Hiring America s Military Veterans. Great for Business Great for America!

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Tamsin Cain
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1 Hiring America s Military Veterans Great for Business Great for America!

2 As the economy continues to grow Sources: Congressional Budget Office; Bureau of Economic Analysis. 2

3 the U.S. Faces A Severe Worker Challenge 3

4 Veterans Are Critical To Staffing Strategy Workers Consumers 200,000 service members enter workforce annually 22 million living veterans 12 million veterans in workforce 500,000 spouses work at least part-time million extended military community members 4

5 The Military Difference Why recruit veterans and former military personnel? Where do you start? How can you ensure veterans are successful in your organization? 5

6 Why Veterans? Strong Values Trustworthy Leadership Teamwork Positive influence Work Ethic Renowned Capability Process Oriented Technology Savvy Flexible Performance Driven Disciplined/Reliable 6

A veteran s personal journey Grew up with little money, possessions, or prospects Military jump-started my life great training tremendous responsibility life-changing

7 A veteran s personal journey Grew up with little money, possessions, or prospects Military jump-started my life great training tremendous responsibility life-changing experiences Lots of obstacles along the way Experiences helped me become who I am today Book references lessons learned in the military Find it on amazon.com & barnesandnoble.com 7

8 Business Case: Real Impact on Bottom Line Recruitment - highly talented/trained Retention - loyal/positive attitude Competitive edge - productive/leaders The United States Department of Defense spends approximately $17B in training annually. 8

Recruiting Partnerships with military transition and placement firms Orion, Lucas, Bradley Morris Attend and host Military recruiting events

9 Recruiting Partnerships with military transition and placement firms Orion, Lucas, Bradley Morris Attend and host Military recruiting events Service Academy Career Conferences (SACC) Employment partnerships with government and other organizations Military page at 9

Labor, Veterans Affairs, National Guard Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

10 Recruiting DG led historic partnership between public and private sectors in TN, FL, expanding to other states Over 200 employers in two states State departments of Labor, Veterans Affairs, National Guard Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Simultaneous veteran hiring fairs across the state with over 5,000 jobs to fill 10

11 Branding ESGR Freedom Award Military Friendly Employer Social Media Customer support and recognition Veterans Day Offering Tostitos Event Adopted Military Unit Donations to FRG Recognition for Guardsmen DG Race Event Tickets Grand Ole Opry Event Tickets 11

12 Use of Brand DG Careers Website DG Website/Facebook 12

13 Use of Brand Store Front Door Sign Store Front Window Sign 13

14 Use of Brand Vendor Partners: June 2012 issue of People Magazine 14

15 Social Media Facebook Wall for supportive military comments received over 48,000 visits 15

Reserves. This is the highest award given by the U.S.

16 Secretary of Defense Freedom Award Recipient Each year the Department of Defense (DOD) recognizes 15 companies for their support of the Guard and Reserves. This is the highest award given by the U.S. Government to employers for their exceptional support of employees serving in the Guard and Reserve. 16

Inclusion and Recognition SERVE Service Minded

Employee Resource Group established to recognize

veterans and their families through: Community

17 Inclusion and Recognition SERVE Service Minded Employees Reaching Veterans Everywhere An Employee Resource Group established to recognize and support active duty military, guardsmen, veterans and their families through: Community outreach Events honoring holidays Awareness and Education 17

DG Military Coin Communications DG Story Articles Dge company intranet

18 Retention Onboarding - Letters to newly hired veterans DG Military Coin Military Leave Policy Care Packages to deployed employees or family members DG Military Coin Communications DG Story Articles Dge company intranet s Military honor walls in Distribution Centers and Military Display at SSC 18

Master Sergeant, United States Marine Corps Became District Retail Manager Dollar General 15 of 20 years in the Marine Corps was spent working the Marine Corps Exchanges There are roughly 160 Marines

19 Master Sergeant, United States Marine Corps Became District Retail Manager Dollar General 15 of 20 years in the Marine Corps was spent working the Marine Corps Exchanges There are roughly 160 Marines that work in the retail space. Well connected within that community and intends to recruit Marines as they transition Marine Corps Exchanges hold annual meetings which could be a great opportunity to attend and give a presentation on the benefits of joining the Dollar General team. One of the biggest challenges for military personnel when they are transitioning in to the civilian world is in dealing with civilian co-workers instead of other military personnel. I was fortunate in the fact that the job I had was primarily civilians which made my transition much easier. 19

Captain, United States Army Became District Retail Manager Dollar General Entered the Army after graduating from ROTC at Pittsburg State University.

