9/19/2012
For Immediate Release | Greg Rivara Phone: 312.814.0095 (pdf version)
IDES and U.S. Chamber Partner to Put Veterans to Work
Pre-Registration is Encouraged for Best Service, Results
CHICAGO - One of the largest efforts to help Veterans find employment comes to Loyola University, Chicago, on Sept. 27 for a Hire our Heroes career expo. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Loyola University and the Illinois Department of Employment Security are among the primary sponsors.
More than 100 Chicago-area businesses, many with outlets throughout the Midwest, have positions ready to be filled. Veterans should dress appropriately, bring resumes and be prepared for a brief interview. Other sponsors include the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve, U.S. Department of Labor, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and others.
The expo is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Loyola's Gentile Arena, 6511 N. Winthrop Ave. Attendees should pre-register at www.hoh.greatjob.net. Pre-registration allows employers to review resumes before the event and increases the likelihood that job offers can be made at the event. On-site registration begins at 8 a.m.
Veterans make loyal employees because they respect authority, embrace responsibility and thrive in a team environment. They emphasize group goals over individual accolades. They understand technology, have the ability to learn, and already have experience in such fields as manufacturing, construction and logistics.
Earlier this year, Gov. Quinn increased the state income tax credit to up to $5,000 for each qualified Veteran who is hired. Additionally, employers might qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $4,800 through the Work Opportunity Tax Credit.
At the IDES, 500 employees - approximately 25 percent of the workforce - are Veterans. Additionally, nearly 60 IDES associates are Veterans specifically assigned to help Veterans return to work. In 2011, the IDES provided re-employment services to more than 45,000 Veterans.
Veterans and employers also should visit Illinoisjoblink.com, the revamped IDES help-wanted website. This no-cost, on-line career resource uses keyword matching technology to increase the likelihood of a successful new hire. There are 120,000 help-wanted ads in illinoisjoblink.com.
