Our speaker today was Amy Cook, Administrator for the New Hampshire Division of Community Based Military Programs at the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services
Amy Cook -
Picture from her LinkedIn page
The New NH Veteran-Friendly Business Recognition Program recently launched by the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services in partnership with NH Employment Security. Through this new program, they look forward to publicly recognizing New Hampshire businesses and organizations making meaningful efforts to honor, fortify, empower and impact Veteran employees, Veteran customers & consumers, and the NH Veteran community. Click Here for link to program details.
The program is designed to benefit both Veterans and NH employers. Cook provided information about the program, benefits of recognition, how to apply and how businesses can actively contribute to future development of the program.
Cook shared that until recently, NH had no department of veterans’ affairs, though there were programs in lots of different places. In summer of 2018, by Gov. Sununu’s exec order, nearly all state vets programs were placed under one roof: “Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services.” The NH Adjutant General is the commissioner of this department which opened officially in Sept. 2019.
Within the department, Amy’s program works to bring military and civilian groups together. It is also responsible for the NH State Veterans Cemetery and the Division of Veterans’ Services.
One entity is not part of it – the NH Veterans’ Home provides long-term care.
In Sept-Oct, 2019 “all the stars aligned for this program.” The military leadership team came together with members from NH Department of Employment Security (NHDES) and civilians. The group discussed how better to engage citizens with NH Guard and veterans. Adjutant Gen went to Connecticut for a visit and came back with the idea of starting a veterans-friendly business recognition program.
Cook was speaking at the Diversity Workforce Coalition about developing such a program where she met Jason Grauer, Dead River Company’s regional operations manager and commander in US Navy (Ret), who came to New England recently; Jason asked to be part of the effort.
This small group of really excited people wanted the program to be as inclusive as possible (businesses from 3 to 3000 employees would be eligible), wanted it to be free, to be NH-focused, to benefit both the business and vets, and wanted to be a road map for businesses that wanted to do more with veterans.
They feel they have built a strong foundation. As the first businesses are recognized, they will engage them in building the program over time to really meet the needs of both vets and businesses. The state of Michigan launched a program 3 years ago’ they received 40 business applications the first year, 300 the 2nd, and 3000 in the 3rd year. They recommended that NH “be ready” for an explosion of applications. Michigan created an advisory team from their “gold level” businesses which hosts a human resources seminar on recruiting and hiring vets – a great road map for growing on our foundation.
On June 5, they began to publicize the new program. The application is available as a fillable PDF on line that should take only 10-15 mins. It’s comprised of check boxes.
4 levels of recognition for support of veterans:
- Bronze –– complete 4 of the criteria
- Silver – complete Bronze and an additional 2 or 3; theme “Fortify – focus on other family members”
- Gold – empower
- Platinum – impact on the vet community at large, offering benefits to vets to continue military service, offset of insurance costs, etc.
Amy indiceated that the deadline for applications would be August; notices of recognition will happen in November/December. Our inaugural year will feature lots of news releases. They are working on a department website with a section only for this program; goal is to advertise businesses that have received recognition for being veteran friendly. They want to drive vets to their website to look for employment opportunities. They are also running a logo contest for kids in grades 6-12.
Jason Grauer (Dead River) said that the “Boots to Roots” program helped him decide to come here. The program matched his skills with available positions. Jason wants more retired vets to come here; a program of job linkages would help.
Recognition lasts for 2 years. After 2 years, apply again. Recognition is based on the honor system – we cannot check if what you write is really true.
Google the Adjutant General’s department in NH: application, program brochure and a flyer for the logo design contest are all there.
QUESTIONS
John Y: How many people on selection committee and what criteria to select businesses?
Not so much an “award” as a “recognition.” We will recognize what YOU write in. So there’s no real “selection.”
Hank recommends advertising in the various military branches’ “Times” magazines.
John Y: Does a business have to have a military person on their staff?
No. Eligibility is for any business based in NH or having locations in NH, is in good standing with state of NH, and completes the application.
Amy – Army/Air Force National Guard has the ESGR program (“Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve”) where they provide support for and recognize employers who employ Guard members. ESGR is limited to businesses currently employing National Guard members. We will recognize any business, whether vets are working there or not, and not just active duty National Guard members.
Fusion Cell is a for profit across the US, a veteran-owned company. They specialize in trying to find vets to fill hard-to-fill positions. We liked their definition of “veteran-friendly” when they are trying to make placements.
Paul T: How many vets are in NH?
Amy: About 105,000 from 2017 count. We don’t have a great way of getting an exact number. We know the number is declining; more than 51% are over 65 years old. We aren’t “making vets” as fast as we used to. We want more vets to choose NH to put down their roots here.
Paul T – How many of those are living in poverty?
Working with NHDES, the veterans community and military spouses are very UNDERemployed (before COVIDtime).
Amy M. Cook
Professional Bio
Amy Cook is the Administrator for the New Hampshire Division of Community Based Military Programs at the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services where she is responsible for coordinating statewide strategies between government agencies, federal partners and local service providers to benefit NH Veterans and their families. Amy is proud of her family’s military history and contributions—a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, a Pearl Harbor Survivor, the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Army, the Massachusetts National Guard, combat in all major conflicts dating back to the Boxer Rebellion and World War I. She has witnessed first-hand the resilience and achievements of military families, but also the struggles and unique obstacles they can face.
As an Administrator at the Department of Military Affairs & Veterans Services, she uses knowledge her family member’s experiences and embraces opportunities to facilitate collaborations between military and civilian groups in order to benefit New Hampshire’s military families. She leads the Division of Community Based Military Programs to seek & coordinate opportunities for innovation and effective braiding of resources in order to enhance the lives of those who have served in New Hampshire.
Amy’s involvement in the NH Veteran community also includes:
- Serving as the Governor-appointed Team Lead for the SAMHSA Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide among Servicemembers, Veterans and their Families,
- Being the Governor-appointed representative to the NH Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission,
- Co-Chairing the NH Suicide Prevention Council-Military & Veterans Committee,
- Facilitating the NH Military Leadership Team;
- Participating as a voting member of the following groups:
- Legislative Commission on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) & Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI),
- Governor’s Commission on Alcohol & Drug Abuse, Prevention, Treatment and Recovery--Joint Military Task Force, and
- Justice Involved Veterans Task Force.
Information about the Logo Contest for kid 1st to 6th grade.
Calling all NH artists and inspired, future graphic designers! Grades 6-12 The Department of Military Affairs & Veterans Services and NH Employment Security are launching a Veteran-Friendly Business Recognition Program in Spring 2020 and are looking for a logo to promote a visual identity. They need your help! We are seeking current New Hampshire students in grades 6 -12 (at time of submission) who can design a creative, innovative and professional logo design. The logo should be recognizable and help promote the program mission.
Learn more by clicking here.