FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 24, 2016

MEDIA CONTACT Jennie Lemire, Program Manager (507) 253-4695 jdlemire@us.ibm.com

St. Paul, MN – As the military downsizes, 15 Veterans in Minnesota planning to transition are now better prepared to enter the civilian workforce following a free, specialized national training opportunity provided by IBM and Corporate America Supports You (CASY), a national non-profit that helps Veterans find employment. The training is part of a new Veterans initiative launched by IBM and CASY to help local Veterans translate their military experience into high-skilled jobs. The new Veteran Employment Accelerator Grant program will provide returning service members with hands-on training, certification, and job placement assistance in the fast-growing tech sector. More than 400 Veterans around the nation will participate in this program this year.

“Our men and women are highly trained and some of the hardest workers out there,” said Commissioner Larry Shellito of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. “With that said, sometimes it’s difficult to seamlessly transition military experience into the civilian world. I thank IBM, and Corporate America Supports You for providing this training, and for helping us with our efforts to ensure our members remain successful outside of the military.”

The free week-long training and certification course focuses on data analytics software called i2 Analyst’s Notebook.  It will be held at the Burnsville WorkForce Center in Burnsville, MN.

"Veteran programs through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development served more than 4,500 Minnesota Veterans last year, ensuring service members have access to career guidance services," said DEED Commissioner Shawntera Hardy. "I thank IBM for this unique partnership with the Burnsville WorkForce Center, and am honored to help provide Minnesota Veterans with the skills needed to advance our state's economy through this highly technical, in-demand field."

“Our state has a large population of Veterans, and it is growing every year”, said Barry Mason, Senior State Executive for IBM in Minnesota.  “Veterans choose Minnesota as their home partly because of the opportunities that exist for them here. What we aim to do through this program is create a bridge to those opportunities along with resources to accelerate the process and qualifications for those coming out of their military service and looking to start careers. It is critical that employers, schools, and service organizations do their utmost to help. We are all in this together."

"IBM's commitment to helping Veterans transition to civilian life will help combat unemployment in the military community,” said Erin Voirol, Chief Operating Officer of CASY and the Military Spouse Corporate Career Network.  "Veterans receive training directly linked to in-demand, skilled jobs. This program supports CASY's mission, in partnership with Soldier for Life, and IBM to ensure our returning soldiers are career ready."

The Veterans program is part of IBM’s philanthropic Impact Grants that arm non-profits, government and education institutions with effective tools, skills, and expertise to strengthen their infrastructure, build leadership, and better serve their communities.

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WHAT:	IBM i2 Analyst’s Notebook Training and Certification Class for Minnesota Veterans
WHEN:	October 24-28, 2016; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
WHERE:	Burnsville WorkForce Center, 2800 County Road 42 West, Room 203, Burnsville, MN Opportunities available for on-site media coverage later this week – a separate media advisory will be sent