During the 2011 National Convention in Minneapolis, Kevin Schmiegel, a Marine veteran and the Chamber's vice president of veterans' employment programs, briefed delegates on the Chambers's “Hiring Our Heroes” initiative. Photo by Tom Strattman

Many 'Hiring Our Heroes' fairs remain

In March, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce launched its "Hiring Our Heroes" initiative with the initial goal of hosting 100 hiring fairs for veterans across the country. At the first event in Chicago, nearly 200 veterans gained employment. Larger events have taken place in New York City and Los Angeles since then.

During the 2011 National Convention in Minneapolis, the Chamber conducted a hiring fair that included more than 60 employers and 350 job seekers. Kevin Schmiegel, a Marine veteran and the Chamber's vice president of veterans' employment programs, also spoke on the convention floor, briefing delegates on the Chambers's initiative.

Dozens more similar hiring fairs are scheduled for the remainder of 2011 and into April of 2012. For a complete schedule, click here. On Oct. 22, The American Legion and the Chamber will be joining together - along with the Department of Labor and Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve - to conduct a hiring fair in Toms River, N.J. George P. Vanderveer Post 129 will host the event, which will take place from 9 a.m. to noon.