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Home Base Iowa Community Resolution of SupportRESOLUTION NO. 298-14 SUPPORTING THE CITY OF DUBUQUE AS A HOME BASE IOWA COMMUNITY WHEREAS, the citizens of the Greater Dubuque area owe a debt of gratitudeto military men and women and the City of Dubuque complements Iowa's mission to welcome, employ, and honor those who have served our country; and WHEREAS, the City of Dubuque welcomes all . newcomers and offers incentives for veterans and their families through employment opportunities, education, relocation services, entrepreneurship assistance and other veteran resources; and WHEREAS, the City of Dubuque is committed to making Dubuque a community of choice for military men, women and their families as they transition to civilian careers. NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the City Council of the City of Dubuque, Iowa, hereby supports the City of Dubuque as a Home Base Iowa Community. Passed, approved, and adopted this the 15th day of September, 2 14. Attest: Kein S. Firnstahl, ' C, City Clerk Roy D. Buol, Mayor DUBUQUE COUNTY HOME BASE IOWA INCENTIVES Recognized by the National League of Cities as an All -America City in 2007, 2012, and 2013, Dubuque County is thriving, with a population of 94,000 and growing. It is the center for retail, health care, education, employment and entertainment for the tri-state area of Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Just this year, Dubuque climbed into the Forbes Top 10 Best Small Places for Business and Careers, and Dubuque County continues to lead the state in job growth. Commuting is hassle -free and we remain one of the safest communities in the country. Dubuque County embraces small-town warmth and friendliness while providing all of the conveniences and advantages of city life. Dubuque County is proud of Iowa's commitment to veterans and their families and believes our community complements Iowa's mission to welcome, employ, and honor those who serve our country. We are confident that Dubuque County will be a community of choice for military men, women and their families as they transition to civilian careers. CAREER: AccessDubuqueJobs.com is the primary location where local employers promote job opportunities in the Greater Dubuque area. Whether you are searching for the most current job listings, posting your resume, or managing your online applications, this free and innovative tool connects our veterans to hundreds of prospective employers immediately. Job opportunities on AccessDubuqueJobs.com also post directly to the Iowa Jobs.org website. Opportunity Dubuque provides short-term certificate training to upgrade individual skills in high -demand, high -wage fields in the Greater Dubuque area. Opportunity Dubuque helps eliminate barriers to obtaining education through tuition reimbursement, transportation assistance, child care provision and on-going support from education to employment. Opportunity Dubuque has trained over 200 individuals over the past two years with a 97% placement rate into local employment upon graduation. Our veterans willing to learn new skills will have access to this innovative program at no charge to them. Iowa Works Comprehensive One Stop Career Center provides a variety of customized resources to advance your career. Services include resume preparation, self-assessment and skill development, career counseling, and job search training. Veterans with significant barriers to employment receive additional intensive services from a Veterans Representative. EDUCATION: Dubuque is the proud home of three Active Yellow Ribbon Program private universities and one nationally recognized Veteran Friendly community college. Clarke University, Loras College, the University of Dubuque and Northeast Iowa Community College enroll more than 12,000 students and employ more than 1,600 area residents. Both Clarke University and Loras College are members of the Service Members Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Consortium. The impact of an educated population on future workforce may be the single most important benefit that our institutions of higher education provide. On -Campus Assistance Each institution provides one-on-one veteran assistance and advisement. Topics include but are not limited to: applying for entry, assistance in accessing eligible military benefits, academic support and career assistance, and linking to local professional military associations, veterans service organizations, on -campus student organizations and veteran volunteer organizations. The University of Dubuque is home to a unique Veteran Admissions Center. Transfer of Military Training Credit Our institutions of higher learning in Dubuque County value military experience and accept transfer credit through the Veterans Joint Service Transcript (JST). Transfer credit is also available through the Defense Activity for Non -Traditional Education Services (DANTES), American Council on Education (ACE), College Level Examination Program (CLEP) credit and Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program. Flexible Military Leave Students may withdraw from classes at local institutions of higher learning due to military commitments without penalty at any time, and will be readmitted to the respective