14 Dec 9th “Annual Honor a Hero-Hire a Vet” Job and Resource Fair
Sherman Oaks, CA – The Valley Economic Alliance along with the California Employment Development Department (EDD) hosted the 9th Annual Sold Out “Honor a Hero-Hire a Vet” Veteran Job Fair on Thursday, October 16, 2014 at the Warner Center Marriott Hotel in Woodland Hills, CA.
A special ribbon cutting ceremony opened doors to over 1,500 job seekers, 750 of whom were returning Veterans, Reservists and National Guard members. Attendees had the opportunity to meet face to face with more than 80 employers from a wide assortment of industries and over 20 job and training organizations. Some of the employers interviewed candidates on the spot, providing veterans the opportunity to fill more than 1,200 confirmed job openings. Industries including manufacturing, retail, healthcare, banking, construction and engineering also provided veterans with the tools, resources and support they need to help them with their job search.
“From start to finish, the room was saturated with an equal amount of participants. Veterans were dressed for the occasion and came prepared with resumes,” said Kimberly Thunderbird, Director of Community Outreach at Charter College.
The day kicked off with The Valley Economic Alliance’s Board of Director’s and Board of Governor’s meeting and appointed long time Senior Vice President Kenn Phillips, as the new President and CEO. “Events like the “Honor a Hero-Hire a Vet,” which connects Los Angeles and Ventura Counties’ talented job seekers with employers looking to hire, are a critical part of The Valley Economic Alliance’s efforts to strengthen our economy and support a stronger workforce,” said Phillips. “Our veterans, who have bravely sacrificed in defense of our freedom, have considerable transferable skills that will strengthen our civilian workforce and economy,” he added.
City of Calabasas Mayor David Shapiro welcomed the job fair attendees and discussed why it is important to assist, educate and employ veterans. Michael Dolphin, Division Chief from EDD also addressed the crowd and introduced artist David Schwartz who unveiled his latest piece; Enterprise America.
Premier sponsors included Bank of America, Wells Fargo Bank, Call Source, Aerojet Rocketdyne, Republic Services, Penske Motor Group, Baxter, Metro, Walmart, Electro Rent Corporation, Workforce Investment Board, City of Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks Hospital, Telescape Communications and Community Bank. Friend of a Veteran sponsors included Marriott Warner Center Woodland Hills, Kiewit, DeVry University, Sunrun, Belcan Corporation and Maximus. Media sponsors included Daily News, Business Life Magazine, San Fernando Sun and Bad Medina.