Florida is for Veterans, Inc.

Transcription

1 Florida is for Veterans, Inc. dba: Veterans Florida! Making Florida the Most Veteran-Friendly State in the Nation! Strategic Plan

2 Table of Contents FOREWORD... 1 A Message from the Chairman of the Board... 1 INTRODUCTION... 2 A Message from the Executive Director... 2 Executive Summary... 3 Board of Directors... 5 Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Jim Bagby, Chairman of the Board... 6 Jim Sampey, Vice-Chairman of the Board... 6 Brigadier General (Retired) John Adams, Secretary... 7 First Sergeant (Retired) Tom Rice, Treasurer... 7 Jamee Graff... 8 Lieutenant General (Retired) Martin Steele... 9 Prebble Q Ramswell Captain (Retired) Joe O Conor Courtney Heidelberg Staff Bobby Carbonell, Executive Director Joe Marino, Chief Operating Officer Strategic Planning Process Mission Vision Values Goals and Objectives Goal 1: Market Florida as the Most Veteran-Friendly State in the Nation Objective 1-1: Establish baseline/conduct research Tasks for Objective Metrics for Objective Objective 1-2: Create corporate brand Tasks for Objective Metrics for Objective Objective 1-3: Develop marketing plan Tasks for Objective Metrics for Objective Goal 2: Increase Veteran Employment Objective 2-1: Link Veterans searching for employment with businesses looking to move/expand/hire Tasks for Objective Metrics for Objective Objective 2-2: Enhance entrepreneurial skills of Veterans Tasks for Objective Metrics for Objective Goal 3: Establish, Grow and Maintain an Effective and Efficient Organization 21 i

3 Objective 3-1: Develop and maintain an efficient organization Tasks for Objective Metrics for Objective Objective 3-2: Enhance interagency collaboration and leverage partnerships Tasks for Objective Metrics for Objective Objective 3-3: Identify and seek additional resourcing opportunities Tasks for Objective Metrics for Objective Governance Board of Directors Operation Board Meetings Reporting Annual Report Gap Analysis Program Audit Summary Appendix A Florida GI Bill (FL State Statutes)... 1 Appendix B - CS/CS/HB 7015 Florida is for Veterans, Inc. excerpt from House enrolled Bill... 1 Appendix C - Major Tasks. Market Florida as most Veteran-Friendly State in the Nation... 1 Appendix D Increase Veteran Employment Major Tasks... 1 Appendix E - Establish, Grow, and Maintain an Effective and Efficient Organization Major Tasks... 1 ii

4 FOREWORD A Message from the Chairman of the Board As a new organization, I believe it is critical to set a strategic direction to guide the Organization from its infancy to its maturation as a viable organization capable of fulfilling the mandates given. Florida is for Veterans, Inc. s (FIFV) Strategic Plan provides the foundation upon which FIFV will grow and progress. We conducted a deliberate strategic planning process that included external stakeholders from state government, Veteran service organizations (VSO), not-for-profit organizations, as well as business and industry to develop this strategic plan. The process identified three strategic goals with nine high-level objectives that will guide FIFV over the next 3-5 years. These goals and objectives are: Goal 1: Market Florida as most Veteran-Friendly State in the Nation 1. Establish baseline/conduct research on business/veterans 2. Create corporate brand 3. Develop marketing plan Goal 2: Increase Veteran Employment 1. Link Veterans searching for employment with business looking to move/expand/hire 2. Enhance entrepreneurial skills of Veterans Goal 3: Establish, Grow and Maintain an Effective and Efficient Organization 1. Develop and maintain an efficient organization 2. Enhance interagency collaboration and leverage partnerships 3. Define and advocate for Veterans through legislative actions 4. Identify and seek additional resourcing opportunities I am proud of the candor, enthusiasm, collaboration, and commitment of the strategic planning workgroup throughout the process. Even though there were a variety of viewpoints and experiences represented, every discussion and debate came back to our vision: How do we make Florida the most Veteran-friendly state in the nation? As a Veteran, I am excited about Florida s renewed commitment to our Veterans. As the first Chairman of the Board of FIFV, I am honored to serve and, with the help of our talented Board of Directors, will guide this organization so that the goals and objectives identified during our strategic planning process will be accomplished. Jim Bagby, US Army (Retired) Chairman of the Board Florida is for Veterans, Inc. 1

5 INTRODUCTION A Message from the Executive Director I am honored to be selected as the first Executive Director of Florida is for Veterans (FIFV), Inc. Following the creation of FIFV, the Governor, Florida Senate President, and Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives appointed a nine-member Board of Directors, with each appointing three members to the Board. The members of the FIFV Board bring a wealth of talent and experience as well as a passion for helping Veterans transition from their military service to the civilian community. As with any new organization, it is critical that a strategic direction is determined that will guide the actions of the organization through its maturation. The dedication and time our Board members put into this strategic planning effort continues to impress me. Assisting us in the development of our strategic plan was a service-disabled, Veteranowned small business with an impressive resume of strategic planning and an even more impressive passion for helping Veterans. Our strategic planning process resulted in the selection of a new operating name: Veterans Florida. We also defined Veterans Florida s mission, vision and values. We further identified three strategic goals and nine high-level objectives that will guide the actions of this organization. The mission of Veterans Florida is to: Attract and retain Veterans and their families by connecting them to employment, training and educational opportunities Strengthen Florida businesses by educating them on the value and skillsets Veterans bring to the workforce and providing training resources for their Veteran hires Enhance the entrepreneurial skills of Veterans The vision of Veterans Florida is that Florida is the number one state in the Nation for Veterans and their families to live and work. The organizational values that guide our daily actions and decision-making are: Integrity Service Caring Commitment Excellence I am excited to lead this new organization and look forward to the upcoming challenges as we continue working to ensure that Florida is the number one place for Veterans and their families to live and work following their military service. Bobby Carbonell Executive Director Veterans Florida 2

6 "I am pleased to also sign this legislation that will help our Veterans find employment and expand career opportunities for Veterans and their spouses. We are working to be the most military-friendly state in the nation, and this is another step to support our brave men and women who serve our nation. Governor Rick Scott March 31, 2014 Executive Summary With more than 1.5 million Veterans, Florida is home to the third largest number of Veterans, following only California and Texas. Of those 1.5 million Veterans, more than 231,000 served during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. As those conflicts wind down and the military downsizes, Florida will see even more of our nation s heroes settle in our great state. Many will enroll in Florida s colleges and universities using the new Post 9/11 GI Bill, while others will seek employment. In order to help ensure a smoother transition to civilian life and to recognize our nation s Veterans for their service, the Florida Legislature created and passed the Florida GI Bill during the 2014 Legislative Session. Providing a host of benefits to help ease the transition and make Florida a very attractive option for transitioning Servicemembers to call home, Florida is truly the most Veteran-friendly state in the nation. 3

7 Governor Rick Scott created Florida is for Veterans, Inc. (FIFV) when he signed the Florida GI Bill legislation into law on March 31, Housed within the Florida State Statutes, Title XX Veterans, Chapter 295 Laws Relating to Veterans: General Provisions, Section Florida Is For Veterans, Inc., identifies the purpose of Florida is for Veterans, Inc., as promoting Florida as the most Veteran-friendly state in the nation. The Board of Directors has selected Veterans Florida as the operating name of Florida is for Veterans, Inc. Veterans Florida seeks to provide Veterans with employment opportunities and promotes the hiring of Veterans by the business community. Veterans Florida encourages retired and recently separated military personnel to remain in the state or to make the state their permanent residence. Veterans Florida promotes the value of military skillsets to businesses in the state, assists in tailoring the training of Veterans to match the needs of the employment marketplace, and enhances the entrepreneurial skills of Veterans. Veterans Florida works hard to help facilitate a smooth transition from the military to the civilian world for our nation s recently separated, or about to separate, Veterans. With a variety of assistance available for Veterans and businesses who seek to hire Veterans, Florida is quickly becoming recognized as one of our nation s leaders with respect to helping our Veterans. Within Veterans Florida is the Veterans Employment and Training Services (VETS) program. The VETS program assists in linking Veterans in search of employment with businesses seeking to hire dedicated, well-trained workers. The purpose of the program is to meet the workforce demands of businesses in the state by facilitating access to training and education in high-demand fields for Veterans. The Florida GI Bill makes Florida the most military-friendly state in the nation and supports the brave men and women who protect us at home and abroad. Through this bill, tens of thousands of active duty servicemen and women, military retirees and their families will see expanded education and employment options. It is an honor to stand alongside Governor Scott, Speaker Weatherford and service men and women of my district today as the Florida GI Bill is signed into law. Don Gaetz Former President Florida Senate Veterans Florida provides services to Florida businesses to meet their hiring needs by connecting businesses with suitable Veteran applicants for employment. Suitable applicants include Veterans who already possess appropriate job skills or those who may need additional training to meet the specific needs of a business. Veterans Florida also provides information about the state and federal benefits of hiring Veterans. Veterans Florida administers grant programs to assist Veterans in meeting the workforce skill needs of businesses seeking to hire Veterans, and an entrepreneurship program designed to help Veterans who want to start their own businesses. 4

8 This Strategic Plan is the result of many months of hard work by the members of our Board of Directors, the Executive Director, and our key stakeholders. The planning process was conducted in public forums throughout each step of the process, resulting in the adoption of three strategic goals and eight high-level objectives in order to accomplish the mission given by the Florida Legislature. Board of Directors active leaders in their community. Veterans Florida is led by a nine-member Board of Directors. The Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives each appoint three members to the board. Board members represent active and retired military personnel, military spouses, a range of ages, and possess experience and expertise in business, education, government relations, marketing, and information management. They come from around the state and are The Board of Directors elects a Chair annually from among the board s members. Each member of the board serves for a term of four years, except the initial appointees appointed by the Governor, who serve for a term of two years to allow for members serving staggered terms. The Board meets on a regular basis to help guide the activities of the corporation and to ensure the organization meets legislative intent and mandates. Meetings are open to the public and announced via public notice. Board meetings are held throughout the state in order to increase awareness statewide and to present opportunities for residents in other parts of the state to attend. Additionally, meetings are broadcast on the Florida Channel and available to the public for viewing. The following contains short biographies of the Veterans Florida Board of Directors. 5

