Annual week of programming aims to celebrate and Veteran’s contributions to the community
MILWAUKEE, Wis. – The Wisconsin Veterans Chamber hosted the 4th Annual Milwaukee Veterans Week Nov. 4 to Nov. 11, featuring a series of events to celebrate and honor the service of Milwaukee’s veterans.

Milwaukee Veterans Week encourages everyone to support the local veteran business community by offering a series of business-focused events throughout the week, in addition to encouraging the general public to observe Veterans Day on Nov. 11 by patronizing local veteran-owned businesses. While this year’s Vets Week had three events scheduled, the Veterans Business Breakfast on Nov. 6 was cancelled due to a winter weather advisory.

“This years Vets Week was a great success, despite some unexpected inclement weather,” said Saul Newton, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce. “We offered a programming schedule that welcomed the general public to not only engage with local veterans and their families but also learn about how to support military businesses year round.”
The week kicked off on Monday, Nov. 4, with the Veterans in the Workforce Luncheon at the Harley-Davidson Museum’s famed RUMBLE restaurant. The 11 a.m. program featured guest speaker Bill Davidson, the current director of the Harley-Davidson Museum.

On Thursday, Nov. 7, Milwaukee’s Yacht Club hosted the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber 4th Anniversary Muster, a quarterly gathering attended by all those who were interested in networking, business growth and new partnerships. Plus, to introduce veterans to the art of sailing, members of the Milwaukee Yacht Club volunteered their time, talents and vessels.

During the Veterans in the Workforce Luncheon, the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber also honored many local businesses for achievement in the areas of veteran and military spouse employment and support of the military families in the community.

“Veterans re-enter the workforce with skills that are an asset to any employer.” said Saul Newton, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce. “These businesses have distinguished themselves through a commitment to hiring and supporting veterans and military families throughout Wisconsin.”

This year’s winners included:

Veteran Employer of the Year: Baird

This employer goes above and beyond to support their veteran and military employees and their families.
Veteran Resource Group of the Year: Froedtert Health
This award celebrates an outstanding veteran employee resource of an affinity group that has helped to lift up the veteran community within and outside of their organization.
Veteran Recruitment Campaign of the Year: Kohler
This organization does more than just attract veteran talent, it also has a robust veteran/military-specific on-boarding, retention, and support program.
Veteran Community Supporter of the Year: WPS Health Solutions
This award goes to a company that has gone out of its way to support the local veteran and military community.

In addition to the week’s events and awards, promotional efforts highlighted local veteran-friendly businesses observing Veterans Day by offering giveaways, discounts or other promotions to veterans and military families. This year’s promoters included the Milwaukee Bucks, Harley-Davidson and Sprecher Brewing Company among others. A full list of all promoters who participated can be found here.

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