QC Veteran Network connects veterans and employers

The Quad Cities Veteran Network has been active in the Quad Cities for the past five years, hosting monthly meetings at local establishments. Founded by Bryan Miller (SERCO) and Dave Underwood (John Deere), the organization serves as a mechanism for helping veterans find jobs after leaving the military. The March event at had over 100 attendees with dozens of companies representing jobs in cyber-security, IT, warehousing, equipment maintenance, electrical, manufacturing, landscaping, law, rental car services, concrete production, equipment operating and higher education.   

As a military spouse, the Quad Cities Veteran Network holds special interest for me. I supported career transition and workforce development activities for veterans and spouses for many years at the Central Texas Workforce System, as well in the Quad Cities through the Community Based Warrior Transition Project at the Rock Island Arsenal. 

The organization’s structure is simple, with no cost to attend. The program format consists of open networking, with time for veterans to describe their experience and the jobs they are seeking. Then businesses introduce themselves and the jobs they have available. People swap cards and contact information and thoroughly enjoy the camaraderie of the evening.    

Local employer, John Deere shows up in force. They have talent recruitment programs that directly support veteran hiring. John Deere provides candidates with instructions on how to submit an information card for employment, and then schedules a 30-minute phone call based on that information to find out more about the veteran and their interests. This intentional commitment to supporting one of our under-represented populations in the workforce is impressive.

Immediately after the event, veterans connected and we were able to make introductions and share resumes with employers in our network who are looking for talented employees. This networking in real-time yields a huge return on investment for both veteran and employer.

The QC Veterans Network is so successful that other communities including Muscatine, Clinton, Ames and Dubuque are starting their own programs.

The group would love to support more veterans in the Quad Cities community but they don’t have a marketing budget, so it takes word-of-mouth to get the message out.  Please encourage veterans and business leaders in your network to attend this high-impact networking event. Follow QCVN on LinkedIn for notifications about upcoming events. Tag @QCVN in job postings on LinkedIn so veterans in the community can learn about employment opportunities.