The event will kick off with an introduction and remarks from Governor Tony Evers, DWD Secretary-designee Caleb Frostman and WDVA Secretary-designee Mary Kolar.
Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development (DWD), Department of Veteran Affairs (WDVA) and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) are partnering with the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce to bring the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes Military Spouse Economic Empowerment Zone (MSEEZ) program to Wisconsin.
Military spouses are often overlooked as candidates because their resumes often contain gaps in employment or have multiple short-term positions due to the military’s inherent requirement for frequent relocations. Almost 92 percent of military spouses are female and the unemployment rate for this population is four times the national average. While Wisconsin is not home to an active duty base, similar challenges are faced by our numerous National Guard and Reserve families.
The MSEEZ program is focused on combatting the economic impact military spouse’s unemployment and underemployment have on 21st century military families by facilitating collaboration between local and national employers, educational institutions and community resources.
When: Thursday, February 14, 2019 at 9:00 a.m.
Where: StartingBlock, 821 E. Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor Café, Madison
Press Availability:
- DWD Secretary-designee Caleb Frostman
- WDVA Secretary-designee Mary Kolar
- WEDC Deputy Secretary/COO Tricia Braun
- Hiring Our Heroes – Natalie Ryan
- Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce – Saul Newton
- Military spouses
