KRDA

New Support Available for Military Spouses Seeking Employment in the Greater Knox Region

August 6, 2020 By krda

Soldiers sacrifice much for their country, but often overlooked is the sacrifice their families also make in the process. As new assignments require Soldiers to relocate, military spouses have a hard time maintaining a stable career. A recent survey found that military spouses have an unemployment rate almost four times higher than the national average, with nearly 80 percent of those surveyed stating they believe their status as a military spouse has had a negative impact on their career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the majority of jobs are found through networking which puts relocated military spouses at a disadvantage as they seek employment compared to those with deeper roots in the community.

Just this past fall, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper asked governors and communities to expand assistance to military spouses. The Greater Fort Knox Region is doing just that. The Knox Regional Development Alliance in partnership with the Kentucky Career Centers – Lincoln Trail (KCC-LT), the Lincoln Trail Workforce Development Board (LTWDB) and Fort Knox, is excited to announce a new model of support designed to expand assistance to current and incoming military spouses seeking employment in our communities. This comprehensive, first-of-its-kind program is designed to help military spouses find valuable employment while connecting them with a strong network of professional contacts. It is our belief that through this new program we will fill gaps in regional employment, boost local revenue and create a heightened sense of community for our military families. As 635 Soldiers and their families move to our region this fall with the activation of the Army’s new V Corps, it is our hope that this program will help make the transition easier for these military spouses and the countless others who call Fort Knox home.

Current and incoming military spouses interested in the program can get started by visiting Greaterfortknox.com/jobs and answering a simple eight-question career survey outlining work history and career goals. That questionnaire is then forwarded to KCC-LT where participants will be matched with a professional career coach who is ready to evaluate their needs and begin providing no-cost employment support.

Experienced career coaches will aid military spouses in a variety of ways, such as sharing job leads, assisting with resumes and cover letter writing and connecting individuals to job training and licensing courses. With four Career Center locations throughout the region, as well as an interactive website complete with online training videos, access to support is available no matter where in the area military families choose to settle.

The final component of the new program addresses the importance of networking. In this step, military spouses will be matched with a volunteer community connector, who can help them build a professional network and expand their base of regional contacts. With this additional step, it is our hope that qualified military spouses new to the area will be given the same opportunities as those of us who are more established in our communities.

The details of the new model have been shared with Army Human Resources Command officials who have agreed to include the resource on military orders for any new Soldiers stationed at Fort Knox. This means military spouses can benefit from the assistance program before they arrive. We believe early access to this support will make military families’ transition to our communities go more smoothly and get them excited to be a part of our vibrant and caring region.

As we began drafting this model and reaching out to local citizens and organizations, we were met with an overwhelmingly positive response. When we contacted Cathy Doolin, Abound Credit Union, about pairing her up with a military spouse, her response exemplified this community. “I am so excited about this program and am looking forward to meeting with this lady, creating relationships and life long connections,” she said.

In 2018 the Greater Fort Knox Region was named a Great American Defense Community by the Association of Defense Communities, and we continue to live up to that title. We are a community dedicated to supporting each other, as well as the wonderful individuals and their families stationed at Fort Knox. We hope our military spouse assistance program demonstrates our values to those arriving in the area, and that this model may eventually become a new normal for military communities across the country.

Brig. Gen. (Ret) Jim Iacocca is the President and CEO and Beth Avey is the Vice President of the Knox Regional Development Alliance, a regional economic development agency committed to promoting and protecting Fort Knox. Brig. Gen. (Ret) Iacocca and Avey can be reached at jim@growknox.org and beth@growknox.org.

KRDA partnership offers job network for newcomers

July 31, 2020 By krda

Source: The News-Enterprise

The Knox Regional Development Alliance has entered a partnership with the state’s regional employment office to help military spouses discover job opportunities.

Described by KRDA as “a first-of-its-kind, comprehensive model in partnership,” the organization will be working with Kentucky Career Centers–Lincoln Trail along with the Lincoln Trail Workforce Development Board and Fort Knox.