9 Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Jim Bagby, Chairman of the Board Jim Bagby was appointed to the Board of Directors by former Senate President Don Gaetz and elected Chairman by a vote of the Board. Jim grew up near Tyler, Texas. He and his wife, Jennie, have two daughters: Sara and Jennifer who both live and work in New York City. Jim has a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from West Point and a Master s degree in Public Administration from Western Kentucky University. Jim s work experience includes 24 years in the US Army with a variety of operational and staff assignments throughout the world. Prior to working for Visit South Walton, he was the Town Manager of Rosemary Beach for nearly 10 years. In July 2013, Jim joined the Walton County Tourist Development Council as the Executive Director. In that capacity, he provides leadership and is responsible for managing the internal departments of the TDC including marketing, communications, sales, administration, and beach operations. Jim served two terms on the City of Destin City Council and currently serves on the Walton County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He is a member of the Visit Florida Advertising and Internet committee and is a Lector and Eucharistic Minister at Resurrection Catholic Church. His hobbies include reading, golfing and riding his Harley Davidson. Jim Sampey, Vice-Chairman of the Board Alliance. After serving 23 year at Cox Target Media, including roles as President of Valpak and Executive Vice President at Cox Target Media, Jim Sampey founded CIHU (Can I Help You?), LLC, in retirement, helping friends and business associates to take their businesses to the next level. Jim is engaged as Founder, Advisor and/or Investor to several organizations including Live Water Sports, Sky Data Ventures, Sterling Payment Technologies, Valpak, and Shinn and Company, savvycard.com, Prime Medical Apparel, and Performance Health Applied Technologies. He also serves on various Boards including the Tampa Bay Partnership, University of Dayton, SunTrust Bank, Now Up Foundation, Vision Integrated Graphics, and the Tampa Bay Defense Jim has a Bachelor s degree in business from the University of Dayton. He is married to his wife of 20 years, Carol, and has three children Jimmy, Ryan and Rachel. Governor Rick Scott appointed Jim to the Board of Directors and his peers selected him as the Board s first Vice-Chair. 6

10 Brigadier General (Retired) John Adams, Secretary Brigadier General John Adams retired from the US Army in September 2007, culminating his service as Deputy U.S. Military Representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). As a Foreign Area Officer, Military Intelligence Officer, and Army Aviator, his more than thirty years of active duty service in command and staff assignments included nearly eighteen years in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. He is the founder and President of Guardian Six LLC, a Florida-based Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business that assists clients in successfully analyzing national security issues and addressing U.S. and allied national security requirements. John holds a Master s in International Relations (Boston University), English (University of Massachusetts), and Strategic Studies (US Army War College). He taught English at West Point from He is proficient in French, Dutch, German, and Croatian. John and his wife, Laura Magan, MD, make their home in Gulf Breeze, Florida. They enjoy sailing, hiking, and cooking. He is a member of the Gulf Breeze Rotary Club. Former Speaker of the House Will Weatherford appointed John to the Board of Directors. First Sergeant (Retired) Tom Rice, Treasurer Tom Rice is the owner and chef of The Magnolia Grill of Ft. Walton Beach, which he and his wife, Peggy, opened in In 2004, the Magnolia Grill received Florida s Good Neighbor Award from the National Restaurant Association and was the Greater Ft. Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce s Small Business of the Year. In July 2007, Congressman Jeff Miller recognized Tom and Peggy for humanitarian work in the Congressional Record of the 110th Congress. Tom serves on numerous Boards including the Emerald Coast Bridge Authority, Emerald Coast Honor Flight, Northwest Florida Chapter of the American Red Cross, Community Advisor for Covenant Hospice, and has served on the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast Board for the past two years. He is a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and DAV 72. Tom is a Veteran and retired as First Sgt. from the US Army. He is married to Peggy Starkey Rice and they are the parents of one daughter, Meghan, who is a graduate of Auburn University. Tom was appointed to the Board of Directors by former Senate President Don Gaetz. 7

11 Jamee Graff Appointed to the Board of Directors by former Speaker of the House Will Weatherford to represent military spouses and families, both active, transitioned, and retired, Jamee Graff brings a wealth of experience to the Veterans Florida Board. As a military spouse and mother, Jamee has been a champion for military spouses and families for more than twenty years. She understands the complex nature of being a military spouse and is passionate about being a voice for military spouses and families. She is continuing that dedication while serving as a Board Member of Veterans Florida, and the Chair of the External Affairs Committee. Along with raising four children and navigating multiple moves, Jamee attended University of Alaska where she graduated from nursing school. She also received her Bachelor in Science degree in Business Management from Bellevue University. She began her career as a Real Estate professional, focusing on the unique needs of a military family during frequent relocations and change of duty stations. While in Washington D.C., Jamee led a committee of Air Force General Officer spouses in a program to help the recovery journey of Wounded Warriors and their families at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. This program provided real, personal interaction with Wounded Warriors and their families, encouraging Veterans and their families to interact with their disabilities in simple activities. While at Tyndall AFB, FL, Jamee worked with base organizations and personnel to help bridge the gap between military spouse and families with the base leadership. She served as the honorary President and Vice President of the Tyndall AFB Officer Spouse Club, which championed support for spouses during times of need and during service member deployment. Jamee also created new liaisons and worked closely with the Bay County Chamber of Commerce and the Bay Defense Alliance to garner community support for Tyndall AFB families. Jamee also served on the Panama City Habitat for Humanity Board and worked closely with the Wounded Warrior Beach Retreat. Jamee is currently a Real Estate Professional with ERA Neubauer Real Estate and a Board Member on the Niceville High School Student Advisory Council. Jamee is married to the former Tyndall AFB Wing Commander, Colonel (retired) David Graff. They reside in Niceville, Florida, with their four children Ellie, Ryan, Marc, and Addie Kate. 8

12 Lieutenant General (Retired) Martin Steele Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and raised in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Lieutenant General (Retired) Martin R. Steele enlisted in the Marine Corps in January He rose from private to three-star general, culminating his military career as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans, Policies and Operations at Headquarters, US Marine Corps, in Washington, DC, in August of A decorated combat Veteran with 34-1/2 years of service, he is a recognized expert in the integration of all elements of national power (diplomatic, economic, informational, and military) with strategic military war plans and has served as an executive strategic planner/policy director in multiple theaters across Asia. His extraordinary career was chronicled as one of three principles in the award-winning military biography Boys of 67 by Charles Jones. Upon his retirement from active duty in 1999, he served as President and CEO of the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum in New York City. Under his leadership, they adopted the mission statement of Honor our heroes, educate the public, and inspire our youth about the price of freedom. Currently, General Steele serves as the Associate Vice President for Veterans Research, the Executive Director of Military Partnerships, and Co-Chair of the Veterans Reintegration Steering Committee at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida. Additionally, General Steele is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Steele Partners, Inc., a strategic advisory and leadership consulting company. General Steele is a graduate of the University of Arkansas where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in History ( 74) and was recognized as a Distinguished Graduate of the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. He is a recipient of the 2013 Arkansas Alumni Award Citation of Distinguished Alumni which recognizes exceptional professional and personal achievement and extraordinary distinction in a chosen field. He also holds three Masters Degrees from Central Michigan University, Salve Regina College, and the Naval War College. Married to the former Cynthia Bayliss of Little Rock, Arkansas, the Steele s live in Tampa and are the parents of three adult children and three grandchildren. General Steele serves proudly on several boards across the country to include the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, Fisher House Foundation, Stability Institute, Call of Duty Endowment, Stay in Step Foundation, Operation Helping Hand, Veterans Advantage, University of Arkansas Veterans Resource and Information Center Board, and the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Foundation. Former Speaker of the House Will Weatherford appointed General Steele to the Board of Directors. 9

13 Prebble Q Ramswell Prebble Q Ramswell was a Division I swimmer and coach prior to her acceptance of a position with the Central Intelligence Agency where she spent six years working in Counterterrorism. Upon moving to Florida after her husband was named Course Director EUCOM at the USAF Special Operations School at Hurlburt Field, Ramswell embraced a new challenge: running for Destin City Council in March Her successful bid for Councilwoman led to appointments on the Growth Management and Economic Development Board and International Relations Committee with the Florida League of Cities, as well as appointments to the Okaloosa-Walton Transportation Planning Organization, YMCA Board, and the Okaloosa County Economic Development Council Policy Board. Ms. Ramswell has also served on the Board of Directors for organizations including the Junior League of Northern Virginia, Junior League of the Emerald Coast, Montessori Learning Center in Fort Walton Beach, Gulf Swimming, and the Children's Museum of Northern Virginia. Prebble earned BA s in Psychology, Sociology, and Political Science from the University of Houston, a Masters in Liberal Arts/Social Science from Texas Christian University, and is PhD (ABD) in International Development/Political Science from the University of Southern Mississippi. She is an active community volunteer and a proud member of the Destin Rotary Club. She has served as a lead instructor for the Destin Fire Rescue Foundation s Junior Lifeguard Program since Ramswell and her husband, Tony, live in Destin with their daughter, Briar. Prebble was appointed to the Board of Directors by former Senate President Don Gaetz. Captain (Retired) Joe O Conor Captain O Conor US Navy (Retired) holds a Bachelor s Degree from the US Naval Academy and a Master s Degree in Public Administration from George Washington University. Additionally, he holds a Master s Degree in National Resource Strategy from the National Defense University in Washington D.C. Captain O Conor retired from the Navy after serving a wide range of duty assignments. He served on numerous ships including USS Sampson (DDG 10), USS Boone (FFG-28), USS Hayler (DD-997), Pre-commissioning Executive Officer of USS Monterey (CG 61) and Commanding Officer of USS O Bannon (DD-987). Four of those ships were based in Mayport, Florida. 10

