HIRING 500,000 HEROES PROGRAM REACHES GOAL

The US Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes (HOH) and Capital One Financial Corporation announced that the Hiring 500,000 Heroes campaign has reached its goal of engaging the business community to hire half a million veterans and military spouses. Since the Hiring 500,000 Heroes initiative launched in March 2012, more than 2,000 businesses of all sizes and industries hired 500,000 veterans and military spouses after committing to the campaign.

Through a three-year, $4.5 million commitment of support from Capital One, the Hiring 500,000 Heroes initiative hosted hiring events, provided mentorship programs, and developed tools to help veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses find meaningful employment.

With support from active groups like the International Franchise Association and HOH’s Employment Advisory Councils, the campaign educated employers on the value proposition of hiring veterans and military spouses, and provided tools and resources to help them find and hire military talent.

“This campaign was a call-to-action for the American business community, and more than 2,000 companies large and small stepped up to answer that call. Our partner, Capital One, helped lead the charge – not only by serving as a thought leader, but an active employer, offering support, training and career opportunities to military veterans and their families,” says Eric Eversole, US Chamber of Commerce vice president and Hiring Our Heroes president. ”While we have reached an incredible milestone, our work is not done. We must all remain focused on military transition and employment challenges, as nearly 250,000 service members are currently transitioning out of the military and into the civilian workforce.”