Over the past five years, INvets has helped bring 150 new residents to the Indiana Uplands, with every county in the region welcoming new neighbors through these efforts. Its work in ensuring the post-service success and happiness of military vets and their families made them a great choice for this year’s Indiana Uplands Talent Innovation Award, announced at ROI’s Annual Report to the Region Feb. 18 in French Lick.
This award recognizes an entity that has designed and deployed an innovative strategy for improving our regional workforce through training, skill advancement, or the attraction of talent to the Indiana Uplands.
INvets was founded by veterans for veterans to help aid in the transition to civilian life through a focus on job placement and fostering community-fit for veterans and families looking for a new place to call home. This organization focuses on empowering an underutilized population of transitioning military members and their families.
INvets travels to communities to connect with companies and community organizations to learn about opportunities available to active-duty military when they retire.
Through Veteran Engagement Managers, INvets shares information with veterans and their families about what is available in each community, such as childcare, healthcare, and schools. INvets also helps with resume building, interviewing, and finding job opportunities in its network of over 500 employer partners, ranging from manufacturing and logistics to banking. The INvets Corporate Outreach Team collaborates with employers to help promote local jobs to veterans through an online platform and on-site recruitment events.
With the region’s wealth of defense, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing employers, INvets says the Uplands is a “hot spot” for their clients looking for their next careers.
“By bridging the gap between transitioning service members and the thriving opportunities in the Uplands, INvets is not only strengthening the regional workforce but also enriching our communities with the skills, leadership, and dedication of our nation’s veterans and their families,” ROI Vice President of Talent Development Michi McClaine said.
This year’s Talent Innovation Award was accepted by INvets CEO Sarah Harrison, Director of Outreach and Partnerships Brian Evans, Director of Outreach and Partnerships, and Veteran Engagement Manager Chaze Patrick.