PRESS RELEASE: 600 Attendees Gather Virtually for 2020 Virginia Veterans and Military Affairs Conference & Annual Virginia Values Veterans Awards Program

Policymakers, Industry, and Military Leaders from Across the Commonwealth Participate in Key Discussions on Strengthening Virginia as the Place to Call Home for Military and Veteran Families.

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA – Moments ago, The 2020 Virginia Veterans and Military Affairs Conference & Annual Virginia Values Veterans Awards Program, hosted by the Virginia Chamber Foundation, the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation, and the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, concluded with participation of 600 attendees.

Held for the first time as a virtual program, this conference and award ceremony serves to foster meaningful discussions focused on Virginia’s support for our military members, veteran community, and their families.

“Virginia is home to a strong military and veteran community,” said Virginia Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Barry DuVal. “With 30 military installations and one of the largest veteran populations in the country, Virginia remains deeply committed to empowering the men and woman who answer the call to serve and protect our nation by providing a high quality of life not only while they serve, but as they transition to civilian life.”

Highlights from Conference and Awards Program Include:

Welcome Remarks – Commissioner John Maxwell, Virginia Department of Veteran Services

Keynote Remarks – The Honorable Abigail Spanberger, U.S. House of Representatives

Strengthening Virginia For Our Military and Veteran Community Panel Discussion

• Moderated by – Mike Melo, President and CEO, ITA International
• Panelists:
  • Chris Doss, Senior Director of Operations, Capital One
  • Adam Lee, Vice President and Chief Security Officer, Dominion Energy
  • Keith Wilson, Lieutenant Colonel U.S. Army, Soldier for Life Program, HQDA, Regional Director, Northeast US & Europe

Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Awards and Conference Keynote Remarks – The Honorable Ralph Northam, Governor of Virginia

HIRE VETS NOW Fellowship Award and Breakthrough Award – Presented by The Honorable David Reid, Virginia House of Delegates

Military Spouse Award – Presented by Meagan LoBuglio, Southwest & Central Virginia Regional Program Manager, Virginia Department of Veterans Services

Readiness Award and Trailblazer Award – Presented by The Honorable Bryce Reeves, Virginia Senate

The Secretary Award & Locality Award – Presented by The Honorable Carlos Hopkins, Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs

2020 Virginia Values Veterans Award: Eleven Virginia Employers Honored For Hiring Veterans:

2020 V3 Governor’s Awards

• (Small Company – 1-51 employees)
  • Intelliware Systems – Fredericksburg (35 hires)

• (Medium Company -51-300 employees)
  • G4S Secure Systems – Richmond (133 hires)

• (Large Company – 301-1,000 or more employees)
  • Top Guard Security – Richmond, Hampton & Norfolk (279 hires)

• (Enterprise Company -More than 1,000 employees)
  • Booz Allen Hamilton – McLean (2,093 hires)

Presented to V3 Certified Employers that “went above and beyond” in recruiting and hiring Virginia veterans during the calendar year 2019.

2020 V3 Secretary’s Award

Virginia Community College System (VCCS) – Richmond

Presented by Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs in recognition of a V3 Certified Government Agency or Public Entity for demonstrated innovative support for Virginia veterans and promoting veteran employment.

 2020 V3 Hire VETS Now Fellowship Award

Hampton Roads Veteran Employment Center – Norfolk

Presented in recognition for establishing a fellowship program for transitioning service members in partnership with the Virginia Chamber Foundation and the Virginia Department of Veterans Services.

 2020 V3 Breakthrough Award

Gryphon Technologies – Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Washington, D.C.

Presented in recognition of the V3 Certified Employer with the most innovative veteran recruiting and hiring process.

2020 V3 Military Spouse Award

Amazon – Arlington

(167 military spouses hired)

Presented in recognition of the V3 Certified Employer who has excelled in the hiring of military spouses during 2019.

2020 V3 Readiness Award

Carilion Clinic – Roanoke

Presented to a V3 Certified Employer for their efforts toward improving workforce readiness, streamlining career development and fostering a strong military readiness workplace culture and environment.

2020 V3 Trailblazer Award

Leidos – Reston

Presented to a V3 Certified Employer in recognition of their strong partnership in many aspects of the V3 program from recruiting, hiring, training and retaining Virginia veterans and spouses to workforce development, marketing and community impact.

 2020 V3 Locality Award

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department – Fairfax

Presented to a V3 Certified Locality for demonstrated innovative methods and overall support for Virginia veterans and for leadership in a creative and military-friendly community.

A full list of the 2020 V3 Award recipients can be found here.

The full for 2020 Virginia Veteran and Military Affairs Conference & Annual Virginia Values Veterans Awards Program can be found here.