While the post frequently has arrivals and departures of staff, its currently experiencing an influx of families relocating as part of the Army’s decision to establish its new V Corps headquarters at Fort Knox. More than 2,000 newcomers are expected as soldiers and others arrive with their families.

“Statistics say that upwards of 70 percent of job opportunities don’t come from a job board but rather from professional relationships that military spouses, being new to the community, typically don’t have,” KRDA CEO Jim Iacocca said. “We are tapping into our caring, supportive community to help our military spouses connect with organizations and people who may open the door to a new employment opportunity.”

Through this job partnership, the Career Center will oversee a three-step process which begins with a short questionnaire. From there, information gathered helps match participants with an experienced KCC-LT professional who will help with job search and training at no cost.

“Whether it’s training, career workshops or help finding employment, our career center team provides a one-stop-shop for any employment or training needs,” said Sherry Johnson of the Workforce Development Board, which oversees the KCC-LT. “Additionally, military spouses will be matched with a community connector who will help them grow their professional network, which can often open the door to new professional opportunities.”

KRDA has been involved in recruitment of the volunteer community connectors who will provide this added support and personalized. Iacocca, a retired Army brigadier general, said the community response was enthusiastic.

“As expected, the community response was immediate and overwhelming and we couldn’t be more grateful,” he said.

Iacocca shared details of the model with Army Human Resources Command officials who agreed to include the resource on military orders of any soldier coming to Fort Knox.

“This allows military spouses to access this support even before they arrive,” Iacocca said. “We appreciate HRC’s support as we work to be proactive in our support to military families.”

Melinda Roberts, Fort Knox’s chief of Army Community Services, praised the community for partnering with Fort Knox ACS to develop this comprehensive model of support to help military spouses find employment.

“We always are looking for new and innovative ways to tap into community resources and think this new model could become an Army best practice,” Roberts said in a statement. “We are fortunate to have great community partners who want to help us do the very best we can for our Army families.”

Iacocca encouraged all military spouses looking for employment or training opportunities to go to greaterfortknox.com/jobs to learn more and tap into these resources.

KRDA partners with Kentucky Career Center, Fort Knox to assist military spouse

July 8, 2020 By krda

New three-step process provides proactive career coaching, professional networking

The Knox Regional Development Alliance (KRDA) announced today a new and innovative approach to supporting military spouses relocating to the Greater Knox region, as well as spouses who already are here and interested in finding employment.

KRDA developed a first-of-its-kind, comprehensive model in partnership with the Kentucky Career Centers – Lincoln Trail (KCC-LT), the Lincoln Trail Workforce Development Board (LTWDB) and Fort Knox.

KCC-LT will oversee the three-step process featured on the new Greater Fort Knox website greaterfortknox.com, which begins with a short questionnaire. From there, information gathered helps match participants with an experienced KCC-LT professional who will help with job search and training at no cost.

“Whether it’s training, career workshops or help finding employment, our career center team provides a one-stop shop for any employment or training needs,” said LTWDB Sherry Johnson. The LTWDB oversees the KCC-LT.

Additionally, military spouses will be matched with a community connector who will help them grow their professional network, which can often open the door to new professional opportunities. KRDA helped recruit the volunteer community connectors who are providing this added support.

“Statistics say that upwards of 70 percent of job opportunities don’t come from a job board but rather from professional relationships that military spouses, being new to the community, typically don’t have,” said KRDA CEO Brig. Gen. Retired Jim Iacocca. “We are tapping into our caring, supportive community to help our military spouses connect with organizations and people who may open the door to a new employment opportunity. As expected, the community response was immediate and overwhelming and we couldn’t be more grateful.”

Iacocca shared details of the model with Army Human Resources Command (HRC) officials who agreed to include the resource on military orders of any Soldier coming to Fort Knox.

“This allows military spouses to access this support even before they arrive,” Iacocca said. “We appreciate HRC’s support as we work to be proactive in our support to military families.”