14 Additionally, he served several times in Washington, DC, including tours on the Chief of Naval Operations Staff in the Pentagon as well as a Congressional Liaison Officer for the Navy on Capitol Hill. After retiring from the Navy, he transitioned to the civilian world and joined Earl Industries, LLC, as Director, Florida Operations. He was instrumental in the growth and profitability of the company s ship repair operation in Mayport. He became the General Manager, General Dynamics NASSCO Mayport after the purchase of Earl Industries by General Dynamics in August He successfully made the transition from working for a small business to one of the largest defense firms in the country. Captain O Conor was a founding member of the Jacksonville Area Ship Repair Association (JASRA). This is an organization of more than 50 companies which has been instrumental in successfully working with elected representatives to bring more ships and jobs to Mayport Naval Station. Captain O Conor resides in Atlantic Beach and has three children living in Florida and one in Abu Dhabi. He spends his spare time as a Guardian Ad Litem Volunteer. Governor Rick Scott appointed Captain O Conor to the Board of Directors. Courtney Heidelberg Courtney Heidelberg joined On 3 Public Relations in January 2014, where she serves as Director of Accounts. She has more than a decade of experience as a communications professional, including serving as Communications Director for the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Public Relations Manager for the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, and Public Information Officer for the Florida Department of Children and Families. In addition to her work in state government, Heidelberg served in the U.S. Army and Florida National Guard as a Signal Officer for a total of six years. Her military service included a year-long tour in Iraq from February 2004 to February 2005 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Heidelberg lives with her husband, Maj. Blake Heidelberg (Florida Army National Guard), and their son, Rex, in Tallahassee. She is a member of the Florida Public Relations Association and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Heidelberg earned a Bachelor s degree in Journalism from Ohio University, and a Master s degree in Communications from Florida State University. Governor Rick Scott appointed Courtney to the Board of Directors. Staff Veterans Florida is currently comprised of a small staff who work to complete and implement the tasks that will accomplish the organizational goals and objectives. The staff currently consists of an Executive Director, a Chief Operations Officer, and a Budget Officer. 11

15 This staff will increase as the implementation of the goals and objectives of the organization begin to be realized. Bobby Carbonell, Executive Director Bobby Carbonell joined Veterans Florida as the corporation s first Executive Director in January Prior to his position with Veterans Florida, Bobby served as the Legislative and Cabinet Affairs Director for the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs and the Deputy Legislative Affairs Director for the Department of Military Affairs. Bobby also serves as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer in the Florida Air National Guard s 125th Fighter Wing. He served as the Aide-de-Camp for the 1st Air Force Commander at Tyndall AFB, Florida, from Prior to commissioning in 2010, he spent 10 years as a soldier in the Florida Army National Guard. His Army career included a tour in Iraq in and selection as 83rd Troop Command s Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year in Bobby lives in Tallahassee with his wife, Jamie, and his daughter, Sophie. He graduated from Florida State University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs. He also co-owns Growler Country, a small business in Tallahassee with his brother Michael Carbonell. Joe Marino, Chief Operating Officer Joe Marino has been active in Florida Legislative policy regarding military, Veteran and defense economic development issues since He founded a trade association in 2010 for Florida defense businesses working to improve their business climate in Florida and to connect defense businesses for opportunities all across the state. Joe is a West Point graduate and former US Army officer. During his time in the Army, he was a commissioned Air Defense Artillery Officer. Following his military service, Joe spent eight years working for the State of Florida in various capacities. From 2008 to 2010, he was the Governor s Office liaison to the state's military installations and communities. From 2006 to 2008, he was Deputy Legislative Affairs Director for the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, advocating for Veterans issues and the departmental budget. From 2002 to 2006, he also worked as legislative analyst on the Florida House of Representative s Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. Prior to his time with the State of Florida, Joe was a recruiter assisting separating military officers find employment with Fortune 500 companies. Joe was born and raised in the Tampa, Florida, area and graduated from Brandon High. 12

16 From expanded education benefits and Veterans outreach to enhanced hiring preferences and improved access to services, this remarkable legislation signed into law today truly means Florida is the most Veteran and military friendly state in the nation. Colonel (Retired) Mike Prendergast Executive Director Florida Department of Veterans Affairs March 31, 2014 Strategic Planning Process Veterans Florida embarked on this strategic planning process based on requirements contained in the Florida GI Bill. The legislation requires that Veterans Florida: 1. Provide a strategy and framework for the general operations of Veterans Florida, including the fulfillment of its purpose, duties, and goals as provided in ss and , Florida Statutes 2. Include specific performance measures by which Veterans Florida and its functions shall be evaluated 3. Include details of the existing expenditures and obligations of Veterans Florida, as well as a budget and timelines for expected expenditures related both to general operations and to products, services, and grants to be provided under programs administered by Veterans Florida 4. Submit copies of the plan to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The Legislative Budget Commission must approve the plan, including performance measures, before Veterans Florida may expend funds for the duties required under s , Florida Statutes The strategic planning process began with executive planning sessions with each individual Board member to gather insight and information to determine the board members ideas of the purpose of Veterans Florida. After the executive planning sessions were completed, the entire Board met to review the results of the data collected and begin the hard work of identifying the organization s mission, vision, values, goals, and objectives. The results of that work are contained within this Strategic Plan. We also reached out to the key stakeholders identified in the legislation that created Veterans Florida to determine how they felt they could best support the stated goals of the legislation. Those stakeholders include the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Visit Florida, Enterprise Florida, Inc., and Career Source. These stakeholders played a key role and provided valuable input into current programs and how they could best support the identified mission, vision, goals and objectives of Veterans Florida. The process emphasized alignment of the Veterans Florida strategic goals to the strategic priorities of the Governor. The Board also spent time discussing and reviewing best practices currently in use by the key stakeholders in order to avoid duplication of services and to ensure the objectives and tasks identified will best accomplish the strategic goals. 13

17 The Board of Directors identified strategic goals with achievable high-level objectives. Each objective contains a series of key performance measures and metrics that are measurable, easily tracked, and will be reported in the Veterans Florida Annual Report. As a new organization, there will be a period of establishing a baseline for which future metrics will be developed as the organization matures. Veterans Florida Strategy Map 14

18 Mission The mission of Veterans Florida is to: Attract and retain Veterans and their families by connecting them to employment, training and educational opportunities Strengthen Florida businesses by educating them on the value and skillsets Veterans bring to the workforce and providing training resources for their Veteran hires Enhance the entrepreneurial skills of Veterans Vision Values Florida is the number one state in the nation for Veterans and their families to live and work. The organizational values that guide Veterans Florida and govern the actions of the board members, Executive Director, and staff are: Integrity Service Caring Commitment Excellence Goals and Objectives The strategic goals of Veterans Florida and the eight high-level objectives that will guide the accomplishment of the mission set forth by the Governor and the Florida Legislature are listed below. Goal 1: Market Florida as the most Veteran-Friendly State in the Nation 1. Establish baseline/conduct research on business/veterans 2. Create corporate brand 3. Develop marketing plan Goal 2: Increase Veteran Employment 1. Link Veterans searching for employment with businesses looking to move/expand/hire 2. Enhance entrepreneurial skills of Veterans Goal 3: Establish, Grow and Maintain an Effective and Efficient Organization 1. Develop and maintain an efficient organization 2. Enhance interagency collaboration and leverage partnerships 3. Identify and seek additional resourcing opportunities The following section details each of the strategic goals and high-level objectives, and identifies the tasks and performance measures used in determining progress toward goal achievement. 15

19 Goal 1: Market Florida as the Most Veteran-Friendly State in the Nation This goal focuses on marketing efforts geared toward recently separated or soon to Goal 1: Market Florida as the Most be separated Veterans within Florida and Veteran-Friendly State in the Nation Establish baseline/conduct research outside of Florida. A comprehensive Create corporate brand marketing campaign targeting these Develop marketing plan populations will be developed that will reach the target populations and explain the benefits available to Veterans and their families in Florida. Three high-level objectives will guide the actions for accomplishing this goal. Market research to establish a baseline and identify the target markets will be the basis for the development and implementation of a marketing campaign to encourage members of the target market to remain in the state or to make the state their permanent residence. Creating brand awareness and developing a strategic communications plan will enable various methods for disseminating information to the target market based on the interests and needs of Veterans of all ages. Finally, the marketing efforts will enhance Goal 2, increase Veteran employment by providing information to tailor targeted messaging geared specifically to Florida s business community to promote and enhance the value of military skillsets to businesses. Objective 1-1: Establish baseline/conduct research This objective will establish the baseline that helps Veterans Florida determine the current state. As a newly established organization, it is critical to establish the baseline and identify the current state prior to any marketing efforts taking place. This objective ensures appropriate research is conducted, analyzed and will serve as the basis for the action plans that will become part of this strategic plan. Tasks for Objective 1-1 The tasks below are critical in determining the baseline so marketing efforts can begin and proper messaging is developed to reach the target audiences. 1. Define target market 2. Define the key motivators in deciding where to relocate 3. Discover which states the target audience feels are best for Veterans, and why 4. Determine the target market s awareness of what benefits Florida has to offer for Veterans 5. Learn what messages need to be communicated to best convince Veterans to relocate to Florida 6. Establish the educational needs of the target market 7. Ascertain the employment needs and what type of employment assistance would be most beneficial to the target market 8. Learn how Veteran-friendly Florida is perceived to be and what characteristics lend to that rating 9. Determine where Florida falls in the ratings of Veteran-friendliness compared to other states 16

