New Header 2013 May
VETERANS EDITION 
November 2013
Welcome
Sheri Dougherty
Dr. Sherilyne Dougherty, CEO

In November our Nation recognizes the contributions of our veterans and their families through a wide range of activities and programs such as Veterans Day tributes and Yellow Ribbon programs. DAI has a proud and rich tradition of supporting activities and programs through our work with the Departments of Defense, Labor and Veterans Affairs, and our community service engagements with Veterans Moving Forward.  

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 DAI Advisor, and remember, past editions can always be accessed on our archive page.
Beyond the Unemployment Statistics: Current and Emerging Veterans Issues

For the past few years, veteran unemployment has been all over the news. We've seen the government providing tax breaks for hiring veterans, companies creating veteran-specific recruitment programs and hundreds, if not thousands, of organizations establishing themselves with missions to tackle veteran employment. DAI has been supporting veteran-related programs for years and has developed a knowledge base that can help others prepare for and execute hiring, retention and career guidance for veterans. As more organizations hire veterans, being aware of their key issues will help shape hiring approaches. The needs and requirements of the veteran population, families of veterans and prospective veteran employers continue to evolve:

  • Troop drawdowns have created the need for resources and programs that reinforce a service member's connection to his or her home life during deployment, and civilian employer cooperation upon reintegration
  • Rising unemployment rates in the veteran population require improved hiring practices, resources and career support
  • Reintegration challenges demand robust communication to ensure that veterans and their families are aware of available options
  • Female veterans' unique set of issues require enhanced understanding and resource-building
  • Training and education is needed for both VA employees who share a role in veterans' successful transition to the civilian workforce and the veterans themselves in developing skills to conduct successful job searches

DAI has had the privilege of working with agencies across the federal government on numerous projects to support veterans and veteran hiring. We've found it is critical that organizations supporting veterans stay relevant to the veteran population through the understanding of evolving issues and awareness of the wide array of resources available to veterans, their families and employers.

Please read the full article here.

2014 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award Nomination Season Opens
 

On November 1, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) opened the nomination season for the 2014 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. The Freedom Award is the Department's highest honor for employers supporting Guard and Reserve Member employees. Up to 15 employers may be selected to receive the award and will be recognized at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. next September. By January 20, 2014, National Guard and Reserve members who have received exceptional support from their employers are encouraged to submit a nomination at www.FreedomAward.mil.

DAI Marketing Director Serves as Emcee at Veterans Moving Forward Dinner
  
Pete Leinbach welcomes dinner guests. Photo credit: Kent Potter of RIT Photography
DAI's Director of Marketing and Communications Pete Leinbach served as the Master of Ceremonies at the Veterans Moving Forward First-Annual Veterans Day Dinner at the Hotel Monaco in Alexandria, Virginia. The event, which included a silent auction and a keynote speech from General Peter Chiarelli, Ret., raised money for the organization whose mission is to provide service dogs to veterans with mental and physical health challenges. Dogs are trained and raised as comfort, therapy, facility or assistance/service dogs.

DAI began supporting Veterans Moving Forward in Spring 2013. All proceeds from DAI's "Jeans for Beans" sales go to the organization.
DAI Launches Award-Winning Infographic Series

Federal managers are often on their own when they are promoted to leadership positions. But with additional preparation, new leaders, especially technical experts, can learn and apply strategies that enable mission accomplishment and shape an agency's vision.


Download our infographic to learn more about the transition from management to leadership. This is the first of an award-winning human capital infographic series.
 
DAI Wins 2013 MarCom Awards

 

DAI's work has been recognized with the following 2013 MarCom Awards:

  • Platinum Award for our Human Capital Infographic Series
  • Gold Award for our Corporate Website
  • Gold Award for our Corporate Pocket Folder with Inserts
  • Honorable Mention for our Corporate Banner Stands
  • Honorable Mention for the Department of Veterans Affairs, HR Academy Interactive Flyer

The MarCom Awards are an international competition for communications and marketing professionals involved in the concept, design and writing of communications and marketing programs and audio, print and visual materials. Approximately 6,000 organizations enter the competition each year.

See the full list of winners and learn more about the MarCom Awards.

In the Community


Team DAI Raises $1,825 for AIDS Walk

On October 26, DAI participated in AIDS Walk Washington, raising $1,825, almost double our initial goal of $1,000. The event benefits Whitman-Walker Health, which provides health care to those infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS.


Pictured at right: Team DAI gathers before the race.

 

 

Toys for Tots DAI Gears Up for Annual Toys for Tots Drive   
Each year, DAI employees support the U.S. Marine Corps' annual Toys for Tots drive. Employees have begun collecting toys and coordinating the drive, with the goal to have each employee participate and surpass our previous donation. Interested in helping our effort?  We encourage you to visit DAI and drop off a new, unwrapped gift!
  

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Contact Us
To find out how DAI can help you with your communications, human capital, learning or event management needs, contact Blake Myers, Vice President of Business Operations, or Nicole Alley, Business Development Manager.
Visit www.dai-solutions.com
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