NACVSO 2014 Conference

Dr. Mary Bell

June 10, 2014

National Association of CountiesVeteran & Military Service

Vision

Healthy, vibrant, safe and resilient counties across America.

The National Association of Counties (NACo) assists America's 3,069 counties in pursuing excellence in public service. Works to advance sound public policiesPromote county solutions and innovationFoster intergovernmental and public-private collaborationProvide value-added services to save counties and taxpayers money

Mission Statement

Founded in 1935, NACo provides elected and appointed county leaders with the knowledge, skills and tools necessary to provide fiscally responsible, quality driven and results oriented policies and services for healthy, vibrant, safe and resilient counties.

Why Counties Matter

No two counties are exactly the same.

Counties are one of America's oldest

forms of government, dating back to

1634 when the first county

governments were established in

Virginia. The organization and

structure of counties are charted under

state Constitutions or law and are

tailored to fit the needs and

characteristics of the state and local

areas. Counties are governed by

locally elected officials.

Roads Airports Bridges Transit Water Solid Waste

Recycling Public Health Mental and Behavioral Health

Elections Records and Administration Jails and Courts

Nursing Homes Hospitals 911 Services Community and

Economic Development Workforce Development Parks

and Recreation Arts and Culture Housing

Why Counties Matter

Why Counties Matter

Engage NACo members and affiliate partners to develop and highlight county best practices and policies for service members, veterans, and military families

VMSC Mission & Vision

Promote innovative programs, services, and benefits for our nation’s military,

veterans, and their families

Mission

Vision

Focus Areas

1. Education: Paul Heimel Commissioner, Potter County, PA

2. Employment: Jim Young CVSO, Vernon County, WI

3. Health– Behavioral Health: Hub

Walsh County Supervisor, Merced County, CA

– Physical Health: Tom White Supervisor, Apache County, AZ

2013 – 14 Priorities

• Provide solid research foundation

• Capture best practices• Provide policy-based

initiatives• Enhance

communications• Build and enhance joint

relationships

VETS: Critical Success Factors

• Value – clear value proposition to market segment

• Effectiveness – information/program dissemination to applicable market

segment• Transportability

– able to replicate the information/best practice/policy in other areas

• Sustainability – program/best practice is able to have long-term effect and is

sustainable in a tightened budget environment

2014 Living Veterans

2012 VA Expenditures

States with CVSOs

Capture Best Practices

Is your County an Innovation Hub?• Use your expertise to answer questions online by registering with

the County Innovation Network (COIN) and become a Helping Hand

• COIN is:– an online community for local government leadership and

staff– enables counties to share the wisdom of the crowd

nationally, for learning, discussion and decision-making– COIN is a Public-Private partnership between NACo and

Solutionize

Connect in COIN Today• Join the Veterans and Military group• Become a community Helping Hand• Ask questions• Find and connect with COIN members• Post documents to share the information

you value• Request the information and connections

you want• Start or join conversations in community

hot topics

Register at: www.CountyInnovation.US

For more information contact: support@CountyInnovation.US

Enhance Communications

• Imperative: Engage media and other publications on military and veteran issues

• Semi-monthly VMSC newsletter• Focus on vet & military issues in

County News• Develop a VMSC page on NACo

website – articulate information– video welcome– social media connection– meeting information

Build & Enhance Relationships

• NACVSO• DoD

– Joint Chiefs of Staff– Office of Training & Development– Office of Environment - REPI– Office of Economic Adjustment– Military Community & Family Policy

• Veteran’s Affairs• Big 7• Non-profits

– NATAL– Wounded Warrior– Others

• For Profit Partners

Upcoming Initiatives

NACo 2014 Annual Conference & ExpositionJuly 11-14

New Orleans, LA

Priorities & Initiatives• Boots on the Ground: Understanding the role and

importance of a County Veteran Service Officer• CVSO policy initiative• Introduction of NACVSO to NACo Board

Questions/Comments

Stan Batemon, Chairsbatemon@stclairco.com

Office: (205) 365-3889

Mary Bell, Staff Leadmbell@naco.org

Office: (202) 942-4242