20 10. Employment expectations and outlook of active military members and Veterans 11. Baseline awareness among active military and Veterans on what jobs are available in Florida 12. Baseline of educational plans or needs of Veterans 13. Knowledge of entrepreneurial assistance programs for Veterans 14. Create survey in coordination with key stakeholders geared toward businesses in the target market a. The perceptions held by business owners/hiring managers of recently separated Veterans in the work place b. The knowledge of Florida s recently passed Veteran s Preference for Private Sector Employers ( ) and other employer related incentives c. Current efforts by business owners/hiring managers to recruit or determine Veterans status of applicants d. Willingness of employers to hire Veterans, even if they may need additional training e. Knowledge of basic military job descriptions and level of responsibility associated with each job f. Baseline knowledge of skillsets most Veterans acquire in the military Metrics for Objective Identify top 3-10 factors Veterans consider when determining where to settle postservice 2. Provide ranking of Veteran-Friendliness of states focus groups conducted with separating servicemembers representing crosssection of the country 4. Identify 5-10 regions/media markets to target marketing 5. Identify top 3-5 barriers to businesses hiring Veterans Objective 1-2: Create corporate brand Development of a corporate brand assists in delivering our messaging to the proper audience. A corporate brand also helps to visualize the organization. An effective brand can speak for the organization. Iconic brands such as McDonalds, IBM, Coca-Cola, AT&T, and Apple have become easily recognizable by their logo alone. Similarly, Visit Florida has become synonymous with one of the nation s premier tourism destinations. Veterans Florida will develop a brand that brings Veteran-friendly Florida to mind when people see its logo or hear its name. Tasks for Objective Develop strategic communications plan a. Identify social media platforms b. Identify potential Veteran-to-business opportunities to increase presence throughout the State and nationally 2. Develop Veterans Florida logo a. Create branding guide 1) Use of logo 17

21 2) Color standards 3) Size standards Metrics for Objective Develop logo, tagline and brand guide for Veterans Florida, by June 30, Establish baseline for brand recognition by end of year one 3. 10% increase in brand recognition each year Objective 1-3: Develop marketing plan A comprehensive marketing plan enables Veterans Florida to develop targeted messaging directed toward the various audiences. The marketing plan will help direct the conduct of marketing and recruitment efforts directed at Veterans who reside in or who have an interest in relocating to the state and who are seeking employment. Additionally, marketing efforts will focus on those currently in Florida and about to transition from the military for the purpose of ensuring Florida retains a large percentage of this talented pool of potential employees. The marketing plan will also deliver messaging to Florida s business community on how a Veteran's military experience is valuable to a business. Tasks for Objective Gather information from research conducted 2. SWOT Analysis/Review of what is known 3. Digital and Social Media Strategy 4. Identify assets/benefits currently residing in different agencies 5. Develop year-one marketing plan by June 30, Develop Veterans Florida website by June 30, Marketing plan to include but not be limited to: a. Business Interests 8. Develop website a. Conduct usability testing 9. Build out components of website Metrics for Objective Identify Top 3-5 media channels/platforms preferred by Veterans identified and classified by demographics 2. Establish baseline for website usage in year one 3. Increase pages visited on website by 10% annually 4. Identify 3-5 paid advertising opportunities with the greatest return on investment 18

22 Goal 2: Increase Veteran Employment The military services do an admirable job of helping transitioning Servicemembers learn résumé writing and interviewing skills. However, there is a disconnect in helping a Veteran put into words those intrinsic skills learned while serving their country. Skills that any organization would find valuable, such as maturity, leadership capacity, decision-making, and small-team leadership, are inherent in the men and women serving in our military forces today. Assisting Veterans who reside in or relocate to Florida and who are seeking employment is paramount to Veterans Florida s mission and is the basis for its entire existence. This goal consists of two high-level objectives that will result in the recapitalizing of Florida s workforce with the talent our Veterans bring to the workplace. The establishment of the Veterans Employment and Training Services (VETS) program carries with it several component programs, including an employee training grant program and an entrepreneurial program. Additionally, as the state legislature meets and considers additional programs, Veterans Florida could see even more programs added with the goal of increasing Veteran employment. Objective 2-1: Link Veterans searching for employment with businesses looking to move/expand/hire This objective seeks to connect Veterans to businesses and businesses to Veterans. In order to create this linkage with Florida businesses, Veterans Florida will conduct marketing and recruitment efforts to Veterans who reside in or who have an interest in relocating to this state and who are seeking employment. Marketing efforts will include information related to how a Veteran s military experience can be valuable to a business. A variety of efforts will occur including Veteran job fairs and other Veteran focused events; hosting events for the business community to educate them on the value of hiring a Veteran, the skills a Veteran brings to the workplace, and teaching businesses how to find Veterans who are seeking employment; and using digital/social media and direct-mail campaigns. This objective also includes the creation and administration of a grant program to provide funding to assist Veterans in meeting the workforce skill needs of businesses seeking to hire Veterans. Tasks for Objective 2-1 Goal 2: Increase Veteran Employment Link Veterans searching for employment with businesses looking to move/expand/hire Enhance entrepreneurial skills of Veterans 1. Establish baseline 2. Create a system which seamlessly connects Veterans seeking employment to our partner agencies for the purpose of: a. Completing and providing skills assessments b. Skills match information c. Skill gap analysis d. Resume creation 19

23 e. Translation of military skills into civilian workforce skills f. Register Veterans with the state s job bank system g. Provide information about state workforce programs 3. Meet workforce demands of the business by facilitating access to training and education in high-demand fields for Veterans a. Create a grant program to fund specialized training specific to a particular business 4. Provide Veterans with information about workforce demand, industry certifications, and earning academic college credit for training and education acquired in the military and encourage Veterans to participate in the Complete Florida Degree Program. 5. Educate small/medium-sized businesses on value of a Veteran. Metrics for Objective Establish baseline based on review of research of Veteran employment data to derive future metrics by end of year one. 2. 5% annual increase in Veteran job placement as reported by DEO/Career Source and other sources 3. 5% annual increase in total number of Veterans employed 4. 90% of training grant funds issued to grant participants to maximize and increase Veteran employment 5. 75% of grant recipients successfully complete training program 6. 75% of hired grant recipients retained in position beyond one year 7. 10% annual increase over year one in number of Veterans contacted and supplied with information 8. 10% annual increase in number of businesses educated on the value of a Veteran Objective 2-2: Enhance entrepreneurial skills of Veterans Veterans Florida will establish and administer one or more contracts for a Veteran entrepreneur initiative program. This objective will provide Veterans seeking to become entrepreneurs with resources to assist them with starting their own business. Universities possessing the qualifications detailed in the legislation will compete to receive funding to administer the entrepreneurial programs. Increasing the success rate of Veteran entrepreneurs along with increasing Veteran employment is the ultimate goal of the entrepreneurship program. As such, it is imperative these programs involve real-world experiences such as peer-to-peer learning sessions, mentoring, technical assistance, business roundtables, networking opportunities, support of student organizations, and a guest speaker series. The people who are willing to put their lives on the line are probably going to be the most productive workers. We want Veterans to be the ones who are able to come in to Florida and get jobs. Let s take that leadership ability, that passion, and let them be the successes they can be. Jimmie T. Smith US Army (Retired) Florida House of Representatives 20

24 Tasks for Objective Determine which colleges and universities meet the requirements of the legislation 2. Coordinate and gather input with any entrepreneurship centers located at the universities 3. Draft SOW to solicit qualified colleges and universities to administer an entrepreneurship initiative 4. Develop a list of entities offering related programs and encourage them to refer Veterans or to provide services 5. Focus on employment and business creation Metrics for Objective Establish baseline based on review of existing entrepreneurship programs to derive future metrics by end of year one 2. Statement of work drafted, distributed and acknowledged 3. Partner with 3-5 external entities for referrals and services 4. 10% annual increase in new program participants 5. 80% of participants complete the program 6. 25% of participant open a business in year one 7. 75% of new businesses remain open after one year Goal 3: Establish, Grow and Maintain an Effective and Efficient Organization Understanding the mission, vision, and values of Veterans Florida is paramount to running an effective and efficient organization. Veterans issues comprise a wide range of topics and it is critical that Veterans Florida be resourced and staffed to focus on those issues under its purview. This also means that Veterans Florida must be cognizant of those Veterans issues Goal 3: Establish, Grow and Maintain an Effective and Efficient Organization Develop and maintain an efficient organization Enhance interagency collaboration and leverage partnerships Identify and seek additional resourcing opportunities for which other agencies and stakeholders have responsibility and ensure it does not get bogged down attempting to handle issues it is not resourced to handle. As a new corporation, Veterans Florida must establish core business processes to ensure efficient and effective systems are in place so the corporation can accomplish its mission. Veterans Florida must also ensure our government agency partners, stakeholders and the business community remain informed of activity on a regular and consistent basis, and their input is requested in order to avoid duplication of efforts and allow for the sharing of best practices. Three high-level objectives guide the activities needed to ensure the accomplishment of this strategic goal. 21

25 Objective 3-1: Develop and maintain an efficient organization The Board of Directors must responsibly and prudently manage all funds received and ensure that the use of such funds conforms to all applicable laws, bylaws or contractual requirements. The Board also has the responsibility to properly resource the organization so it can administer the programs created by the legislation establishing Veterans Florida, as well as any subsequent programs that are being, or may be, debated in current or future legislative sessions. Tasks for Objective Develop effective internal performance measures for the organization 2. Ensure the organization has the resources necessary to accomplish its mission 3. Create efficient and ethical core business processes to include: a. Development, implementation, and evolution of a comprehensive strategic plan b. Meeting legislative reporting milestones c. Development of comprehensive standard operating procedures d. Ensuring financial accountability 4. Develop a comprehensive long-term financial plan Metrics for Objective Establish and submit annual budget not later than September 1 2. Annual budget review identifies areas of future need, improvement % of reporting milestones met 4. No more than three budget adjustments per month needed to meet requirements 5. Pass financial audit 6. Three-year financial plan is developed, submitted, approved Objective 3-2: Enhance interagency collaboration and leverage partnerships There are several organizations that are involved in improving the economic situation of our nation s Veterans. As a new organization, Veterans Florida must work to build relationships within the state and federal government as well as with external stakeholders and business partners. Harnessing the knowledge, experience and expertise of the individuals involved in these types of programs will help ensure Florida becomes the most Veteran-friendly state in the nation. Veterans Florida can provide a more thorough and positive experience for our Veterans by collaborating and educating one another on these services. This will require ensuring constant lines of communication with state agencies and Veterans service organizations (VSOs) and other stakeholders. It also will require consistent messaging and operating in concert with our state agency partners and stakeholders. Tasks for Objective Identify and conduct additional stakeholder analysis 2. Create memorandum of understanding with state agencies and partners to ensure effective implementation of Veterans Florida programs 22

