PRESS RELEASE: Over 600 Attendees Gather in Virginia’s Capital for Veterans & Military Affairs Conference

Senior industry, government, and military leaders from all areas of the Commonwealth discuss how Virginia can lead the way in empowering our military families through strong communities

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA – Moments ago, the 2019 Virginia Veterans & Military Affairs conference, hosted by the Virginia Chamber Foundation and the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, concluded their day of keynotes and panels focused on how we can better connect the veteran and military spouse community to career opportunities in the Commonwealth.

With over 600 attendees, the inaugural conference serves as an important recognition of Virginia’s support for our military members and providing a high quality of life for them, not only while they serve, but as they transition to civilian life.

“Virginia is home to a strong military and veteran community,” said Virginia Chamber of Commerce Board of Director’s Chair Charlie Meyer. “We remain deeply committed to supporting our community of service men and women  and by being here today, you help to show what we all know is true – Virginia’s business community is dedicated to empowering those who answer the call to serve and protect our nation.”

Highlights from the conference include:

Embracing America’s Military and Veteran Communities – Remarks from Glenn Nunziata, Executive Vice President & CFO, Smithfield Foods

Change of Command: The Evolution of the Military in America – Remarks from Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO and President, BlueStar Families

Presentation of Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Awards and Conference Keynote – Kathleen T. Jabs, Virginia Deputy Secretary of Veteran and Defense Affairs

The state of Virginia and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes announced Virginia is the first state in the nation to launch four regional Military Spouse Economic Empowerment Zones (MSEEZ). The MSEEZs will foster collaboration among local stakeholders to address the staggering rates of military spouse unemployment and underemployment. The conference also hosted two panel discussions with topics focused on strengthening connections between employers and military spouses and bringing military talent into communities across the Commonwealth.

Full conference program can be found here.

###

About the Virginia Chamber Foundation:

The Chamber Foundation tracks Virginia’s economic competitiveness, conducts research and analysis, and hosts programs – connected to the priorities of Blueprint Virginia 2025.  In December 2017, the Chamber released an update to its long-term strategic economic development plan, Blueprint Virginia 2025, which engaged over 6,000 business and community leaders to lay out a plan to getting Virginia back to the top of national business climate rankings. Learn more at www.vachamber.com