SAME BRP Luncheon - Feb. 20 - Engage Transitioning Military Talent

SAME BLUE RIDGE POST LUNCHEON PROGRAM

In today’s competitive environment, securing top talent is vital, especially in the military engineering community. Drawing from the speakers' experience as a third-party recruiter with a military and engineering background; a recently transitioned military officer and a currently transitioning military engineer this presentation will explore effective strategies for attracting and retaining skilled engineering professionals.
Key points include:
- **Understanding Military Culture**: Bridging the gap between civilian and military environments to facilitate smooth transitions into roles that support diverse missions.
- **Identifying Key Skills**: Highlighting the attributes of military personnel, such as discipline, leadership, and problem-solving, that make them ideal candidates for engineering positions.
- **Engagement Strategies**: Sharing best practices for sourcing and connecting with potential candidates through targeted outreach and military networks.
- **Retention Tactics**: Exploring ways to create a supportive work environment that values the contributions of military veterans.
- **Case Studies**: Presenting examples of successful placements and their positive impacts on organizations.
This presentation offers insights and practical advice for military and AEC companies looking to enhance their recruitment and retention efforts, ultimately building a stronger workforce to support your company.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Ben Wham, PE is the Managing Partner of Global Recruiters of Lookout in Chattanooga, TN. He started the firm in August of 2021 in Charlotteville, VA, moved to Chattanooga in June of 2024, and enjoys working with people and finding the right person for companies needing skilled talent. He provides no-cost advice to military engineers and technicians on preparing to leave active duty. Before starting the firm, Ben spent 26+ years in the US Air Force, finishing up as a US Army Corps of Engineers District Commander at Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan. After retiring in 2012, Ben spent time in higher education and with FEMA. He is a Registered Engineer in the states of Ohio, South Carolina, and Virginia. Ben is the current President of the Blue Ridge Post in Winchester, VA. While not recruiting or advising he enjoys golfing and serving in his church.

www.grnlookout.com

A GENDA

11:30 am - Registration Check-in Opens (pick up name tag, networking)

12:00 pm - Welcome remarks; Lunch served

12:20 pm - Program Session Begins with Q&A

1:30 pm - Event concludes (network until 2:00 pm)

T ICKETS

All tickets include in-person-only admission to the luncheon program, digital delivery of the program documents, and served lunch.

$ 25 - Government / Non-Profit / Fully Retired / Full-time Students

$ 45 - SAME Members (Any Post)

$ 50 - Non Members

$ 10 - surcharge for late or walk-in registrations (after regular sales end on Monday, February 17 at noon ET)

Note on $25 tickets: Government tickets are for those that are representing their government agency at this meeting. Non-Profit includes associations, academia, or full-time students. Fully-retired means that you are not representing an organization, industry or consulting and are attending independent of firm representation.

REFUNDS, CANCELLATIONS & TRANSFERS

Refunds or transfers for ticket purchases, less the noted Eventbrite fee during checkout, will be accepted, by requesting in writing, no later than noon EST on Monday, September 23. Please send requests for refunds or transfers to: [email protected]

LOCATION

The George Washington (A Wyndham Grand) Hotel

103 East Piccadilly Street, Winchester, VA 22601

https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/wyndham-grand/winchester-virginia/the-george-washington-a-wyndham-grand-hotel/overview

DRESS CODE

Gentlemen and Ladies should wear business casual attire. Short sleeved uniform or uniform not requiring coat or tie may be worn at the meeting when it is the prescribed uniform of the day by the respective military services. Business cards are welcome.

PARKING

On-site or nearby street parking is available for a small fee.

George Washington AutoPark

128 North Cameron Street, Winchester, VA 22601

(behind the George Washington Hotel and adjacent to the Frederick County office building)

Daily Parking: $1 per hour; $15.00 maximum

---

EVENT CONTACTS

Ben Wham - [email protected]

Bree Beal - [email protected]

Brian Thorne - [email protected]

[email protected]

https://same.org/BlueRidge

Host or Publisher SAME Blue Ridge Post