26 3. Ensure constant communication between Veterans Florida and stakeholders/partners 4. Develop and maintain a legislative engagement plan Metrics for Objective Determine key stakeholder who support Veterans Florida mission 2. Complete and sign MOUs with 100% partner entities and agencies who share our mission/values 3. Host four stakeholder and partner agency meetings per year 4. Legislative engagement plan updated with 3-5 key events for the upcoming year 5. Each board member meets at least annually with their legislative delegation 6. Entire Board to meet annually with appropriate committee chairs 7. Identify 3-5 event opportunities in which Veterans Florida may participate Objective 3-3: Identify and seek additional resourcing opportunities Operating in a time of constrained resources and being good stewards of taxpayer dollars requires innovative thinking to ensure Veterans Florida continues to be properly resourced. As the organization matures, the resources needed to accomplish its mission will increase. Seeking and identifying additional resourcing opportunities will help to alleviate concern over how to fund the programs Veterans Florida is tasked to administer. Tasks for Objective External Relations Committee to be first touch-point for review of outside resourcing discussions 2. Identify federal matching grant programs 3. Determine the types of corporate funding opportunities for which Veterans Florida may be qualified Metrics for Objective Board members inform External Affairs within 30 days of identification of potential opportunities 2. Conduct quarterly search for federal grant opportunities 23

27 Governance Board of Directors Operation Legislative action resulted in the creation and establishment of Veterans Florida. A ninemember Board of Directors governs the organization. The Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives each appoint three members to the board. In making appointments, the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives consider representation by active or retired military personnel and their spouses representing a range of ages and possessing expertise in business, education, marketing, and information management. Each member of the board of directors serves for a term of four years except the initial Governor s appointees, each of whom serve two years to allow for staggered terms. A member is ineligible for reappointment to the board except that a member appointed to a term of two years or less may be reappointed for an additional term of four years. Vacancies on the board are filled in the same manner as the original appointment, i.e., the government position making the original appointment will also make subsequent appointments for those vacancies. The board of directors shall annually elect a chair from among the board s members. Board Meetings The Veterans Florida Board of Directors will meet quarterly at a minimum. Quarterly meetings will be conducted in person. Additional meetings may be scheduled as Board matters dictate and may be in person or via teleconference. Additionally, committee meetings may be scheduled as needed. All meetings of the Board, to include committee meetings, are subject to Florida public records law and, therefore, will be publicly noticed in accordance with Florida law. Reporting Annual Report Veterans Florida will submit an annual progress report and work plan by December 1 to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The report will include: 1. Status and summary of findings regarding the target market, Veteran benefits, and any identified gaps in services 2. Status of the marketing campaign, delivery systems of the marketing campaign, and outreach to the target market 3. Status of the Veterans Employment and Training Services Program 4. Proposed revisions or additions to performance measurements for the programs administered by the corporation 5. Identification of contracts that the corporation has entered into to carry out its duties 24

28 6. An annual compliance and financial audit of accounts and records for the previous fiscal year prepared by an independent certified public accountant pursuant to rules adopted by the Auditor General Gap Analysis In accordance with section 16 of Florida House Bill 7015, Veterans Florida will complete, and submit for review, a report identifying existing gaps in Veteran resources and best practices recommendations that may be used to assist Veterans and improve current or add new resources and programs. The report will be delivered to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Program Audit By February 1, 2018, the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability shall conduct a performance audit of Veterans Florida The audit shall assess the implementation and outcomes of activities under ss and , Florida Statutes, and evaluate the corporation's accomplishments and progress toward making Florida a Veteran-friendly state. The audit must provide recommendations for any necessary improvements. The report of the audit's findings shall be submitted to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Summary Many months of hard work went into the development of this strategic plan. The willingness of our partners across state government to participate in this process has been exceptional. As with any strategic plan, the document is intended to be a living document. This is even truer in the case of a newly established organization that is operating under a number of premises and assumptions. As the organization matures, changes to this plan will be required. As goals and objectives are met, refinement of those goals and objectives and the addition of new goals and objectives will occur. While this strategic plan is an in-depth plan and has very focused goals and objectives, it will be necessary for the organization to develop detailed action plans that explain how and when we will complete the work for each goal. These plans are also living documents and will be updated quarterly as tasks are completed and the direction changes on initiatives. The action plans should be incorporated as appendices to this document in order ensure the plan remains an active element of the Veterans Florida strategy and operations. 25

29 Appendix A Florida GI Bill (FL State Statutes) Title XX VETERANS Chapter 295 LAWS RELATING TO VETERANS: GENERAL PROVISIONS Florida Is For Veterans, Inc. (1) CREATION. There is created within the Department of Veterans Affairs a nonprofit corporation, to be known as Florida Is For Veterans, Inc., which shall be registered, incorporated, organized, and operated in compliance with chapter 617, and which is not a unit or entity of state government. As used in this section and s , unless the context indicates otherwise, the term corporation means Florida Is For Veterans, Inc. The corporation shall be a separate budget entity and is not subject to the control, supervision, or direction of the department in any manner, including, but not limited to, personnel, purchasing, transactions involving real or personal property, or budgetary matters. (2) PURPOSE. The purpose of the corporation is to promote Florida as a Veteranfriendly state that seeks to provide Veterans with employment opportunities and that promotes the hiring of Veterans by the business community. The corporation shall encourage retired and recently separated military personnel to remain in the state or to make the state their permanent residence. The corporation shall promote the value of military skillsets to businesses in the state, assist in tailoring the training of Veterans to match the needs of the employment marketplace, and enhance the entrepreneurial skills of Veterans. (3) DUTIES. The corporation shall: (a) Conduct research to identify the target market and the educational and employment needs of those in the target market. The corporation shall contract with at least one entity pursuant to the competitive bidding requirements in s and the provisions of s to perform the research. Such entity must have experience conducting market research on the Veteran demographic. The corporation shall seek input from the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation on the scope, process, and focus of such research. (b) Advise the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation, pursuant to s , on: 1. The target market as identified in paragraph (a). 2. Development and implementation of a marketing campaign to encourage members of the target market to remain in the state or to make the state their permanent residence. 3. Methods for disseminating information to the target market that relates to the interests and needs of Veterans of all ages and facilitates Veterans knowledge of and access to benefits. (c) Promote and enhance the value of military skillsets to businesses. (d) Implement the Veterans Employment and Training Services Program established by s A-1

30 (e) Responsibly and prudently manage all funds received and ensure that the use of such funds conforms to all applicable laws, bylaws, or contractual requirements. (f) Administer the programs created in this section and s (4) GOVERNANCE. (a) The corporation shall be governed by a nine-member board of directors. The Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall each appoint three members to the board. In making appointments, the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives must consider representation by active or retired military personnel and their spouses representing a range of ages and persons with expertise in business, education, marketing, and information management. (b) The board of directors shall annually elect a chair from among the board s members. (c) Each member of the board of directors shall be appointed for a term of 4 years, except that, to achieve staggered terms, the initial appointees of the Governor shall serve terms of 2 years. A member is ineligible for reappointment to the board except that a member appointed to a term of 2 years or less may be reappointed for an additional term of 4 years. The initial appointments to the board must be made by July 15, Vacancies on the board shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. A vacancy that occurs before the scheduled expiration of the term of the member shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term. (d) The Legislature finds that it is in the public interest for the members of the board of directors to be subject to the requirements of ss , , and Notwithstanding the fact that they are not public officers or employees, for purposes of ss , , and , the board members shall be considered to be public officers or employees. In addition to the postemployment restrictions of s (9), a person appointed to the board of directors may not have direct interest in a contract, franchise, privilege, project, program, or other benefit arising from an award by the corporation during the appointment term and for 2 years after the termination of such appointment. A person who accepts appointment to the board of directors in violation of this subsection, or accepts a direct interest in a contract, franchise, privilege, project, program, or other benefit granted by the corporation to an awardee within 2 years after the termination of his or her service on the board, commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s or s Further, each member of the board of directors who is not otherwise required to file financial disclosure under s. 8, Art. II of the State Constitution or s shall file a statement of financial interests under s (e) Each member of the board of directors shall serve without compensation but is entitled to reimbursement for travel and per diem expenses as provided in s while performing his or her duties. A-2

31 (f) Each member of the board of directors is accountable for the proper performance of the duties of office and owes a fiduciary duty to the people of this state to ensure that awards provided are disbursed and used as prescribed by law and contract. An appointed member of the board of directors may be removed by the officer who appointed the member for malfeasance, misfeasance, neglect of duty, incompetence, permanent inability to perform official duties, unexcused absence from three consecutive board meetings, arrest or indictment for a crime that is a felony or a misdemeanor involving theft or a crime of dishonesty, or pleading guilty or nolo contendere to or being found guilty of any crime. (g) A majority of the members of the board of directors constitutes a quorum. Council meetings may be held via teleconference or other electronic means. (5) POWERS. In addition to the powers and duties prescribed in chapter 617 and the articles and bylaws adopted thereunder, the board of directors may: (a) Make and enter into contracts and other instruments necessary or convenient for the exercise of its powers and functions. However, notwithstanding s , the corporation may not issue bonds. (b) Make expenditures, including any necessary administrative expenditure. (c) Adopt, amend, and repeal bylaws, consistent with the powers granted to it under this section or the articles of incorporation, for the administration of the activities of the corporation, and the exercise of its corporate powers. (d) Accept funding for its programs and activities from federal, state, local, and private sources. (e) Adopt and register a fictitious name for use in its marketing activities. The credit of the State of Florida may not be pledged on behalf of the corporation. (6) PUBLIC RECORDS AND MEETINGS. The corporation is subject to the provisions of chapters 119 and 286 relating to public records and meetings, respectively. (7) STAFFING AND ASSISTANCE. (a) The corporation is authorized to hire or contract for all staff necessary for the proper execution of its powers and duties. All employees of the corporation shall comply with the Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees under part III of chapter 112. Corporation staff must agree to refrain from having any direct interest in any contract, franchise, privilege, project, program, or other benefit arising from an award by the corporation during the term of their appointment and for 2 years after the termination of such appointment. (b) All agencies of the state are authorized and directed to provide such technical assistance as the corporation may require to identify programs within each agency which A-3

