CINCINNATI -- Tri-State veterans, current service members and their families will gain new educational and employment opportunities through an initiative Mayor John Cranley announced Wednesday morning.
As part of the Veterans Economic Communities Initiative (VECI), an economic liaison in 53 communities around the United States will build a network of private and public organizations that offer resources for veteran education, career skills training and employment.
The designated economic liaison for Cincinnati is Lisa Roberts-Rosser, who will work from the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Learning Center at 3 E. Fourth St.
“Our veterans and military service members have given so much and sacrificed to help our city and our nation over the years,” said Mayor Cranley, in a statement. “This new initiative is one way in which we can give our thanks and help make sure they and their families have the resources they need to lead rewarding and productive lives.”
Launched in May 2015, VECI is part of Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald’s department-wide push to extend Veterans Affairs' reach of services.
“The best way to get things done for veterans is to involve partners from both the public and private sectors – national to local,” McDonald wrote. “If history has shown us anything, it’s that all you have to do is give veterans an opportunity, and they will go beyond anything you could ever envision."
The 53 VECI cities were chosen based on local veteran unemployment rates, veteran population and the projected increase in veteran population. Among the other cities participating in the initiative are Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Louisville, New York City and St. Louis.
