to Warrior Volunteer Veteran Program seeks to overcome stigma and open the door to improving the overall well-being of all members of the Illinois National Guard.

 

Volunteer veterans attend drill weekends where they work with interested service members. They learn about each unique situation and provide the necessary referrals. Volunteer veterans don't just get involved at the beginning; they remain connected with the service member throughout the readjustment period to ensure the best possible outcomes.

 

If you are interested in learning more about Warrior to Warrior, volunteering, or being matched with a veteran volunteer to access resources, please visit the program website www.ilwarriortowarrior.org.

Employer Event At Jesse Brown VA

We all know employers who are interested in hiring veterans but are not sure where to start in learning more about the benefits of hiring these skilled, disciplined performers. So help us spread the word!

 

The federal VA's Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) VetSuccess office will be hosting the 2012 Veterans Employer Symposium from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Monday, July 30th at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center in Chicago.

 

Employers will learn about programs that incentivize employment of veterans. VA representatives also will share information about the VR&E program and Department of Labor Work Opportunity Tax Credit.

 

For more information, please download the event fact sheet. To RSVP, send an email to [email protected] or [email protected] no later than July 6th.

DeKalb's Kreitzer Is June Veteran Of The Month

KreitzerThe Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) has honored Steven Kreitzer, a DeKalb resident and U.S. Army veteran, at its June 2012 "Veteran of the Month."

 

"Steven Kreitzer is an exceptional veteran who continues to devote his time, energy and creativity to serving fellow veterans and their families," said IDVA Director Erica Borggren.

 

Kreitzer was honored during a ceremony today at the DeKalb County Veterans Assistance Commission offices. The Illinois Veteran of the Month award is a distinction bestowed upon military veterans who continue to serve their communities after leaving the military. Kreitzer served in the Army from 2004 to 2008 as a cannon crew member, including one tour during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).

 

For more information on Kreitzer, please review IDVA's press release. To nominate someone for the honor please visit IDVA's website at www.veterans.illinois.gov to obtain a list of guidelines and a nomination form.

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