32 provide assistance or benefits to Veterans who are located in this state or who are considering relocation to this state. (c) The Department of Veterans Affairs may authorize the corporation s use of the department s property, facilities, and personnel services, subject to this section. The department may prescribe by contract any condition with which the corporation must comply in order to use the department s property, facilities, or personnel services. (d) The department may not authorize the use of its property, facilities, or personnel services if the corporation does not provide equal employment opportunities to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, or national origin. (8) ANNUAL REPORT. The corporation shall submit an annual progress report and work plan by December 1 to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The report must include: (a) Status and summary of findings regarding the target market, Veteran benefits, and any identified gaps in services. (b) Status of the marketing campaign, delivery systems of the marketing campaign, and outreach to the target market. (c) Status of the Veterans Employment and Training Services Program administered under s (d) Proposed revisions or additions to performance measurements for the programs administered by the corporation. (e) Identification of contracts that the corporation has entered into to carry out its duties. (f) An annual compliance and financial audit of accounts and records for the previous fiscal year prepared by an independent certified public accountant pursuant to rules adopted by the Auditor General. (9) DISSOLUTION. All moneys and property held by the corporation shall revert to the state if the corporation ceases to exist. History. s. 12, ch A-4

33 Title XX VETERANS Chapter 295 LAWS RELATING TO VETERANS: GENERAL PROVISIONS Veterans Employment and Training Services Program. (1) LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND INTENT. The Legislature finds that the state has a compelling interest in ensuring that each Veteran who is a resident of the state finds employment that meets his or her professional goals and receives the training or education necessary to meet those goals. The Legislature also finds that connecting dedicated, welltrained Veterans with businesses that need a dedicated, well-trained workforce is of paramount importance. The Legislature recognizes that Veterans may not currently have the skills to meet the workforce needs of Florida employers and may require assistance in obtaining additional workforce training or in transitioning their skills to meet the demands of the marketplace. It is the intent of the Legislature that the Veterans Employment and Training Services Program coordinate and meet the needs of Veterans and the business community to enhance the economy of this state. (2) CREATION. The Veterans Employment and Training Services Program is created within the Department of Veterans Affairs to assist in linking Veterans in search of employment with businesses seeking to hire dedicated, well-trained workers. The purpose of the program is to meet the workforce demands of businesses in the state by facilitating access to training and education in high-demand fields for Veterans. (3) ADMINISTRATION. Florida Is For Veterans, Inc., shall administer the Veterans Employment and Training Services Program and perform all of the following functions: (a) Conduct marketing and recruiting efforts directed at Veterans who reside in or who have an interest in relocating to this state and who are seeking employment. Marketing must include information related to how a Veteran s military experience can be valuable to a business. Such efforts may include attending Veteran job fairs and events, hosting events for Veterans or the business community, and using digital and social media and direct mail campaigns. The corporation shall also include such marketing as part of its main marketing campaign. (b) Assist Veterans who reside in or relocate to this state and who are seeking employment. The corporation shall offer skills assessments to Veterans and assist them in establishing employment goals and applying for and achieving gainful employment. 1. Assessment may include skill match information, skill gap analysis, resume creation, translation of military skills into civilian workforce skills, and translation of military achievements and experience into generally understood civilian workforce skills. 2. Assistance may include providing the Veteran with information on current workforce demand by industry or geographic region, creating employment goals, and aiding or teaching general knowledge related to completing applications. The corporation may provide information related to industry certifications approved by the Department of Education under s as well as information related to earning academic college A-5

34 credit at public postsecondary educational institutions for college-level training and education acquired in the military under s The corporation shall encourage Veterans to register with the state s job bank system and may refer Veterans to local one-stop career centers for further services. The corporation shall provide each Veteran with information about state workforce programs and shall consolidate information about all available resources on one website that, if possible, includes a hyperlink to each resource s website and contact information, if available. If appropriate, a Veteran shall be encouraged to participate in the Complete Florida Degree Program established under s Assessment and assistance may be in person or by electronic means, as determined by the corporation to be most efficient and best meet the needs of Veterans. (c) Assist Florida businesses in recruiting and hiring Veterans. The corporation shall provide services to Florida businesses to meet their hiring needs by connecting businesses with suitable Veteran applicants for employment. Suitable applicants include Veterans who have appropriate job skills or may need additional training to meet the specific needs of a business. The corporation shall also provide information about the state and federal benefits of hiring Veterans. (d) Create a grant program to provide funding to assist Veterans in meeting the workforce-skill needs of businesses seeking to hire Veterans, establish criteria for approval of requests for funding, and maximize the use of funding for this program. Grant funds may be used only in the absence of available Veteran-specific federally funded programs. Grants may fund specialized training specific to a particular business. 1. Grant funds may be allocated to any training provider selected by the business, including a career center, a Florida College System institution, a state university, or an inhouse training provider of the business. If grant funds are used to provide a technical certificate, a licensure, or a degree, funds may be allocated only upon a review that includes, but is not limited to, accreditation and licensure documentation. Instruction funded through the program must terminate when participants demonstrate competence at the level specified in the request; however, the grant term may not exceed 48 months. Preference shall be given to target industry businesses, as defined in s , and to businesses in the defense supply, cloud virtualization, or commercial aviation manufacturing industries. 2. Costs and expenditures for the grant program must be documented and separated from those incurred by the training provider. Costs and expenditures shall be limited to $8,000 per Veteran trainee. Eligible costs and expenditures include: a. Tuition and fees. b. Curriculum development. c. Books and classroom materials. A-6

35 d. Rental fees for facilities at public colleges and universities, including virtual training labs. e. Overhead or indirect costs not to exceed 5 percent of the grant amount. 3. Before funds are allocated for a request pursuant to this section, the corporation shall prepare a grant agreement between the business requesting funds, the educational institution or training provider receiving funding through the program, and the corporation. Such agreement must include, but need not be limited to: a. Identification of the personnel necessary to conduct the instructional program, the qualifications of such personnel, and the respective responsibilities of the parties for paying costs associated with the employment of such personnel. b. Identification of the match provided by the business, including cash and in-kind contributions, equal to at least 50 percent of the total grant amount. c. Identification of the estimated duration of the instructional program. d. Identification of all direct, training-related costs. e. Identification of special program requirements that are not otherwise addressed in the agreement. f. Permission to access aggregate information specific to the wages and performance of participants upon the completion of instruction for evaluation purposes. The agreement must specify that any evaluation published subsequent to the instruction may not identify the employer or any individual participant. 4. A business may receive a grant under the Quick-Response Training Program created under s and a grant under this section for the same Veteran trainee. If a business receives funds under both programs, one grant agreement may be entered into with Workforce Florida, Inc., as the grant administrator. (e) Contract with one or more entities to administer an entrepreneur initiative program for Veterans in this state which connects business leaders in the state with Veterans seeking to become entrepreneurs. 1. The corporation shall award each contract in accordance with the competitive bidding requirements in s to one or more public or private universities that: a. Demonstrate the ability to implement the program and the commitment of university resources, including financial resources, to such programs. b. Have a military and Veteran resource center. c. Have a regional small business development center in the Florida Small Business Development Center Network. A-7

36 d. As determined by the corporation, have been nationally recognized for commitment to the military and Veterans. 2. Each contract must include performance metrics, including a focus on employment and business creation. Each university must coordinate with any entrepreneurship center located at the university. The university may also work with an entity offering related programs to refer Veterans or to provide services. The entrepreneur initiative program may include activities and assistance such as peer-to-peer learning sessions, mentoring, technical assistance, business roundtables, networking opportunities, support of student organizations, speaker series, or other tools within a virtual environment. (4) DUTIES OF ENTERPRISE FLORIDA, INC. Enterprise Florida, Inc., shall provide information about the corporation and its services to prospective, new, expanding, and relocating businesses seeking to conduct business in this state. Enterprise Florida, Inc., shall, to the greatest extent possible, collaborate with the corporation to meet the employment needs, including meeting the job-creation requirements, of any business receiving assistance or services from Enterprise Florida, Inc. History. s. 13, ch Note. Section 18, ch , provides that: By August 15, 2014, Florida Is For Veterans, Inc., shall submit a plan to the Legislative Budget Commission, through the Department of Veterans Affairs, pursuant to s , Florida Statutes. The plan shall: (1) Provide a strategy and framework for the general operations of Florida Is For Veterans, Inc., including the fulfillment of its purpose, duties, and goals as provided in ss and , Florida Statutes; (2) Include specific performance measures by which Florida Is For Veterans, Inc., and its functions shall be evaluated; and (3) Include details of the existing expenditures and obligations of Florida Is For Veterans, Inc., as well as a budget and timelines for expected expenditures related both to general operations and to products, services, and grants to be provided under programs administered by Florida Is For Veterans, Inc. Copies of the plan shall also be submitted to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The Legislative Budget Commission must approve the plan, including the performance measures, before Florida Is For Veterans, Inc., may expend funds for the duties required under s , Florida Statutes. A-8

