July 5, 2017

Tap into JBLM talent pool

Is Your Company Growing? Tap into JBLM’s Exceptional Talent Pool

This is the second in a series about resources and programs in Tacoma-Pierce County to help businesses grow and expand.

Tacoma-Pierce County businesses have a massive resource for talent right in their own backyard—Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

“Service members and their families transitioning to civilian life bring exceptional training, critical skills and proven talents back to their communities,” said JBLM Commander Col. Daniel S. Morgan. “Here at JBLM, we continuously seek innovative ways with our community partners to help our service members and their spouses transition into our local communities and labor force.”

JBLM offers several opportunities that connect employers with this skilled talent pool. The Service Member for Life Transition Assistance Program (SFL-TAP) offers job fairs, quarterly networking gatherings, employer spotlight events, weekly brown bag information sessions, job posting services and more. Information about events and resources is available on JBLM’s employment website at jblmunlimited.com.

Tacoma-based WorkForce Central partners with military organizations throughout the South Sound to ensure that transitioning military personnel, spouses and families, as well as veterans are prepared and trained for today’s high-demand occupations. One of those successful partnerships is Camo2Commerce, a federally funded program that offers employers access to the talent pipeline of transitioning service members exiting JBLM. More information about Camo2Commerce and other WorkForce Central military partnership projects is available at workforce-central.org.

“No veteran who has served honorably should be out of work, especially in a region like ours with a vibrant and growing business community,” remarked Congressman Denny Heck (D-WA 10th District). “When I cofounded a business in the Puget Sound region, we hired a veteran every chance we could. Many service members choose to stay in the area once they transition to veteran status, thanks to our region’s blend of innovative companies, beautiful outdoors, and great neighborhoods to raise a family.”

Businesses that hire eligible unemployed veterans can also take advantage of federal and state tax incentives. Under the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) employers can claim a credit on their federal taxes for qualifying new hires. As of 2016, businesses hiring qualified veterans for full-time employment positions located in Washington are eligible for a credit against their business and occupation tax or public utility tax.

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