Bossier City Takes Steps to Attract and Retain Military Talent
BOSSIER CITY – September was an exciting month for military members and their families in Louisiana as a newly formed non-profit organization, The Boot, kicked off a collaboration with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring Our Heroes program. This partnership aims to brainstorm solutions to retain military personnel who conclude their service in the state.
On September 19, representatives from The Boot and local Chambers of Commerce gathered to tackle a pressing issue: the challenges that military members face when transitioning to civilian life in Louisiana. A significant focus was placed on finding meaningful employment opportunities for military spouses, as stable jobs are crucial in ensuring that military families choose to stay in the region after their service wraps up.
Understanding the Mission of The Boot
The Boot is dedicated to supporting transitioning military personnel and their families by facilitating their integration into the local workforce and economy. The organization’s *mission* is crystal clear: recruit, retain, and return military members to Louisiana, enhancing economic growth and community development. With Louisiana losing out on a staggering average of $1.2 billion in economic potential annually due to transitioning service members leaving, The Boot set its sights on changing this narrative by connecting these individuals with job opportunities in their communities.
The organization’s efforts are bolstered by insights from military spouses like Hannah Carey, the North Louisiana Ambassador of The Boot. She notes, “The Boot is an excellent initiative that can assist those stationed at Barksdale AFB find their next chapter after service. As a military spouse whose family chose to stay in Louisiana, I can attest that the service The Boot provides is invaluable.” This personal testimony underscores the real impact that The Boot aims to deliver.
Collaboration is Key
Spearheading similar efforts is Hiring Our Heroes, which has been connecting military families, veterans, and transitioning service members with meaningful job opportunities since 2011. This national program highlights the importance of not only finding employment for military members but also emphasizes the necessity of portable jobs for military spouses who may follow their partners to different duty stations.
Local Chambers of Commerce, including the Bossier Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, and the African American Chamber of Commerce, are active supporters of the initiative. They are working diligently to connect employers with transitioning military members, thus contributing to a robust local economy. Lisa Johnson, President and CEO of the Bossier Chamber of Commerce, expressed enthusiasm in aligning their efforts with The Boot, stating, “We are excited to work alongside The Boot and make our area a better place for the military community. At the Bossier Chamber, we’re always trying to make connections with organizations who share our mindset for growth and improvement. Together, we can collaborate and keep our military members here in Louisiana.”
How You Can Get Involved
With a clear focus on community collaboration and economic growth, The Boot stands poised to make significant strides in retaining military talent in Louisiana. For those who want to support this initiative or learn more about how they can contribute, detailed instructions are available on The Boot’s official website.
In a time when so many military families are looking for stability and meaningful connections, the collaborative efforts of organizations like The Boot and Hiring Our Heroes shine brightly. Louisiana is making a concerted effort to be a welcoming home for those who have served, ensuring their talents continue to benefit the state long after their military service.
