Skagit County business honored for hiring vets - June 5, 2007

07-038

Media contact: Bill Tarrow, 360-902-9376

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

OLYMPIA – Pacific Mariner in La Conner was honored this morning for its efforts to employ military veterans during a special job fair at the WorkSource office in Mount Vernon.  

Pacific Mariner received the award from the Employment Security Department as part of the Hire-A-Vet Challenge, which was launched a year ago to generate greater awareness about the employment needs of National Guard and Reserve members returning from war.  

“Returning from war is tough enough without having to worry about finding a job,” said Employment Security Commissioner Karen Lee, who presented the awards. “Washington businesses can help make a difference by reaching out to hire veterans.”

Pacific Mariner, a yacht manufacturing business, employs 83 veterans on its 200-person work force, including three Reservists.  Seven of the veterans are managers in the company and fully half of the veterans are supervisors and lead workers.  

During the past year, Pacific Mariner has hired 30 veterans, and the company has pledged to hire more veterans in the future. 

“Pacific Mariner’s commitment to hiring veterans is truly exceptional and worthy of recognition,” said Mike Gregoire, husband of Governor Chris Gregoire and an advocate for veterans.  “I strongly encourage other businesses to follow their lead.”

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. 

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.

Web Links
WorkSource Web site