Melinda Roberts, Fort Knox’s Chief of Army Community Services (ACS), praised the community for partnering with Fort Knox ACS to develop this comprehensive model of support to help military spouses find employment.

“Providing employment support to our military spouses is a top priority from the Secretary of Defense to the Chief of Staff of the Army and, of course, right here at Fort Knox,” Roberts said. “We always are looking for new and innovative ways to tap into community resources and think this new model could become an Army best practice. We are fortunate to have great community partners who want to help us do the very best we can for our Army families.”

LTWDB chairman, U.S. Navy veteran and state representative Dean Schamore said the Greater Fort Knox region has a proud tradition of supporting the military and their families.

“In 2018, the Association of Defense Communities named the Fort Knox region a Great American Defense Community so it comes as no surprise to me that our community would set the bar high when it comes to supporting military spouses,” Schamore said. “You won’t find a more committed, patriotic and caring community.”

Iacocca encouraged all military spouses looking for employment or training opportunities to visit greaterfortknox.com/jobs to learn more and tap into these resources.

“Whether you are about to move here, have just moved here or have been stationed at Fort Knox for some time, the community wants to help.” Iacocca said.

KRDA Launches Greater Fort Knox Website

June 30, 2020 By krda

Site is an informational one-stop shop for military families moving to the area

Knox Regional Development Alliance (KRDA) recently announced the launch of a comprehensive website featuring information on communities in the Greater Fort Knox Region. The site, greaterfortknox.com, is a one-stop virtual location for military families relocating to the area.

“Moving to a new area can be daunting, especially for military families,” said KRDA CEO Brig. Gen. Retired Jim Iacocca. “Nowhere else in the country will you find more military-friendly communities than those surrounding Fort Knox. This is our way of welcoming military families and showcasing the quality of life they will enjoy in this region.”

KRDA consulted Fort Knox leadership on information military families seek when relocating to the region. The site, designed by marketing firm Heartland Communications Consultants, Inc., features resources for education and childcare, government services, utilities and community information for Radcliff, Vine Grove, Elizabethtown and the rest of Hardin County, as well as Meade, Bullitt and LaRue counties. In addition, the site’s employment section provides information on job opportunities and career coaching for military spouses and family members.

“The purpose of this site is to make the transition of military families a bit easier by providing a list of community resources specific to our region, all in one location,” said KRDA Chairman and Abound Credit Union CEO Ray Springsteen. “Where ever they choose to call home when stationed at Fort Knox, we want these families to know they will be supported.”

KRDA offers 5 factors driving local optimism

May 11, 2020 By krda

It’s hard to believe that a little less than three months ago, we were celebrating the news Fort Knox was selected as the location for the Army’s new corps headquarters. The coronavirus has had a tremendous impact on our region, our nation and the world, including our military and Fort Knox.

As CEO of the Knox Regional Development Alliance, I am in regular contact with Fort Knox leaders and Department of Defense officials and I want to update the community on the latest developments.

• Fifth Corps is coming.

The DOD has extended its Stop Move order through June 30, which means these new families won’t begin arriving until later this summer. It may take longer before the unit is fully staffed, but that does not change the October activation. Fort Knox will become one of only four installations in the Army with a Corps Headquarters, putting our post in an elite class.

• Access to Fort Knox is unrestricted, but wear a mask.

There are currently no limitations regarding access to post, but you are required to wear a mask at most establishments. Free face masks/coverings are not available at Fort Knox, so plan accordingly. There always is the possibility of increasing health protection conditions that would limit access to authorized personnel only — which includes workforce, Fort Knox residents, persons with permitted services such as retirees.

With the current progress in Kentucky and the community around Fort Knox, I feel confident access will remain unrestricted.

• The status of Cadet Summer Training 2020 is unknown.

Each summer Fort Knox hosts the Army’s largest training exercise – Cadet Summer Training – for thousands of Army ROTC cadets from colleges and universities all over the country. Hundreds of additional officers and non-commissioned officers make up the cadre of instructors.

