Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Stephen Bell, Director of State Operations with the Tennessee Department of Veteran Services, who discusses the department’s mission and a new initiative, the Tennessee Veteran Ready Business Recognition Program. Bell explains that the department advocates for veterans, informs the public about benefits, and honors veterans through state cemeteries. He highlights their new program called the Tennessee Veteran Ready Business Recognition Program, which aims to support service members, veterans, and their families by recognizing businesses that recruit, hire, and retain them. The program is free and open to businesses of all sizes, regardless of whether they are veteran-owned. Bell explains that companies can participate by answering questions online, with the bronze level requiring only 4 questions. The program seeks to showcase the value of veterans in the workforce and provide resources for companies to better support veteran employees.
Bell discusses the importance of networking and collaboration in helping businesses become “veteran ready” and connect with veterans seeking employment. He emphasizes the need for businesses to provide tools and support for veteran hiring and onboarding, while also highlighting the challenges veterans face with the VA system and the solutions the Tennessee Department of Veteran Services is seeking to provide in collaborative support. He shares an example of a Nashville company that successfully integrated veteran employees into their program, allowing them to access benefits during work hours with the help of various organizations. Bell discusses upcoming symposiums where businesses can network and share best practices for hiring and supporting veterans.
Bell then discusses the economic impact of veterans in Tennessee, highlighting that veterans contribute over $32 billion annually to the state through compensation, median income, housing, and education assistance. He encourages viewers to explore the Tennessee Veterans Economic Impact Map on the state’s website to see detailed data at the county level.
Visit https://www.tn.gov/veteran.html or call 615-741-2345 to learn more about the Tennessee Department of Veteran Services, the Tennessee Veteran Ready Business Recognition Program, and the Economic Impact of Veterans in Tennessee.
