After discussion with The Heinz Endowments, IVMF submits a proposal and is awarded a grant to fund six activities to bring together Pittsburgh employers and coordinate veteran hiring initiatives and further solidify Greater Pittsburgh’s efforts to recruit and retrain transitioning service members and their families into the community.
PVEC is officially kicked off with over 80 individuals representing various employers in Pittsburgh dedicated to improving their veteran hiring initiatives.
PVEC 2nd activity hosted more than 60 people and the Pittsburgh Human Resources Association (PHRA) for a roundtable on how to best leverage other resources available as well to share best practices on recruiting, hiring, and retaining veterans.
PVEC Steering Committee is established with a representative from Highmark, PNC Bank, Accenture, People’s Gas, Pitt Ohio, PHRA. The intent for the Steering Committee was to help guide the PVEC into a sustainable model after the initial activities and provide guidance and support to area employers. They continue to meet on a quarterly basis.
Activity #3 included an Employee Resource Group (ERG) primer and local employer presentations. This was attended by over 40 representatives.
PVEC 4th activity included a moderated panel of veterans and spouses describing their struggles to find meaningful employment and fit within the private sector throughout Pittsburgh.
PVEC online toolkit is launched and the Heinz Endowment awards another grant to IVMF for a two year sustainment plan for the PVEC to focus on technical assistance and data analysis.
This 5th PVEC activity incorporated representatives from Pittsburgh’s leaders in higher education for the commitment required student veterans and their spouses thrive post college and service.
Onward to Opportunity – Pittsburgh launches at the 911th Airwing with a cohort of 30 veterans and family members.
Highmark and PNC Bank are selected as co-chairs of the PVEC during sustainment and a Charter is drafted to guide the PVEC.
IVMF officially transfers primary authority of the PVEC to the Pittsburgh community with the lead of the Steering Committee and Highmark and PNC Bank.