Unfortunately, with the DOD Stop Move order extended until June 30, we know that if cadet summer training happens, it will be greatly abbreviated. Cadet Command is continuing to work with Army leadership on various courses of action, but whatever the outcome, it is almost assured the region will not experience the typical increased visits to local restaurants or the added hotel stays CST often brings.

I know that is incredibly unwelcome news given the economic toll coronavirus restrictions have taken, but we think it is important to be up front and realistic about the outlook. The leadership at Fort Knox is sensitive to and concerned about the potential impact.

• Fort Knox is critical to our nation’s defense and our regional economy.

For more than a century, Fort Knox has played a critical role in our nation’s defense and that continues today. With missions like Army Human Resources Command, Army Cadet Command and Army Recruiting Command, what happens at Fort Knox impacts every soldier and their family. The 1st Theater Sustainment Command, 1st Army Division East, and 19th Engineer Battalion along with Army Reserve and National Guard units further Fort Knox’s strategic importance. The addition of Fifth Corps makes a great installation even better.

Fifth Corps also makes our economy stronger with an estimated $50 million in new payroll, along with additional defense contractor spending adding to the post’s annual $2.6 billion economic impact.

While I know that doesn’t improve the current circumstances faced by businesses, I hope it can provide some reassurance that as the economy reopens, Fort Knox’s growth will bring added spending power in these tough economic times.

• This community is the very best.

There is no doubt we are facing unprecedented times, but like always, there are countless examples of your caring, collaborative and supportive spirit. It is what sets our region apart from other defense communities.

Your continued support to Fort Knox, its soldiers and their families remains unwavering. I can’t thank you enough and express how proud Beth Avey, KRDA’s first vice president, and I are to represent you in our work to strengthen Fort Knox and grow defense-related business in our region. If we can be of assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Employers meet with ECTC’s Coding Academy students

April 23, 2020 By krda

Source: The News-Enterprise

The virtual round table discussion connected employers with students participating in the 18-week intensive course to become certified information technology professionals.

Launched in February, the program is designed to provide a pipeline of potential employees who possess the skills and industry certifications needed by Fort Knox contractors, specifically in Java and Security Plus.

The students had been meeting in a dedicated computer lab at ECTC, but moved to online instruction in March because of coronavirus restrictions.

The college worked with its partners at the Knox Regional Development Alliance to arrange the online meeting.

“When the coronavirus forced us to move the academy to online instruction, these students remained committed and forged ahead,” ECTC’s President Juston Pate said in a news release. “We were following our students’ example and didn’t let the current environment stop us from making this important first connection between them and prospective employers. The dialogue was fantastic.”

Chase Cole, a student in the coding academy and a senior at North Hardin High School, asked the employers about their companies’ values and shared his thoughts on the type of job he is seeking when he graduates, according to the release.

“Hearing first-hand from these employers was really helpful,” Cole said. “They provided great advice on what an average day might be like, how to keep and hone my skills and how to be successful in this line of work.”

Local defense contractor North South Consulting’s CEO Krista Stevens was one of five employers who participated. Stevens has advised ECTC and the development alliance on the challenges she and other defense contractors face in filling vacancies with local talent.

“The opportunity ECTC has created for them while providing companies like ours with access to skilled workers is fantastic,” Stevens said. “We have a real demand for this type of IT talent and given the Army’s growing use of technology, that need can only continue to increase.”

KRDA CEO Jim Iacocca offered his praise for the students, the employers and the college.

“Decision makers in the Department of Defense definitely have to consider available workforce when they are determining where to locate missions,” said Iacocca, a retired brigadier general.

“The Greater Knox Coding Academy demonstrates that our community will step up and respond to workforce needs.”

ECTC plans to offer the academy again starting in August. Registration is open for that session at elizabethtown.kctcs.edu/coding academy.

Admission to the program is selective and highly competitive, according to ECTC.

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