MOSES LAKE - Hagadone Directories, publisher of  The Black Book, is joining independent Yellow Pages publishers to create a new jobs program known as "American Hometown Heroes."

The program provides free professional marketing advice and consultation to any returning veteran who would like to start a business in their hometown. The program includes a comprehensive no-cost advertising program in The Black Book, both print and online, for one year.

The "American Hometown Heroes" program is underway in 49 states and 40,000 communities.

"The men and women of our nation's Armed Services put their lives on the line to protect our freedom," said Jim Hail, president and co-owner of Hagadone Directories Inc. "The 'American Hometown Heroes' initiative allows us to help returning veterans start a small business. Small business is the foundation of our nation's economy."

"We need to change the culture and perception that the men and women of the armed forces have a limited skill set," said Chaz Donovan, director of personnel and recruiting at Hagadone Directories. "They have more to offer the work force than simply combat skills."

Hagadone Directories/ The Black Book was one of five original founding publishers of the "American Hometown Heroes" program which was started by Mike McGill of McGill Publishing in Santa Barbara, Calif.

More information about the "American Hometown Heroes" program is available at www.americanhometownheroes.com.