The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s  Economic Development Administration, announced today that it is  collaborating with the Georgia Department of Labor and the Tennessee Department of Labor on Paychecks for Patriots events which will be held across Georgia on Oct. 17.

Paychecks for Patriots is a veterans-focused career expo event and is part of Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler’s initiative to address the employment needs of service men and women. Nearly 80,000 veterans are expected return home to Georgia over the next four years, and the Georgia Department of Labor is teaming with the Tennessee Department of Labor to help connect these veterans with available jobs in their home communities.

"Veterans are our number one priority at the Georgia Department of Labor," said Commissioner Butler. "It is our obligation to find these men and women who have sacrificed  for our freedom a place in the workforce and we are committed to giving them the highest level of dedication and commitment. The Georgia Labor Department is happy to be coordinating with Tennessee and other agencies on this great project."

In Georgia, the event will take place in five locations including Savannah, Augusta, Columbus, Warner Robins and Metro Atlanta. Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Services is also joining efforts with GDOL at the Savannah event.

In addition to the Career Expo, the GDOL Special Workforce Assistance Team (SWAT) will offer workshops for veterans prior to the Oct 17 event. The workshops will include resume writing assistance, how to successfully work a Career Expo, as well as interviewing and networking skills. Veterans receive priority service throughout Georgia’s Career Centers, where veteran representatives are available to assist them in their job search.

"TAG is working diligently to help technology companies locate and connect the best and brightest candidates in the field.  We feel that many of our returning soldiers would be a perfect fit for building Georgia's Technology future.  At a time when soldiers are looking for their next destination, we want to make sure they know all that Georgia has to offer in the way of opportunities and success,” said Tino Mantella, President, Technology Association of Georgia.

Dollar General is a leading driver in Paychecks for Patriots in both Georgia and Tennessee, and is working to bring other national corporations to Career Expos in both states to help make the connection with veterans. There will also be many local businesses participating at each of the expos. Both states are also collaborating with a number of private employers in an effort to provide employment opportunities for veterans, guardsmen, reservists, and their spouses.