20 Captain, United States Army Became District Retail Manager Dollar General Entered the Army after graduating from ROTC at Pittsburg State University. Experience: a Bank Officer/Detachment Commander set her up for success at DG. If Military Veterans are looking for something very similar to the pace and excitement of a military career, DG is it! Very surprised how similar the jobs were without the uniform. At DG, we serve our customers; In the army we serve our country. At DG as a DM, we develop store managers and employees; in the army as leaders, we are also there to develop our soldiers (the greatest feeling!) Overall the training that I have received from Dollar General has been very helpful from the beginning. From the short time I have been here so far I believe everything has been moving in the right direction, from my standpoint, it is ensuring there is adequate training and development. 20

Proven Strategies for A Successful Program Leadership Commitment is Key Initiate partnerships with other veteranfriendly/service organizations Develop veteran hiring

21 Proven Strategies for A Successful Program Leadership Commitment is Key Initiate partnerships with other veteranfriendly/service organizations Develop veteran hiring strategy Partner with public workforce system Establish Veterans recruitment committee with former military employees Implement military-friendly employment policies 21

22 Proven Strategies For A Successful Program Identify key contact with military Participate in veterans job fairs Create military link on company website Seek and network with military-friendly employers Map the skills needed to target your recruitment 22

23 How to Start Recruiting Veterans Two Paths Veteran who has left military and is registered with local One-Stop Center Transitioning service member preparing to leave military and seek civilian employment US2-JOBS 23

How To Find Top Veteran Talent 1. Locate and contact your local One-Stop Center (www.careeronestop.

24 How To Find Top Veteran Talent 1. Locate and contact your local One-Stop Center ( Ask for the Local Veteran Employment Representative and/or Business Services Representative at the One-Stop Center 2. One-Stop Centers can help Share your workforce needs and challenges and explain the skill sets and competencies you need in an employee Translate military skills to occupations ( Serve on the Local Workforce Investment Board 3. Student Veterans of America chapters are growing 24

25 How To Find Top Veteran Talent 4. Hero 2 Hired (H2H) H2H.jobs; a Department of Defense Website Post and manage jobs for FREE Find and attract the service member talent you need to grow your business Connect with one of our Employment Transition Coordinators (ETC) located in all 50 States, Territories and the District of Columbia to assist you in finding the skill sets you need Visit and sign up today! 25

Becoming a Military-Friendly Employer Extend pay and benefits to active duty employees Commit to key employment partnerships Sign Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Statement of

26 Becoming a Military-Friendly Employer Extend pay and benefits to active duty employees Commit to key employment partnerships Sign Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Statement of Support; 5-star membership ( Attend job fairs, network, link with or Communicate support to veterans community Donate products to troops 26

27 Attracting Top Military Talent Provide opportunities to work with great people Ensure environment supportive of former military Exhibit strong values and team orientation Demonstrate upward career potential Offer competitive compensation packages: equitable salary comprehensive benefits other financial incentives 27

ambiguity Quantitative comfort Personal Impact Ethics & integrity Composure

28 Veterans Are Looking For A Good Match Passion Energy level High quality standards Results oriented Problem Solving Intellectual capacity Deal with ambiguity Quantitative comfort Personal Impact Ethics & integrity Composure Interpersonal skills Leadership Personal initiative Teamwork Entrepreneurship 28

29 MILITARY SPOUSES More than 500,000 in the workplace Mobile and capable resources Well-educated and committed Strong work ethic and reliable tioncareersandlibraries/spouses 29

30 Resources for Federal Contractors to Provide Veterans Preference Federal contractors can meet their responsibilities and gain a great workforce! Resources:

31 Success for Small Businesses About 1 in 7 veterans is self employed There are approximately 2.9 million Veteran Owned Small Businesses 200K are owned by service-connected disabled veterans 140,000 veterans annually seek assistance from the Small Business Administration (SBA) The Military Reservist ( is a loan program designed to help veterans needing assistance due to current or prior military duty. 31

Wounded/Injured Veterans Resources Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.

32 Wounded/Injured Veterans Resources Wounded Warrior Project ( Out-station Veteran Employment Specialist at Medical Treatment Facilities DoD Hiring Heroes Career Fairs ( Involvement With Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)& Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service (VR&E)- providers of vocational rehabilitation services to veterans with service-connected disabilities. ( 32

Ground Forces and Online Resources ARMY Bricks: Soldier For Life Program Clicks: www.militaryconnection.com/armybase.asp NAVY & MARINES Bricks: Fleet & Family Support Centers Clicks: www.

33 Ground Forces and Online Resources ARMY Bricks: Soldier For Life Program Clicks: NAVY & MARINES Bricks: Fleet & Family Support Centers Clicks: Clicks: AIR FORCE Bricks: Airman & Family Readiness Centers Clicks: COAST GUARD Bricks: Work-Life Transition / Relocation Program Clicks: 33

Uniformed Services Employment and Re-employment Act (USERRA) Guide

34 Toolkit Resources Online Guide to Developing a Company-Wide Veteran Hiring Strategy Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) flyer Uniformed Services Employment and Re-employment Act (USERRA) Guide Monthly Basic Pay Table for Military Personnel Frequently Asked Questions 34

Navigating The Process The U.S. Department of Labor is available to assist you in implementing these strategies. Access an employer guide at: https://www.workforcegps.

35 Navigating The Process The U.S. Department of Labor is available to assist you in implementing these strategies. Access an employer guide at: We can also connect you with other employers with successful veteran recruitment programs. Contact via at or by phone at

36 Great for Business... Even better for America! Questions? 36

Veterans Working Group Meeting. Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Veterans Working Group Meeting Wednesday, April 30, 2014 Meeting Overview Welcome and Review of Agenda David Hiller, President and CEO, Robert R. McCormick Foundation Lightning Round 1.1.1 One person per