Corporate America Battles Veteran Unemployment

CHICAGO, Aug. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Milicruit, a recognized leader in career fairs for veterans, today announced that more than 90 Fortune 500 employers and federal agencies have stepped up to hire veterans through Milicruit in the upcoming September 12th national career fair for veterans and military spouses.

"Veterans unemployment issues seem to be a very hot topic right now, but it's not for the best of reasons. Employers should not hire veterans because of sympathy or moral obligation—they should look to veterans first because, simply put, it makes good business sense. We are proud to partner with these industry-leading employers who recognize the wealth of knowledge and talent our nation's finest bring to the workforce," said Kevin O'Brien, VP Business Development, UBM Studios.

The Milicruit service, powered by UBM Studios, allows military-friendly employers, active-duty service members, veterans and military spouses to meet and interact in real time, from the comfort and convenience of their home or office.

Citigroup, a participating employer in the Milicruit career fair, has made a commitment to hire as many as 500 veterans over the next 12 months. "Citi is looking forward to participating in the Milicruit Career Fair as we continue to look for the best possible applicants within the Veteran and Military Community," said Christopher Page, VP & Citi Military Programs Manager, Citigroup.

Waste Management has been a long-time supporter of veteran employment efforts and will also participate in the September 12th fair. "Waste Management hires a veteran every day of the year and one in twelve of our employees is a veteran. Our Milicruit partner plays a big role in helping us attract quality talent," said Wes Reel, Disability & Military Recruiting and Outreach Programs, Waste Management.

"We developed Milicruit after hearing the frustrations many veterans were voicing regarding their job search options. Job boards often felt too impersonal, and, with more and more employers refusing to accept resumes at traditional career fairs, we said 'why can't the initial interaction between employer and job seeker take place in a fully-interactive, virtual environment that would in essence bring the career fair experience to the veteran and employer?'" said O'Brien. "Milicruit allows employers to recruit military talent nationwide in an efficient, effective and environmentally-friendly way."

Milicruit would like to thank the following veteran service organizations for their support in spreading the word about the event through the military community: Military Officers Association of America, Society of Human Resources, Hire Heroes USA, Wounded Warrior Project, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Military Spouse Employer Partnership, Blue Star Families, Employer Support of the Armed Forces.

"The Milicruit national career fair is an outstanding example of what can be accomplished when people come together to serve a great cause.  The fair offers a unique opportunity for veterans and military spouses from all over the country find suitable employment, and we encourage all veterans and military spouses who may be seeking employment to register and participate," said Brad Cooper, Executive Director of Joining Forces.

Active-duty service members, veterans and military spouses interested in participating in an upcoming Milicruit virtual career fair can register at http://www.veteranscareerfair.com.

For additional information on Milicruit, UBM Studios or to purchase a virtual career fair, contact Kevin O'Brien, at (215) 525-5776 x101 or kevin.obrien@ubm.com.

UBM produces virtual career fairs in education, chemical, technology and military in Asia, Europe and North America.

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About Milicruit

Milicruit is the recognized leader of virtual career fairs for military veterans, powered by UBM Studios.   Milicruit brings employers who are committed to helping veterans find suitable employment after serving the country together with military veterans and their spouses seeking suitable employment.  Given the large number of veterans looking to reenter the civilian job market, Milicruit allows employers and job seekers to meet and interact in an online setting.  For additional information on Milicruit, visit www.milicruit.com.  

About UBM LLC

UBM LLC is a leading global business media company. We inform markets and bring the world's buyers and sellers together at events, online, in print and provide them with the information they need to do business successfully. We focus on serving professional commercial communities, from doctors to game developers, from journalists to jewellery traders, from farmers to pharmacists around the world. Our 6,000 staff in more than 30 countries are organised into specialist teams that serve these communities, helping them to do business and their markets to work effectively and efficiently. www.ubm.com

SOURCE UBM Studios