37 Title XX VETERANS Chapter 295 LAWS RELATING TO VETERANS: GENERAL PROVISIONS Veterans research and marketing campaign. (1) The Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation shall: (a) Provide input to Florida Is For Veterans, Inc., on research to identify the target market and the educational and employment needs of those in the target market. (b) Develop and conduct a marketing campaign to encourage retired and recently separated military personnel to remain in the state or to make the state their permanent residence. (c) Develop a process for the dissemination of information to the target market and targeting that information to the interests and needs of Veterans of all ages to facilitate Veterans knowledge of and access to benefits. (2) The Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation shall seek advice from Florida Is For Veterans, Inc., on the scope, process, and focus of the marketing campaign. Input must be received before invitations to bid, requests for proposals, or invitations to negotiate for contracted services are advertised. Florida Is For Veterans, Inc., shall be kept informed at each stage of the marketing campaign and may provide recommendations to the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation to ensure that the effort effectively reaches Veterans. (3) For the purposes of this section, the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation shall expend $1 million annually on marketing the state to Veterans as a permanent home and on information dissemination to improve Veterans knowledge of and access to benefits through a combination of existing funds appropriated to the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation by the Legislature and private funds. History. s. 14, ch Note. Section 19, ch , provides that [b]y August 15, 2014, the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation and Florida Is For Veterans, Inc., shall jointly develop and submit to the Legislative Budget Commission, through the Department of Economic Opportunity, pursuant to s , Florida Statutes, specific performance measures by which the research and marketing campaign established under s , Florida Statutes, shall be evaluated. Copies of the performance measures shall also be submitted to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The Legislative Budget Commission must approve the performance measures before the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation or Florida Is For Veterans, Inc., may expend funds for the duties required under s , Florida Statutes. A-9

38 Appendix B - CS/CS/HB 7015 Florida is for Veterans, Inc. excerpt from House enrolled Bill Section 12. Section , Florida Statutes, is created to read: Florida Is For Veterans, Inc. (1) CREATION. There is created within the Department of Veterans' Affairs a nonprofit corporation, to be known as "Florida Is For Veterans, Inc.," which shall be registered, incorporated, organized, and operated in compliance with chapter 617, and which is not a unit or entity of state government. As used in this section and s , unless the context indicates otherwise, the term "corporation" means Florida Is For Veterans, Inc. The corporation shall be a separate budget entity and is not subject to the control, supervision, or direction of the department in any manner, including, but not limited to, personnel, purchasing, transactions involving real or personal property, or budgetary matters. (2) PURPOSE. The purpose of the corporation is to promote Florida as a Veteranfriendly state that seeks to provide Veterans with employment opportunities and that promotes the hiring of Veterans by the business community. The corporation shall encourage retired and recently separated military personnel to remain in the state or to make the state their permanent residence. The corporation shall promote the value of military skillsets to businesses in the state, assist in tailoring the training of Veterans to match the needs of the employment marketplace, and enhance the entrepreneurial skills of Veterans. (3) DUTIES. The corporation shall: (a) Conduct research to identify the target market and the educational and employment needs of those in the target market. The corporation shall contract with at least one entity pursuant to the competitive bidding requirements in s and the provisions of s to perform the research. Such entity must have experience conducting market research on the Veteran demographic. The corporation shall seek input from the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation on the scope, process, and focus of such research. (b) Advise the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation, pursuant to s , on: 1. The target market as identified in paragraph (a). 2. Development and implementation of a marketing campaign to encourage members of the target market to remain in the state or to make the state their permanent residence. 3. Methods for disseminating information to the target market that relates to the interests and needs of Veterans of all ages and facilitates Veterans' knowledge of and access to benefits. (c) Promote and enhance the value of military skillsets to businesses. (d) Implement the Veterans Employment and Training Services Program established by s (e) Responsibly and prudently manage all funds received and ensure that the use of such funds conforms to all applicable laws, bylaws, or contractual requirements. (f) Administer the programs created in this section and s B-1

39 (4) GOVERNANCE. (a) The corporation shall be governed by a nine-member board of directors. The Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall each appoint three members to the board. In making appointments, the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives must consider representation by active or retired military personnel and their spouses representing a range of ages and persons with expertise in business, education, marketing, and information management. (b) The board of directors shall annually elect a chair from among the board's members. (c) Each member of the board of directors shall be appointed for a term of 4 years, except that, to achieve staggered terms, the initial appointees of the Governor shall serve terms of 2 years. A member is ineligible for reappointment to the board except that a member appointed to a term of 2 years or less may be reappointed for an additional term of 4 years. The initial appointments to the board must be made by July 15, Vacancies on the board shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. A vacancy that occurs before the scheduled expiration of the term of the member shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term. (d) The Legislature finds that it is in the public interest for the members of the board of directors to be subject to the requirements of ss , , and Notwithstanding the fact that they are not public officers or employees, for purposes of ss , , and , the board members shall be considered to be public officers or employees. In addition to the postemployment restrictions of s (9), a person appointed to the board of directors may not have direct interest in a contract, franchise, privilege, project, program, or other benefit arising from an award by the corporation during the appointment term and for 2 years after the termination of such appointment. A person who accepts appointment to the board of directors in violation of this subsection, or accepts a direct interest in a contract, franchise, privilege, project, program, or other benefit granted by the corporation to an awardee within 2 years after the termination of his or her service on the board, commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s or s Further, each member of the board of directors who is not otherwise required to file financial disclosure under s. 8, Art. II of the State Constitution or s shall file a statement of financial interests under s (e) Each member of the board of directors shall serve without compensation but is entitled to reimbursement for travel and per diem expenses as provided in s while performing his or her duties. (f) Each member of the board of directors is accountable for the proper performance of the duties of office and owes a fiduciary duty to the people of this state to ensure that awards provided are disbursed and used as prescribed by law and contract. An appointed member of the board of directors may be removed by the officer who appointed the member for malfeasance, misfeasance, neglect of duty, incompetence, permanent inability to perform official duties, unexcused absence from three consecutive board meetings, arrest or indictment for a crime that is a felony or a misdemeanor involving theft or a crime of dishonesty, or pleading guilty or nolo contendere to or being found guilty of any crime. B-2

40 (g) A majority of the members of the board of directors constitutes a quorum. Council meetings may be held via teleconference or other electronic means. (5) POWERS. In addition to the powers and duties prescribed in chapter 617 and the articles and bylaws adopted thereunder, the board of directors may: (a) Make and enter into contracts and other instruments necessary or convenient for the exercise of its powers and functions. However, notwithstanding s , the corporation may not issue bonds. (b) Make expenditures, including any necessary administrative expenditure. (c) Adopt, amend, and repeal bylaws, consistent with the powers granted to it under this section or the articles of incorporation, for the administration of the activities of the corporation, and the exercise of its corporate powers. (d) Accept funding for its programs and activities from federal, state, local, and private sources. (e) Adopt and register a fictitious name for use in its marketing activities. The credit of the State of Florida may not be pledged on behalf of the corporation. (6) PUBLIC RECORDS AND MEETINGS. The corporation is subject to the provisions of chapters 119 and 286 relating to public records and meetings, respectively. (7) STAFFING AND ASSISTANCE. (a) The corporation is authorized to hire or contract for all staff necessary for the proper execution of its powers and duties. All employees of the corporation shall comply with the Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees under part III of chapter 112. Corporation staff must agree to refrain from having any direct interest in any contract, franchise, privilege, project, program, or other benefit arising from an award by the corporation during the term of their appointment and for 2 years after the termination of such appointment. (b) All agencies of the state are authorized and directed to provide such technical assistance as the corporation may require to identify programs within each agency which provide assistance or benefits to Veterans who are located in this state or who are considering relocation to this state. (c) The Department of Veterans' Affairs may authorize the corporation's use of the department's property, facilities, and personnel services, subject to this section. The department may prescribe by contract any condition with which the corporation must comply in order to use the department's property, facilities, or personnel services. (d) The department may not authorize the use of its property, facilities, or personnel services if the corporation does not provide equal employment opportunities to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, or national origin. (8) ANNUAL REPORT. The corporation shall submit an annual progress report and work plan by December 1 to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The report must include: (a) Status and summary of findings regarding the target market, Veteran benefits, and any identified gaps in services. (b) Status of the marketing campaign, delivery systems of the marketing campaign, and outreach to the target market. B-3

41 (c) Status of the Veterans Employment and Training Services Program administered under s (d) Proposed revisions or additions to performance measurements for the programs administered by the corporation. (e) Identification of contracts that the corporation has entered into to carry out its duties. (f) An annual compliance and financial audit of accounts and records for the previous fiscal year prepared by an independent certified public accountant pursuant to rules adopted by the Auditor General. (9) DISSOLUTION.-All moneys and property held by the corporation shall revert to the state if the corporation ceases to exist. Section 13. Section , Florida Statutes, is created to read: Veterans Employment and Training Services Program. (1) LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND INTENT. The Legislature finds that the state has a compelling interest in ensuring that each Veteran who is a resident of the state finds employment that meets his or her professional goals and receives the training or education necessary to meet those goals. The Legislature also finds that connecting dedicated, welltrained Veterans with businesses that need a dedicated, well-trained workforce is of paramount importance. The Legislature recognizes that Veterans may not currently have the skills to meet the workforce needs of Florida employers and may require assistance in obtaining additional workforce training or in transitioning their skills to meet the demands of the marketplace. It is the intent of the Legislature that the Veterans Employment and Training Services Program coordinate and meet the needs of Veterans and the business community to enhance the economy of this state. (2) CREATION. The Veterans Employment and Training Services Program is created within the Department of Veterans' Affairs to assist in linking Veterans in search of employment with businesses seeking to hire dedicated, well-trained workers. The purpose of the program is to meet the workforce demands of businesses in the state by facilitating access to training and education in high-demand fields for Veterans. (3) ADMINISTRATION. Florida Is For Veterans, Inc., shall administer the Veterans Employment and Training Services Program and perform all of the following functions: (a) Conduct marketing and recruiting efforts directed at Veterans who reside in or who have an interest in relocating to this state and who are seeking employment. Marketing must include information related to how a Veteran's military experience can be valuable to a business. Such efforts may include attending Veteran job fairs and events, hosting events for Veterans or the business community, and using digital and social media and direct mail campaigns. The corporation shall also include such marketing as part of its main marketing campaign. (b) Assist Veterans who reside in or relocate to this state and who are seeking employment. The corporation shall offer skills assessments to Veterans and assist them in establishing employment goals and applying for and achieving gainful employment. 1. Assessment may include skill match information, skill gap analysis, résumé creation, translation of military skills into civilian workforce skills, and translation of military achievements and experience into generally understood civilian workforce skills. B-4

