OCEDC presents program on returning veterans

As more veterans return from Iraq, Afghanistan and other global military bases, many organizations are recognizing a unique leadership style.

Join the Oakland County Employment Diversity Council (OCEDC) for "Veterans Returning Home", a session that will include a presentation and discussion about the various services available to veterans and how to integrate and develop our returning soldiers.

Jason Hale will share his experiences in the Middle East and what he learned while stationed there. His story includes leadership, customer service, and teamwork designed to help HR professionals understand specific ways to integrate and develop our returning veterans. Garth E. Wootten, Division Manager of Oakland County Veterans Services will also provide attendees with helpful tips and a listing of the various services that are available for veterans that are returning home.

Attendees will learn:

• The difference between military leadership and corporate leadership
• Best practices in interviewing, hiring, and developing veterans
• How to minimize conflict between veterans and non-veterans
• How to embrace Islamic employees and make them feel welcome in your organization

The Monthly Diversity Educational Forum Series event will be held from 1-3 p.m. on January 21, 2010 at the Oakland County Executive Office Building 41 West – Conference Center 2100 Pontiac Lake Rd., Waterford. This event is free of charge and includes lunch.

Register before January 19, 2010 at www.ocedc.net Download a form from the site and fax to 248-975-9742, or e-mail russellf@ocedc.net 

Once a month, the OCEDC features a speaker or a performance depicting the rich cultural diversity within our community. A sculptor and artist, dance groups, speakers on Asian heritage, Black history, Native American history, Sikh identity and various other cultural topics are presented.

The Monthly Diversity Educational Forum Series is designed to assist human resource professionals, diversity managers, and all levels of leaders and supervisors to develop and implement organizational leadership solutions, personal diversity solutions, and public solutions to move toward full productivity throughout their workforce.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for the January 21 and February 18 events. Call or Email Frank Russell at OCEDC at (248) 858-5204 russellf@ocedc.net or Andrew Pettress at 248-338-1705 apettressco_302@hotmail.com today for details.