Centergy Launches Free Veteran Ready Toolkit to Help Central Wisconsin Employers Recruit and Retain Veteran Talent
Veteran Ready Toolkit developed in partnership with Semper Forward a division of Fastport and New North builds on the success of Centergy’s Central Command initiative.
Wausau, WI – Centergy, in partnership with Semper Forward and New North, has launched a free Veteran Ready Toolkit to help Central Wisconsin employers recruit, hire, onboard, and retain military veterans. Available at no cost, the online resource provides practical guidance, best practices, and actionable tools to help businesses strengthen their workforce while supporting veterans as they transition into civilian careers.
The toolkit is the newest resource offered through Central Command, Centergy’s veteran attraction and workforce initiative. Since launching the Central Command platform in late 2024, the initiative has successfully helped relocate 19 veteran families to Central Wisconsin by connecting transitioning service members and veterans with career opportunities, housing resources, and community support. The Veteran Ready Toolkit builds on that momentum by helping employers create workplaces where veterans can thrive long after accepting a job offer.
Veterans bring exceptional leadership, adaptability, teamwork, discipline, and problem-solving skills to the workforce. Yet many face challenges when transitioning from military service into civilian employment. One of the most common barriers is the “transition gap,” where military experience and responsibilities do not easily translate into traditional civilian job titles or descriptions. As a result, employers may overlook highly qualified candidates, while veterans may struggle to communicate the full value of their experience. Differences in workplace culture, misconceptions about military service, and limited onboarding support can further complicate the transition.
“The question isn’t whether a company supports veterans—it’s whether the hiring and workplace practices are designed to help veterans succeed,” said Angel Laidlaw, President of Centergy. “Being veteran-friendly is a great first step. Being Veteran Ready means understanding military talent, recognizing transferable skills, and creating pathways for veterans to thrive within your organization and community. We created this toolkit to give employers practical, easy-to-use resources that help them build stronger teams while making Central Wisconsin an even more welcoming place for veterans and their families.”
The Veteran Ready Toolkit offers employers practical resources across every stage of the employment journey, including:
- Why Veterans Matter to Today’s Workforce
- Understanding Common Challenges Veterans Face
- Creating a Veteran Ready Workplace Culture
- Veterans’ Top Five Workplace Priorities
- Veteran Recruitment Strategies
- Interview Best Practices
- Onboarding and Retention Strategies
- Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Job Matching Resources
- Veteran Ready Planning Tips and Action Steps
As workforce shortages continue to challenge employers across industries, veterans represent a highly skilled and often underutilized talent pool. By becoming Veteran Ready, businesses can strengthen their workforce, improve employee retention, and help service members successfully transition into meaningful civilian careers.
The Veteran Ready Toolkit is available at no cost to employers, community leaders, workforce professionals, and economic development partners throughout Central Wisconsin.
To access the Veteran Ready Toolkit, visit HERE and scroll to the Veteran Ready Employer section, or contact Centergy at [email protected].
About Central Command
Central Command is Centergy’s veteran attraction and workforce initiative dedicated to connecting transitioning service members, veterans, and their families with career opportunities, housing resources, and community connections throughout Central Wisconsin. Through strategic partnerships and employer engagement, Central Command helps strengthen the region’s workforce while supporting successful veteran transitions into civilian life.
About Centergy
Centergy, Inc. is a 501(c)(4) regional marketing and economic development organization committed to advancing prosperity and vibrancy across Adams, Lincoln, Marathon, Portage, and Wood counties. Through business attraction, workforce development, and regional collaboration, Centergy works to position Central Wisconsin as a premier place to live, work, and grow.