​FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kim Hasty, Director of Communications
Phone: 910-500-6402
Email: kim@fayedc.com

Fayetteville-Cumberland County Awarded $4M in Federal Funding to Build HR Talent Portal

Facility would be a dedicated recruitment and training center for companies seeking transitioning servicemembers, military spouses, and veterans.

FAYETTEVILLE, NC – Launched by $4 million in federal Congressional appropriations, Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation and the Community Development Foundation are leading the effort to build a transformational center designed to help people in the military and their families secure meaningful employment.

Such a facility would fill a great need. Approximately 7,000 servicemembers transition to the private sector from Fort Bragg every year, and approximately 26,000 active military spouses live on or near Fort Bragg. Only 19 percent of those report adequate full-time employment. Additionally, more than 130,000 veterans live in the region surrounding Fort Bragg.

With such a steady pipeline of workers possessing the skills, traits, and certifications especially desired by today’s leading companies, the creation of the HR Talent Portal will substantially increase private-sector hiring of our military, as well as support the employment of military spouses, connect veterans to career opportunities, and encourage companies to establish a North Carolina presence.

Sen. Thom Tillis was instrumental in helping to secure the funding for the project through the Senate Committee on Appropriations, with support from Sen. Richard Burr and the North Carolina delegation.

“Our servicemembers at Fort Bragg develop a toolbox of critical leadership skills while serving our nation in uniform, and the community of Fayetteville has shown a commitment to ensuring they have a successful transition back to civilian life,” said Sen. Tillis. “I was proud to work with local Fayetteville leaders on the funding request for the HR Talent Portal project, and I’m excited to see the opportunities it creates for our transitioning servicemembers, veterans, and military spouses by providing them with the education and training needed to start their new careers.”

Currently, companies can begin training transitioning soldiers at the existing Career Skills Training Site, but the HR Talent Portal would exponentially expand the work being done, accommodate a backlog of inquiries from companies interested in building public-private partnerships, and boost employment in the area.

“We are incredibly grateful to Senator Tillis for championing this important initiative, as well as for the support of Senator Richard Burr and our delegation,” City of Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin said. “Our military families need workforce opportunities, and our employers want a pipeline of qualified applicants. The proposed facility and programming will attract and encourage those transitioning from the military to make Fayetteville and Cumberland County their permanent home. This is a huge win for our community.”

Glenn Adams, Cumberland County’s Board of Commissioners Chairman, agreed. “The facility has already generated interest from dozens of technology companies, military contractors, and private sector employers seeking access to this powerful talent pipeline,” Adams said. “We’re thrilled to see this project begin to take shape. Our goal is to continue to support, develop, and grow additional training and educational opportunities for our workforce.”

HR Talent Portal promises to result in positive, measurable outcomes that will include increased employment of transitioning service members and new employment opportunities for their families. Because an available workforce is the best industry recruitment tool, the facility is expected to lead to the successful recruitment of companies to Fayetteville, Cumberland County, and North Carolina.

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About FCEDC: The Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation is a public-private partnership designed to enhance job growth and prosperity in the region by attracting new industry and growing and retaining existing industry. FCEDC works daily to help strengthen our economy and diversify our community tax base. Successful projects would not be possible without the ongoing support of the City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County, and community partners. Learn more at www.fayedc.com.

About the Community Development Foundation: The Community Development Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by members of Fayetteville’s and Cumberland County’s private sector. Serving as FCEDC’s Business Advisory Council, it is committed to growing our economy by supporting local businesses, encouraging job creation, and promoting development opportunities. Learn more at www.fcbac.com.