program under same academic standing upon return. Tuition Assistance Tuition assistance is available through the Department of Defense (DOD) tuition assistance, National Guard Education Assistance Program (NGEAP), Vocational Rehabilitation, and Post 9/11 GI Bill. Individual schools also offer financial assistance to support students with military ties. The University of Dubuque is a recipient of the Military Child Education Initiative Grant. RELOCATION: Newcomer Concierge Service Moving can be difficult. Greater Dubuque Development's one-stop concierge services for our veterans will help make the transition to our community seamless. Our staff at Greater Dubuque provides a direct connection to the information you need to simplify your move to our community. This service ensures that individuals and families who have chosen Dubuque are not only welcomed into the community, but also equipped with the knowledge needed to make the most of the experience. Services include the following: • Tours of the city/county/region • Housing: rental units and homes for sale • Financial institutions • Health care options • Education: pre -K through higher education • Recreational opportunities • Child care • Social and civic organizations • Employment • Worship opportunities • Utility info such as cable, internet, and phone • Information on services and businesses • Answers to any questions you may have, but don't know who to ask For more information contact Greater Dubuque Development: 563.557.9049 Distinctively Dubuque Distinctively Dubuque is a free, interactive learning experience where our veterans will gain valuable knowledge about the community in a fun and relaxing atmosphere. Hosted by a variety of high-energy presenters with in-depth knowledge of the Greater Dubuque area, the Distinctively Dubuque program offers opportunities to: • Meet new people • Learn about Dubuque's arts and culture offerings, recreation spots, things to do, and more • Have fun while exploring the city • Participate in networking activities with community leaders and residents • Discover traditions which make Dubuque distinct For more information contact Northeast Community College: 563.557.8271, extension 380 ENTREPRENEURSHIP• StartUp Dubuque StartUp Dubuque, brings together key partners, including the Small Business Development Center, Northeast Iowa Community College, Dubuque SCORE Chapter, and East Central Intergovernmental Association Business Growth to serve our veterans that are aspiring entrepreneurs. StartUp Dubuque is a one-stop shop for information, resources, training, and mentoring. For any questions, contact: Rick Dickinson 900 Jackson Street, Suite 109 Dubuque, IA 52001 563.557.9049 VETERAN RESOURCES: Community The Veteran's Freedom Center exists to meet the needs of active duty, reserve, and all Honorably Discharged Tri-State military veterans. The center offers a place for veterans to interact with fellow veterans, network together and enjoy the camaraderie that all have shared while proudly serving their country. The center offers a complete woodworking shop, exercise room, craft room and large community room providing leisure activities. • 2245 Kerper Boulevard Ste 1 Dubuque, IA 52001 • 563.845.0034 Dubuque American Legion • 1306 Delhi Street Dubuque, IA 52001 • 563.583.0306 Disabled American Veterans: Fighting Back #6 • 2245 Kerper Blvd Ste 1 Dubuque, IA 52001 • 563.845.0034 Project Concern • 2-1-1 informational hotline to access community services • 1789 Elm Street, Suite B Dubuque, IA 52001 • 563.588.3980 Claims Assistance Dubuque County Iowa Department of Veteran Affairs • Assists in preparing claims for benefits or privileges • Assists veterans & veteran families with rent utilities, medical, burial, & special needs, file disability & pension claims for VA. • 799 Main Street Dubuque, IA 52001 • 563.589.7840 Dubuque County Property Tax Veterans Credit • Reduction off the annual property tax for honorably discharged veterans Health Dubuque County Veteran's Affairs: Outpatient Clinic • 200 Mercy Drive, Suite 106 Dubuque, IA 52001 • 563.588.5520 Standards to become a Home Base Iowa Community 1. Ten percent of the businesses in the designated area become Home Base Iowa Businesses. 1. This standard may be met by providing a signed letter or other signed written statement to Iowa Workforce Development. Such statement shall include: 1. an identification of the area applying for the designation (e.g., city, county, region) 2. the total number of businesses in the designated area 3. the number which have become Home Base Iowa Businesses, with a listing of such businesses 2. Business Standards 3. The community develops its own welcome/incentive package for veterans. 1. This standard may be met by providing a signed letter or other signed written statement to Iowa Workforce Development describing the package. 4. The community prominently displays the Home Base Iowa Community designation. 1. This standard may be met by providing a signed letter or other signed written statement to Iowa Workforce Development describing the planned display. 5. The community obtains a resolution of support from the appropriate local governing body. 1. This standard may be met by providing a copy of the resolution from the appropriate body (e.g., city council, board of supervisors).