While the state of affairs for American Veterans is frequently depicted as being in serious disarray, the team at Berrien County Veterans Services has become legendary for their advocacy on behalf of those of have valiantly served our nation through the years. First established by the Berrien County Board of Commissioners in December of 1951, the small but powerful staff works diligently to support the more than 10,250 veterans living and working in Berrien County today. They run lean and mean, assisting Veterans working to access their earned VA benefits. The scope of their mission is vast yet simple — Help Veterans identify their need and get them the resources to meet that need. The nominator says, “What sets our office apart is the understanding that not everyone that comes to our door knows what their need and options are, so we week out the opportunity to over-deliver for them” Even if a Veteran is simply dropping by to change their address information, team members work to educate them on VA emergent care and their eligibility for additional benefits, and the third question that they didn’t even know they had is what the team seeks to answer, often providing a huge eye-opener to the Veteran, leading to additional benefits they never realized were open to them. Read on for more of what landed the Berrien County Veteran Services team on the list of the 20 Best Places to Work in Southwest Michigan for 2022.
What is the name of the business you are nominating?
Berrien County Veteran Services
Who are the owner(s) and/or principals in this company?
Owners – Citizens of Berrien
Principals- Brian Dissette County Administrator, Lee Lull Director BCVSO
Business Contact Information
Berrien County Veteran Services, 701 Main Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085
How many people work at the company you are nominating?
Veteran Services (2) supported by many
Tell us the story behind the nominated company. What does it do, and what sets them apart from other companies in the region?
The Berrien County Veteran Service Office was established by County Commissioners in December 1951 and supports the 10,289 veteran population living and working in Berrien County. As a two man office we run lean and mean assisting veterans in accessing their earned VA benefits. The scope of our mission is vast yet simple – help veterans identify their need and get them to the resource that meets that need. What sets our office apart is the understanding that not everyone that comes to our door knows what their need and options are so we seek out the opportunity to over-deliver. If they come in to change an address we educate them on requirements the VA has for emergent care, or their eligibility for additional benefits. It’s the third question they didn’t even know they had that we seek to answer.
In your own words, why do you think this company deserves to be declared to be one of the 20 Best Places to Work in Michigan’s Great Southwest?
Working with the veteran population is an honor and Berrien County commissioners and the administration have authorized and encourage all efforts to provide exceptional service. We have been supported in all training opportunities, outreach programs, and approved for in-house initiatives like welcoming the South Bend Vet Center Counselors and service organization officers from the American Legion and Veteran of Foreign Wars to utilize our office space. Of course it’s the direct interaction with veterans and their families, helping them succeed in obtaining their benefits that makes our work day exceptional.
What makes workers proud to say they work there, and keeps them a part of the team?
Without a doubt, encountering a veteran or family member who has had a negative experience and turning that around for them is one of the most accomplished moments for our office. While we don’t claim to have all the answer or the ability to fix every problem, we take great pride in exploring all the options and assisting veterans in understanding what is available, how to access programing, and enabling them to find a resolution. An example of one of my first successes was when I encountered a Veteran’s widow who was bitter that her husband was denied a prostate cancer claim while he was alive. As she shared her frustration and disappointment I was able to obtain enough information to determine that her husband was aboard a ship that had since been determined to be in the brown waters of the Republic of Vietnam (this was before the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019). We were able to establish a Dependency & Indemnity Compensation claim for the widow that went back to the date of the veteran’s death, opening this door enabled her to apply for additional benefits. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of a team that achieves outcomes like that!
Let’s pretend you’re writing a review for Yelp! or Trip Advisor. Give us your best recommendation for the nominated company that would make the rest of us wish we worked there, too.
A one-stop-shop for all your Veterans Affairs questions, Berrien County Veteran Services is here to assist in obtaining your earned VA benefits and provide support at every stage of life. A Veteran Service office focused on YOUR benefits.
What three key words best describe why this company is a Best Places to Work caliber company?
- Gratifying
- Fun
- Comfortable
As a Best Places to Work company “Super Hero,” what are the two most magical “Super Powers” this company seems to have on a day-to-day basis? (i.e., Ability to read minds, fly, invisibility, etc) And why?
Super Power One: Fly – swoops in to assist with all requests
Super Power Two: Invisibility – trusts our decisions and are working hard for the veterans
Tell us about the leadership of the nominated company and what they do in order to:
A] Keep spirits and motivation high? — Asks for jokes / buys lunch
B] Keep innovation and fresh ideas advancing? — Welcoming of all suggestions – willing to make changes
C] Keep communications open? — Responsive – open door policy
Explain a specific “wow!” moment in this company’s history that is virtually “Hall of Fame” or “Best Practices” worthy, as an example to other companies in the region.
During the pandemic the Berrien County Commissioners and Administration arranged for expanded seating (tents & sound system) to accommodate for public comments / response. What a great testament to valuing all opinions.
Best Places to Work have a reputation for not only working hard, but also for playing hard.
A] How does the nominated company honor or reward success? — Recognition from the Board of Commissioners
B] How does the nominated company socialize as a team? — There are cook-outs and pot lucks throughout the year
C] How does the nominated company get involved in community events? — Support by attendance
D] How does the nominated company celebrate life? — Retirements and new births always merit a cake
Write a brief, but compelling, recruitment ad telling people about why they should come and work there, too.
If you are a passionate advocate that is looking for a fun and challenging job that delivers life-changing results, then Berrien County Veteran Services is where you need to be.
What one thing is special about your nominated company that most people in the community have no idea actually happens there, but should be shouted from the rooftops because it’s that cool?
The Berrien County Human Resource department is always encouraging positive lifestyle options, whether its health information, flu shot clinics or opportunities to participate in savings programs, they are about the future of the employees of the county.
Give us three employee perks or benefits that you think make the company you have nominated worthy of a Best Places to Work trophy?
- Friendly work environments
- Pension
- Great Training
If this is your company and you win, write the best headline ever for your company newsletter describing your successful selection to the list, and be as specific as you can about how you would celebrate the win if money were no object.
BERRIEN COUNTY – BEST PLACE IN MICHIGAN TO BE A VETERAN
Berrien County Veteran Services ensures county veterans engage in earned benefits makes this the best place in Michigan to be a veteran. If money were no object we would celebrate at the crown jewel of Berrien County with a lunch at Silver Beach’s Shadowland Pavilion.
Tell us anything else you want about this company that you suddenly realize we haven’t asked you about, but you’re sure will be the thing that puts you squarely into the winner’s circle! (Wait a minute! Can you put a square in a circle?)
I started this application with the statement that Veteran Services is a small but mighty group in a large organization; the impact on the life the veterans we serve is huge. Our efforts bring over 40 million dollars of compensation and pension benefits into the homes of Berrien County veterans and their surviving dependents, 30 million dollars in health care benefits are provided to Berrien veterans, that’s a 70 million dollar plus impact on the lives of those within our county, and yet the unfortunate truth is many veterans are unaware of our office and the services we render. A best places to work nomination would not only acknowledge the truly great office we have, but it would also be a win for Veterans. Thank you for the opportunity to share info on what should never be the best little secret in Berrien County!
