Making sure we have the skilled and knowledgeable workforce to fill the tens of thousands of jobs we expect to be created in Middle Tennessee over the next decade is a top priority for the Nashville Chamber. That’s why we’re focusing heavily on K-12 education, increasing the number of postsecondary degrees and certificates, and workforce training. It’s also why we recently sponsored a panel discussion on “hiring our heroes” at the
Tennessee Technology Center in Nashville. There are more than 500,000 military veterans in Tennessee, and some businesses may not fully understand how best to tap into this
skilled and experienced labor pool.
At the invitation of local nonprofit
Not Alone in November, National Guard veteran Leigh Ann Hester described how she spent months trying to land a job following her deployment in Afghanistan, despite being one of the most decorated female soldiers in the history of our country. Several Nashville companies provided insights to their peers on the value of hiring veterans and how to transition them quickly into their new jobs. Louise Grant of
CCA reminded employers that military service involves a tremendous amount of training and skill development, from management of people to technical expertise. Bob Ravener from
Dollar General Corporation talked about his company’s SERVE program, an employee resource group composed of military veterans who support each other and help new hires.
To view the highlights of the “Hiring Our Heroes” program,
click here. To view the full program,
click here. The full program is currently airing on
IQTV (Comcast Channel 10 in Davidson County) every Monday at 2 a.m., 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Bob Ravener talks about how Dollar General Corporation supports their veteran employees. 
Louise Grant, vice president with Corrections Corporation of America, discusses CCA’s proactive efforts to hire U.S. military veterans.