Icon (Close Menu)

Logout

ARVets To Hold Inaugural Conference Thursday

2 min read

ARVets will hold its inaugural Employing AR Veterans Human Resources Conference at the Clinton Presidential Library from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson; Deborah Bradbard, associate researcher at Syracuse University’s Military and Veterans Institute; ARVets CEO Nicole Hart; Michelle Hayes, program coordinator for VA for Vets; Steve Sullivan, chaplain/leader of the Veterans Clergy and Mental Health Project; and Nakia D. Williams, program coordinator for the OIF/OEF Program for Central Arkansas Veterans Health Care System, are expected to attend.

Hart told Arkansas Business that, rather than this being the job fair people have seen for veterans, the organization wanted to train hiring managers, human resources personnel and others in charge of recruiting, retention and placing people in the right jobs for them. 

She said this is an important issue because the unemployment rate for veterans is higher than the average rate for the non-military population, and veterans ages 19-35 are especially affected by a higher unemployment rate.

Hart also said this conference would help address the stigma of hiring veterans who have mental health issues they are being treated for and that any industry could benefit from hiring veterans.

Organizers said the conference will bring together the corporate, government and veteran communities for discussions and informative sessions on veteran employment and retention needs. The event will include speakers and workshops on veteran leadership, motivation and success.

Hart said organizers wanted 100 participants and had 80-90 signed up as of Wednesday afternoon. She added that there would be some seats available for professionals who register the morning of the event. 

Registration is 8:30-9 a.m. and costs $50. More information on that is available here and by calling (501) 246-5341.

The governor is set to speak between 9:15 and 10:30 a.m., with the first breakout session scheduled from 10:45-11:45 a.m. A working lunch with a moderated veteran panel discussion is set for noon to 1 p.m., with a second breakout session from 1:15-2:15 p.m. and the closing session from 2:15-3 p.m. to follow.

According to a news release, the mission of ARVets is to enhance the overall quality of life for military personnel, veterans and their families by improving access to resources and strengthening support systems through all phases of the military life cycle. 

The organization focuses on offering innovative ideas and methods to deliver services as well as a grassroots case-management approach.

Send this to a friend