The Glendale Chamber of Commerce, through the work of its Military & Veterans Affairs Committee (MVAC), is introducing its new Military Transition Support Program.

According to a news release, the purpose of this program is to connect transitioning service members, veterans, and/or military spouses to Glendale Chamber Member Businesses, to familiarize them with civilian career options; provide informal mentorship, guidance, encouragement, and friendship; and educate them about differences of civilian vs. military culture.

Service members, veterans, and military Spouses are invited to attend the chamber’s monthly Business After Hours event where they will be introduced by MVAC committee members and share their top three career interests. This opportunity is open to people currently leaving active service and those who have previously separated who seek new employment.

Chamber members from industries that align with their interests will be identified. A conversation will be initiated, followed by informal mentoring and a short-term job shadow opportunity. Participants are encouraged to meet over coffee or a meal to get to know one another, specifically exploring the participant’s career aspirations and interests which we hope will lead to their employment and investment in the Glendale region.

“We are excited to see the impact we can bring to those who served our country so bravely, their families and our employers as we all work to address workforce needs in our community,” Glendale Chamber President and CEO and U.S. Air Force veteran Robert Heidt shared in a statement.

The Glendale Chamber of Commerce is a private, nonprofit, membership-driven organization comprised of nearly 1,400 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions, and individuals.

“We are excited to partner with Glendale Chamber members to cultivate civilian veteran champions who come alongside transitioning service members, veterans and their spouses to support their career exploration and assimilation into civilian life,” stated MVAC Committee Member and U.S. Air Force veteran Kathy Gallowitz, who is also Vanguard Veteran, LLC president and CEO.