Everett businesses honored for hiring veterans - Dec. 8, 2006

06-101

Media contacts: Sheryl Hutchison, 360-902-9289
Bill Tarrow, 360-902-9376

Audio: http://fortress.wa.gov/esd/portal/info/newsroom/audiofiles/audio/

OLYMPIA – Goodrich Aviation Technical Services and the Snohomish County Department of Corrections were honored today for their track records of employing veterans, during a breakfast meeting of the Everett-area Chamber of Commerce.  

They were recognized by the state’s Employment Security Department, as part of the department’s Hire-A-Vet Challenge.  The campaign was launched last spring to create greater awareness among employers about the large number of Washington National Guard and Reserve members who are returning from the war and need jobs.  

“Our troops are coming back from a stressful situation overseas, and that stress is compounded if they can’t find a job when they return,” said Employment Security Commissioner Karen Lee, who presented the awards today. “Our businesses can help by making an active effort to recruit and hire veterans.”

Goodrich Aviation Technical Services employs 331 veterans in its 1,300-plus work force, including 14 Reservists.  In the past year, the company has hired 38 veterans and has pledged to hire more whenever possible.  

The Snohomish County Department of Corrections has more than 350 employees. Since May 2004, the department has hired 50 veterans, representing 36 percent of all new hires.  The company also employs 15 Reservists, of which four are on active duty.  

“Everett-area businesses have long recognized the value that veterans bring to the workplace,” said Louise Stanton-Masten, president and CEO of the Everett-area Chamber of Commerce.  “We congratulate Goodrich Aviation Technical Services and Snohomish County Department of Corrections on their recognition by the Employment Security Department.  I strongly encourage other Snohomish County businesses to follow their lead.”

The Hire-A-Vet Challenge was devised by the Veterans Re-Employment Steering Committee, which was formed by Lee a year ago to examine to what degree National Guard members and Reservists returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are having trouble finding jobs.  The committee includes representatives from the state Employment Security Department, Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington Military Department, Association of Washington Business, State Labor Council, Building & Construction Trades Council and Washington Workforce Association.

More than 10,000 Washington National Guard and Reserve members have been activated since Sept. 11, 2001, as part of the nation’s war on terror.  Research by the Employment Security Department last winter indicated that 60 percent of National Guard and Reserve members who returned from war in 2003 or 2004 did not have jobs in Washington in 2005. Of those who worked before going to war and obtained new jobs after being deactivated, most were making at least 5 percent less than they did before being deployed.

Employers who are interested in hiring veterans but don’t know where to start, as well as veterans who are looking for work, should visit their local WorkSource office or call 800-562-2308. 

“WorkSource is among the first to know when qualified veterans enter the job market,” said Matt Bench, area director for WorkSource in Snohomish County. “In a tight job market, this can mean the difference for businesses that are struggling to find qualified employees.” 

The Employment Security Department will organize additional events in other communities throughout 2007 to support the Hire-A-Vet Challenge and to recognize businesses that hire veterans.