News Release: 7/26/2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
  Des Plaines, IL, July 25, 2017– The Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce & Industry is launching an 8-week Boot Camp beginning this fall that will provide military veteran's the tools to be set-up for success and seamlessly transition into the job force, thanks to a grant that was provided by Rivers Casino.  The chamber is in search of 20 Veterans that have their DD214 papers and were honorably discharged to apply for this amazing opportunity.  Veterans simply register by clicking this link and filling out the application. Please click here.  
 
“We are so grateful for the men and women of the armed forces, said Andrea Biwer, Executive Director. We know these Veterans' acquired many skills during their service, but for too many, connecting to the right opportunity to their skill sets is very difficult. Our hope is that the Veterans Bootcamp helps to support their transition into civilian jobs.”
 
The Chamber, along with several member companies' human resource representatives, Oakton Community College & Harper College will select 20 candidates for this special Back to Work "Boot Camp".  At the completion of the 8-week interactive boot camp each Veteran will receive a career enhancing package valued at over $8,000.  The remaining applicants will also be shared with our members for hiring consideration and the chamber will host a small mini job fair at our offices for these Veterans in November.
 
 What is the Back to Work Educational & Mentorship BOOT CAMP?
The Boot Camp is comprised of educational programs that inspire, support and prioritize career readiness.  The workshops focus on a wide range of topics that include Success Stories from Fellow Veterans to Career Exploration, Computer and Social Media, Resume Writing, Company Tours and so much more. 
 
Upon Completion of the Educational/Mentorship Program, each of the Veterans will receive:
•           2017 Personal Computer
•           Woodfield Mall Gift Cards towards Career Attire
•           $100 Square Deal Shoes Gift Card 
•           Personalized Professional Resume Package
•           Professional Photo Headshot
•           $500 Gift Card to Jewel/Osco
•           1- Year Car Maintenance Package
•           Career Counseling, Mentorship from the Business Community and More!
 
The Chamber, along with Rivers Casino, Jewel-Osco and our business members believe we owe a debt of gratitude to these men and women of Armed Forces who have made many personal sacrifices to protect our Country.  Please join us at our next business after hours where we will be doing the official check presentation with River’s Casino & Jewel /Osco on Tuesday, August 8th at Tap House, 1472 Market Street in Des Plaines from 5-7p.m.  There will be several military veterans in attendance as well as the VFW who will promote the WALL  THAT HEALS, coming to Des Plaines in September. The Barefoot Hawaiian Dancer’s will be performing a special dance to “America the Beautiful” this evening. 
 
If you would like more information about our new initiative, please contact Andrea Biwer at 847-824-4200, email at abiwer@dpchamber.com and click Veterans Bootcamp to visit our website.
 
About the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce & Industry
The Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce & Industry is one of the largest suburban chambers in Illinois. The chamber serves the business community of Des Plaines by providing marketing and networking opportunities, professional development and business assistance. There are 600-member companies that are part of the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce & Industry.