Veterans connect with employers in Bentonville

Military veterans and local employers connected during Hiring Our Heroes job fair Thursday.

The event was held at the Bentonville Armed Forces Reserve Center. Veterans looking for work had the opportunity to attend an employment workshop at 9 a.m. where they were given information about employment transition from military to the civilian workforce.

One of the major challenges for veterans is to translate their military skills to private employers, said Ernie Lombardi, southeast regional associate with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation launched Hiring Our Heroes in March 2011. The nation-wide initiative helps veterans, transitioning servicemembers and military spouses find employment.

There were 35 area employers and 75 registered veterans for Thursday's event, Lombardi said. Walk-ins were also welcome.

Hiring Our Heroes has hosted more than 650 job fairs across the country. As of June 30, 2013, 21,600 veterans and military spouses have obtained jobs, according to the foundation's website.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation coordinated the event with the Bentonville/Bella Vista, Roger-Lowell and Fayetteville Chamber of Commerces, the Department of Labor Veteran's Employment and Training Service, the Arkansas Committee of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, the United States Army Reserve, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the American Legion and other local partners.

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