Resource Goldmine

You’ve probably heard the expression about not seeing the forest because the trees were in the way?  Sometimes local resources go unnoticed the same way!  If you are looking for a job, or to start your own business, there is lots of free help.  Check out your local newspapers, your DES office, and your city offices…here’s some samples from the Verde Valley area:
Our Cottonwood Business Assistance Center has free workshops (call 634-0260 x216 to RSVP) every month.  June 19th from 11:30-1:30 is Techniques for Home-Based Businesses, and June 20th from 11:30-1:30 is Introduction to Quickbooks (accounting software).  The BAC also has space and other help available at 821 North Main in Cottonwood.
Our local DES office on Cherry Street has free weekly workshops:
1st Thursdays from 2:00-3:00  - Job Search Techniques will introduce you to modern job search strategies
2nd Thursdays from 2:00-3:00 - Job Readiness Soft Skills will help you learn what skills you have and need in today's jobs
4th Thursdays from 2:00-3:00 - Interview with Confidence will help you present your best self to employers
Every Friday at 10:00 - Writing Effective Resumes will help you edit your resume to land that interview
The DES office also has computers, fax, and other tools to help your job search be more effective, and is where you can meet James Ramm, Veterans Business Service Representative, or check out online info at: www.azjobconnection.gov  You may also want to review the Veteran hiring preference information at this site: https://www.azjobconnection.gov/ders/ea/wcmrs/mn_veterans_dsp.cfm

Informed voters: If you’d like to know how your elected representatives vote on military-related issues or know what veteran related bills have been introduced and are awaiting committee action, see the lists at: http://capwiz.com/vfw/issues/bills/.

Another great resource for information is a Retiree Assistance Office’s ‘round-up’ of military news which you can get e-mailed to you or view online at: http://www.veteransresources.org/rao-bulletin/  From there, we learned about the Reverse Boot Camp planned to help transition from active duty to civilian life beyond TAP.  It will include information about college, interviewing and job hunting, and understanding veterans benefits.  Post-service career success is also the goal of this new VA department “VA for Vets” which includes coaching in a variety of employment areas: http://vaforvets.va.gov
Lastly, June is a busy month in military history, according to the RAO bulletin, with highlights from Bunker Hill to Afghanistan including: June 22, 1944, when President Roosevelt signed what would become known as the GI Bill.

Condolences from the VUB/YC family to the friends and family of a fallen Northern Arizona hero: Sergeant First Class (SFC) Barett W. McNabb of Chino Valley, Arizona, who died on June 12, 2012 in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.