RICHMOND, VIRGINIA – Today, the 2024 Virginia Veterans and Military Affairs Executive Forum & Annual Virginia Values Veterans Awards Program, hosted by the Virginia Chamber Foundation, Virginia Department of Veterans Services, and the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation, concluded with the participation of over 500 attendees.

In its sixth year as a co-hosted event, the morning forum featured special remarks by Governor Glenn Youngkin and a roundtable discussion with business, military, and state leaders.  Attendees heard insightful discussions on strategies to enhance Virginia’s competitiveness as the best state for our military and veterans community. This year’s forum focus was on creating stronger pathways to civilian employment for veterans and military spouses, and on attracting and retaining military talent.

“Virginia’s strong military and veteran community contributes to the Commonwealth’s continued economic success,” said Virginia Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Barry DuVal. “With 30 military installations, hundreds of defense-related industries, and one of the largest populations of veterans in America, the Commonwealth and the Chamber remain committed to empowering the men and women who have served our Nation as they transition to our state civilian workforce.”

“We are proud that nearly 700,000 military veterans call Virginia home. Each year, we see more than 20,000 service members stationed in the Commonwealth transition into the workforce and we want these highly trained men and women to stay here and find jobs in our workforce,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Our desire to keep and retain qualified veterans was the inspiration for the V3 program. As part of our continuing commitment to our veterans, it is my honor to recognize these V3 Certified Employers who have shown their unwavering commitment to assuring that these veterans find success as members of our civilian workforce.”

“This year, Virginia regained its rightful leadership position when it was named America’s Best State for Business by CNBC. A key factor in receiving this recognition was our outstanding workforce and the number of military veterans and spouses available to be hired,” said Governor Youngkin. 

During the luncheon program, the Virginia Department of Veterans Services hosted the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Awards Presentation. Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs, Craig Crenshaw, recognized ten Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Certified Employers for their exceptional commitment to recruiting, hiring, and retaining veterans and military spouses.

“These V3 Awards not only highlight the special achievements of these Virginia employers we honor today but also all of the more than 3,600 V3 Certified Employers – who represent virtually every type of business, industry and profession from small to the largest,” said Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs Craig Crenshaw. “Since its inception just eleven years ago, this unique public-private partnership has resulted in the hiring of nearly 149,000 Virginia veterans and military spouses throughout the Commonwealth.”

Additional highlights from today’s forum include:

WELCOME & OPENING REMARKS:

Barry DuVal, President & CEO, Virginia Chamber of Commerce

The Honorable Glenn Youngkin, Governor of Virginia

Charles “Chuck” Zingler, Commissioner, Virginia Department of Veterans Services

ROUNDTABLE: Virginia’s Competitiveness as Best State for our Military Community

“Virginia’s National Ranking on Veteran Employment and Benefits”

Ivan Denton, Director, Office of National Programs, Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS), US Department of Labor (DOL)

Observations & Roundtable Discussion

Discussion Led By: Drew Warren, Senior Policy Advisor, Dominion Energy and Co-Chair Blueprint Virginia Veterans and Military Affairs Executive Committee

ROUNDTABLE: Strengthening Virginia’s Transition Program

Featured Remarks

Kayla Arestivo, Executive Director, Virginia Veteran Services Foundation

Observations & Roundtable Discussion

Discussion Led By:

Sultan Camp, Director, Hampton Roads Veterans Employment Centers, Hampton Roads Workforce Council

ROUNDTABLE: Attracting and Retaining Our Military Talent

Observations & Roundtable Discussion

Discussion Led By: Barry DuVal & Chuck Zingler

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About the Virginia Chamber Foundation:

The Virginia Chamber Foundation tracks Virginia’s economic competitiveness, conducts research and analysis, and hosts programs, connected to the priorities of Blueprint Virginia. In December 2021, the Chamber released its new statewide strategic economic development plan, Blueprint Virginia 2030, which has engaged over 7,000 business, economic development, workforce, education, housing, and other community leaders to lay out a plan to ensure Virginia remains at the top of national business climate rankings. Learn more at  www.blueprintvirginia.org.

About the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program 

More than 3,600 businesses, state and local government agencies, and educational institutions are part of the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program. These employers have hired nearly 149,000 veterans and military spouses since the program’s inception in 2013. Part of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS), the V3 Program helps employers develop and implement long-term strategies and nationally recognized best practices in recruiting, hiring, and retaining veterans. For more information, please visit www.dvsV3.com.