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Archive: eNewsletter December 2007 Back to eNewsletter Page New Bedford Veterans’ Expo Supports Hire-A-Vet Month 2007 By: Carl Waal As part of the Department of Labor’s Hire a Vet Month activities, the Commonwealth held 23 events statewide from November 2nd through the 30th. By any measure, one of the most successful was that held at the Greater New Bedford Career Center (GNBCC) on November 14th from 10am – 1pm. The numbers tell it all: 15 Employers 16 community/support organizations 135 veterans (30 new to the system) 405 interviews 18 employments confirmed; several offers pending; additional interviews ongoing. Follow up continues. Success was gained through detailed planning and execution. The planning credit is shared by many; but principally to Beth Costa, the Division of Career Services Operations Manager. This was clearly her project from the start. The actual event was modeled after the annual statewide job fairs and youth expos. That model requires full engagement by the entire workforce system to provide “over the top” services to employers, and a wide variety of job fair preparation and employment opportunities for job seekers. Preparation began in May with the reinforcement of networking relationships with military units, city/town veterans’ agents, veterans’ service organizations, and the Veterans’ Administration. Ongoing discussion with these partners helps maintain focus and energy on the specific needs of the local veteran population. Employers, dignitaries and support systems assembled. Reaching the veterans is an ongoing challenge. In this case, it was a true multi media effort – radio and public TV appearances, newspaper interviews, flyers around the city and surrounding towns were all part of the strategy. “We mailed and e-mailed information to all our current veteran customers. When we looked outside our doors at 9:45 on the day the event and saw over 50 vets lined up – we knew we had hit the mark,” said Costa. Massachusetts Secretary of Veteran Services and recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor, Captain Tom Kelly (US Navy–retired) kicked off the day with some encouraging opening remarks. “In the end, our employers, community organizations, and veteran customers were impressed. In this day of continuous improvement we look at every thing we do with a critical eye toward finding a better way. On this day, we believe we did it right,” added Costa. Some examples: A young woman, recently returned from Iraq, newborn child in her arms, was offered a job with UPS on the spot. An older vet was looking for part-time work to supplement his retirement income. Impressed by his presentation, McDonalds decided to build a job around his skills. Cape Air/Nantucket Airlines, a new customer, was looking for air crews, mechanics and dispatchers. They conducted 60 interviews on site; at least 10 call backs. They were impressed with the support system, and ultimately the quality of the veterans they saw. There were a number of veteran and community service organizations that had never connected before November 14th. By placing these groups in the same room at the same time, networking connections began which will continue on for the benefit of the local veteran population. Going forward, there will be a number of opportunities for WIB members to assist the GNBCC in reaching out to local veterans. The young men and women coming home need care and support. And last, but certainly not least – EVERY DAY IS VETERANS’ DAY! © 2001 Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc. 227 Union Street, Suite 206, New Bedford, MA 02740-5946 PH 508.979.1504 • FAX 508.979.5680 E-mail: Webmaster@gnbwib.org