Group launches new way to connect veterans with jobs

CEDAR RAPIDS — The Cedar Valley Veterans Network is launching a new approach to help area veterans find jobs — and careers.

The evening of socializing, as well as hearing from employers and veterans, will begin at 5:30 p.m. April 3 at Big Grove Brewery, 170 First St. SW.

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"The intent is for career (jobs) and not in-between jobs," said Dustin Peterson, director of Linn County Veterans Affairs.

The April 3 gathering will be the first in a series of meetings on the first Wednesday of the month at Big Grove, which is not charging for the meeting space, Peterson said.

Socializing is an important element of the format, Peterson said. During the first hour, veterans, their spouses and employers will socialize and then hear an overview of what to expect from the monthly gatherings.

The second hour will be devoted to employers talking about jobs they have available and veterans talking about their skills and employment needs.

The third hour is aimed at employers and veterans meeting and discussing employment opportunities.

Peterson envisions the event will likely skew toward younger veterans, but emphasized “anybody is welcome to attend.”

Peterson said he learned of the monthly meeting concept last year and attended a gathering in the Quad Cities. He was impressed and decided to try it in Cedar Rapids.

Peterson formed the Cedar Valley Veterans Network. Working with him are Dakota Andrew and Sean Kayse of IowaWORKS, the state office that helps Iowans find jobs, and local real estate agent Tim Ewing.

As of this week, Iowa has 58,342 job openings. With a low unemployment rate of 3 percent, the state has made growing its workforce a priority.

No advance registration is required for the veterans’ evening, and admission is free.

Peterson encourages employers to email him information about available jobs at cedarvalleyveteransnetwork@gmail.com.

The mission of the Cedar Valley Veterans Network, he said, is to “provide a space where unemployed and underemployed veterans and their spouses can connect with community businesses and organizations to facilitate employment conversations.”