42 2. Assistance may include providing the Veteran with information on current workforce demand by industry or geographic region, creating employment goals, and aiding or teaching general knowledge related to completing applications. The corporation may provide information related to industry certifications approved by the Department of Education under s as well as information related to earning academic college credit at public postsecondary educational institutions for college-level training and education acquired in the military under s The corporation shall encourage Veterans to register with the state's job bank system and may refer Veterans to local one-stop career centers for further services. The corporation shall provide each Veteran with information about state workforce programs and shall consolidate information about all available resources on one website that, if possible, includes a hyperlink to each resource's website and contact information, if available. If appropriate, a Veteran shall be encouraged to participate in the Complete Florida Degree Program established under s Assessment and assistance may be in person or by electronic means, as determined by the corporation to be most efficient and best meet the needs of Veterans. (c) Assist Florida businesses in recruiting and hiring Veterans. The corporation shall provide services to Florida businesses to meet their hiring needs by connecting businesses with suitable Veteran applicants for employment. Suitable applicants include Veterans who have appropriate job skills or may need additional training to meet the specific needs of a business. The corporation shall also provide information about the state and federal benefits of hiring Veterans. (d) Create a grant program to provide funding to assist Veterans in meeting the workforce-skill needs of businesses seeking to hire Veterans, establish criteria for approval of requests for funding, and maximize the use of funding for this program. Grant funds may be used only in the absence of available Veteran-specific federally funded programs. Grants may fund specialized training specific to a particular business. 1. Grant funds may be allocated to any training provider selected by the business, including a career center, a Florida College System institution, a state university, or an in-house training provider of the business. If grant funds are used to provide a technical certificate, a licensure, or a degree, funds may be allocated only upon a review that includes, but is not limited to, accreditation and licensure documentation. Instruction funded through the program must terminate when participants demonstrate competence at the level specified in the request; however, the grant term may not exceed 48 months. Preference shall be given to target industry businesses, as defined in s , and to businesses in the defense supply, cloud virtualization, or commercial aviation manufacturing industries. 2. Costs and expenditures for the grant program must be documented and separated from those incurred by the training provider. Costs and expenditures shall be limited to $8,000 per Veteran trainee. Eligible costs and expenditures include: a. Tuition and fees. b. Curriculum development. c. Books and classroom materials. d. Rental fees for facilities at public colleges and universities, including virtual training labs. B-5

43 e. Overhead or indirect costs not to exceed 5 percent of the grant amount. 3. Before funds are allocated for a request pursuant to this section, the corporation shall prepare a grant agreement between the business requesting funds, the educational institution or training provider receiving funding through the program, and the corporation. Such agreement must include, but need not be limited to: a. Identification of the personnel necessary to conduct the instructional program, the qualifications of such personnel, and the respective responsibilities of the parties for paying costs associated with the employment of such personnel. b. Identification of the match provided by the business, including cash and in-kind contributions, equal to at least 50 percent of the total grant amount. c. Identification of the estimated duration of the instructional program. d. Identification of all direct, training-related costs. e. Identification of special program requirements that are not otherwise addressed in the agreement. f. Permission to access aggregate information specific to the wages and performance of participants upon the completion of instruction for evaluation purposes. The agreement must specify that any evaluation published subsequent to the instruction may not identify the employer or any individual participant. 4. A business may receive a grant under the Quick-Response Training Program created under s and a grant under this section for the same Veteran trainee. If a business receives funds under both programs, one grant agreement may be entered into with Workforce Florida, Inc., as the grant administrator. (e) Contract with one or more entities to administer an entrepreneur initiative program for Veterans in this state which connects business leaders in the state with Veterans seeking to become entrepreneurs. 1. The corporation shall award each contract in accordance with the competitive bidding requirements in s to one or more public or private universities that: a. Demonstrate the ability to implement the program and the commitment of university resources, including financial resources, to such programs. b. Have a military and Veteran resource center. c. Have a regional small business development center in the Florida Small Business Development Center Network. d. As determined by the corporation, have been nationally recognized for commitment to the military and Veterans. 2. Each contract must include performance metrics, including a focus on employment and business creation. Each university must coordinate with any entrepreneurship center located at the university. The university may also work with an entity offering related programs to refer Veterans or to provide services. The entrepreneur initiative program may include activities and assistance such as peer-to-peer learning sessions, mentoring, technical assistance, business roundtables, networking opportunities, support of student organizations, speaker series, or other tools within a virtual environment. (4) DUTIES OF ENTERPRISE FLORIDA, INC. Enterprise Florida, Inc., shall provide information about the corporation and its services to prospective, new, expanding, and B-6

44 relocating businesses seeking to conduct business in this state. Enterprise Florida, Inc., shall, to the greatest extent possible, collaborate with the corporation to meet the employment needs, including meeting the job-creation requirements, of any business receiving assistance or services from Enterprise Florida, Inc. Section 14. Section , Florida Statutes, is created to read: Veterans research and marketing campaign.- (1) The Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation shall: (a) Provide input to Florida Is For Veterans, Inc., on research to identify the target market and the educational and employment needs of those in the target market. (b) Develop and conduct a marketing campaign to encourage retired and recently separated military personnel to remain in the state or to make the state their permanent residence. (c) Develop a process for the dissemination of information to the target market and targeting that information to the interests and needs of Veterans of all ages to facilitate Veterans' knowledge of and access to benefits. (2) The Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation shall seek advice from Florida Is For Veterans, Inc., on the scope, process, and focus of the marketing campaign. Input must be received before invitations to bid, requests for proposals, or invitations to negotiate for contracted services are advertised. Florida Is For Veterans, Inc., shall be kept informed at each stage of the marketing campaign and may provide recommendations to the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation to ensure that the effort effectively reaches Veterans. (3) For the purposes of this section, the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation shall expend $1 million annually on marketing the state to Veterans as a permanent home and on information dissemination to improve Veterans' knowledge of and access to benefits through a combination of existing funds appropriated to the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation by the Legislature and private funds. Section 15. For fiscal year , the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation shall provide Florida Is For Veterans, Inc., $300,000 to conduct market research pursuant to s (3)(a), Florida Statutes. Section 16. For the fiscal year, the sum of $56,768 in recurring funds and $4,258 in nonrecurring funds are appropriated from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Veterans' Affairs, and one full-time equivalent position with associated salary rate of 36,350, is authorized to assist Florida Is For Veterans, Inc., in performing state financial activities. The funds appropriated in this section shall be released pursuant to s , Florida Statutes. Section 17. For the fiscal year, the sum of $344,106 in recurring funds and $14,391 in nonrecurring funds from the General Revenue Fund is appropriated to the Department of Veterans' Affairs for the purpose of funding the costs for startup, staffing, and general operations of the Florida Is For Veterans, Inc. The funds appropriated in this section shall be released pursuant to s , Florida Statutes. B-7

45 Section 18. By August 15, 2014, Florida Is For Veterans, Inc., shall submit a plan to the Legislative Budget Commission, through the Department of Veterans' Affairs, pursuant to s , Florida Statutes. The plan shall: (1) Provide a strategy and framework for the general operations of Florida Is For Veterans, Inc., including the fulfillment of its purpose, duties, and goals as provided in ss and , Florida Statutes; (2) Include specific performance measures by which Florida Is For Veterans, Inc., and its functions shall be evaluated; and (3) Include details of the existing expenditures and obligations of Florida Is For Veterans, Inc., as well as a budget and timelines for expected expenditures related both to general operations and to products, services, and grants to be provided under programs administered by Florida Is For Veterans, Inc. Copies of the plan shall also be submitted to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The Legislative Budget Commission must approve the plan, including the performance measures, before Florida Is For Veterans, Inc., may expend funds for the duties required under s , Florida Statutes. Section 19. By August 15, 2014, the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation and Florida Is For Veterans, Inc., shall jointly develop and submit to the Legislative Budget Commission, through the Department of Economic Opportunity, pursuant to s , Florida Statutes, specific performance measures by which the research and marketing campaign established under s , Florida Statutes, shall be evaluated. Copies of the performance measures shall also be submitted to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The Legislative Budget Commission must approve the performance measures before the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation or Florida Is For Veterans, Inc., may expend funds for the duties required under s , Florida Statutes. Section 20. By February 2, 2016, Florida Is For Veterans, Inc., shall submit a report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives identifying existing gaps in Veteran resources and recommending best practices that may be used to assist Veterans and improvements to current or new resources and programs. Section 21. By February 1, 2018, the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability shall conduct a performance audit of Florida Is For Veterans, Inc. The audit shall assess the implementation and outcomes of activities under ss and , Florida Statutes, and evaluate the corporation's accomplishments and progress toward making Florida a Veteran-friendly state. The audit must provide recommendations for any necessary improvements. The report of the audit's findings shall be submitted to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. B-8

46 Appendix C - Major Tasks. Market Florida as most Veteran-Friendly State in the Nation C-1

47 C-2

48 C-3

49 Appendix D Increase Veteran Employment Major Tasks D-1

50 D-2

51 Appendix E - Establish, Grow, and Maintain an Effective and Efficient Organization Major Tasks E-1

52 E-2

53 E-3