Tacoma-area businesses honored for hiring vets - April 26, 2007

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

OLYMPIA – During a special event today at the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce, Comcast and General Plastics Manufacturing Company were honored for their efforts to employ veterans. 

They received awards from by the Employment Security Department as part of the department’s Hire-Vet Challenge.  The efforts was launched a year ago to generate greater awareness about the employment needs of National Guard and Reserve members returning from war.  

“Our troops shouldn’t have to worry about finding a job when they return from war,” said Employment Security Commissioner Karen Lee, who presented the awards today. “Washington businesses can welcome them home by making an active effort to recruit and hire veterans.”

General Plastics Manufacturing employs 35 veterans among its 180-plus employees, representing 19 percent of its work force.  In the past year, the company has hired eight veterans and has pledged to hire more whenever possible.  The company also employs two Reserve members, one of whom is on active duty.   

Comcast has more than 900 employees in Pierce County, 50 of whom are veterans, including seven Reservists.  

Since January, Comcast has been airing a public service announcement featuring First Gentleman Mike Gregoire, a Vietnam veteran, who urges businesses to hire veterans.  The 30-second spot will be shown six month across the state at an estimated value of $250,000.

“We congratulate Comcast and General Plastics Manufacturing Company on their well deserved recognition,” said David Senner, chairman of the board for the Tacoma-Pierce Chamber.  “These leading companies are hiring veterans because it’s good business.  I strongly encourage other businesses to follow their lead.” 

The Hire-A-Vet Challenge was devised by the Veterans Re-Employment Steering Committee, which was formed by Lee in 2005 to examine to what degree National Guard members and Reservists returning from Iraq and Afghanistan have 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. 

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.

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