Earlier this year, the VA named Kansas City among 25 Veterans Economic Communities, designed to bring together public and private organizations to connect veterans and their families to employment and educational opportunities.

This year alone, 290,000 service men and women will transition out of the service back into civilian life. Of those, 6,000 are anticipated to return to the Kansas City region.

The 25 Veterans Economic Communities were chosen "based on a number of economic indicators related to veteran success," according to the VA's website. With a stable economy, competitive cost of living, high-growth industry sectors and friendly, collaborative and accessible Midwestern culture, Kansas City is well-positioned to be a destination of choice for any highly skilled, motivated individual, including veterans.

In order to help connect transitioning service members to employment opportunities, the VA launched the Veterans Employment Center (VEC), a single internet source for service members, veterans and their families to connect with employers that are committed to hiring veterans.

Any employer can create an employer profile on the VEC. As part of their transition back into civilian life, all service members will register on the VEC. Having a presence on the VEC is a guaranteed way to gain visibility for your company and employment opportunities among veterans.

Click here to create an employer profile on the VEC.