Community Phone Book To Create Jobs for Returning Veterans

The initiative, entitled “American Hometown Heroes,” will provide professional marketing advice and consultation to any returning veteran that would like to start a new business — all at no charge to them! This program includes a comprehensive no-cost advertising program in both print and online Yellow Pages for an entire year. Santa Barbara Community Phone Book will provide the complimentary service in the Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez Valley and Lompoc Valley markets.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate among military veterans is nearly double the national average as many return home to find the current state of the economy offering limited job support and business opportunities. These statistics are expected to get worse as many of the troops are expected to return home over the next few months and years.

“Every year, thousands of American men and women put their lives on the line so we may enjoy the freedoms and democracy that make our country so great,” said Mike McGill of the Santa Barbara Community Phone Book. “This program is one way we can give back – by helping them start a small business in their own hometowns. Small businesses are the largest job creators in America, and the Yellow Pages are the best way for a small business to get started.”