VERO BEACH — The Indian River County Chamber of Commerce has announced a partnership with the Veterans Council of Indian River County as part of their Veterans Outreach Program which supports Community Blueprint, a national effort to transition veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
Over the next five years, one million service men and women will return from service overseas. Over 80,000 are expected in Florida.
“Some returning veterans have been engaged in the military since their high school graduation, know nothing about the business community, or have never had an employer other than the military,” stated Penny Chandler, President of the Chamber.
The chamber will initiate a member based Veterans Business Advisory Committee to organize and provide specific business related resources, including training on how to find a job in the private sector.
“The chamber’s membership includes a huge variety of resources. Some members may have potential employment opportunities or other resources needed by veterans. Our chamber’s membership also includes many veterans,” said Bill Penney, Chairman of the Chamber Board of Directors.
The chamber has brought the local SCORE group into the program. SCORE is part of a national organization of volunteers with strong business experience who provide free business education and counseling.
Local counselor Tom Spear will provide free business workshops to returning veterans who may consider entrepreneurial actions rather than becoming employed by a company.
“As a member of Treasure Coast SCORE, I welcome the opportunity to assist our transitioning veterans with education and counseling on a variety of small business subjects,” Spear said.
A veteran attending all workshops and starting their own business will receive a 1-year chamber membership that will help them “kick-start” their business and gain recognition in the community. And, a volunteer mentor from the Advisory Committee will provide personal assistance to the new entrepreneur as needed.
“No community is certain of the numbers coming into their own counties or cities. Many of the returning veterans will face challenges transitioning into civilian life. The chamber program is a great example of collaboration among local community groups that will have a positive impact on returning veterans,” explained Col. Marty Zickert, chairman of the local Veterans Council.
“Veterans seeking employment with local companies may never have interviewed for a private sector position, have private sector employee experience or skills, or have a resume that “translates” their military skills into private sector skills” added Zickert.
The chamber’s resources for the program will also include assistance from chamber volunteers in “career ladder” transitions from military experience translating to private sector experience, resume and mock interview experiences, and urging members to file open positions with Workforce Solutions for further assistance.
Community Blueprint is being implemented through Points of Light, the world’s leading volunteer organization mobilizing millions of people to take action that will impact positive change and connecting people and organizations to address critical needs facing communities.
The Veterans Council of IR County has promoted the Community Blueprint program, requesting area organizations to consider aligning themselves to provide needed services that could help a returning veteran.
“We are excited about the new program and hope in some way we are able to assist veterans returning to Indian River County. The chamber has an excellent corps of active volunteers who, I’m sure, will embrace this new initiative,” stated Bill Penney.
The Indian River County Chamber of Commerce is a 4-star accredited chamber. Of the 6,936 chambers in the United States, only 223 are accredited representing the top 3% of all chambers in the U.S.
Of those accredited chambers, only 75 hold 4-star accreditation.
The chamber represents the business community by providing services, benefits, and leadership for positive growth and change.
