City of Norfolk issued the following announcement on Nov. 19
U.S. Secretary of Labor Martin J. Walsh recognized the City of Norfolk as one of the 2021 HIRE Vets Medallion Award recipients during a virtual award ceremony presented by the U.S. Department of Labor. The City of Norfolk earned the gold award after applying earlier this year. The Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act (HIRE Vets Act) Medallion Program is the only federal award program that recognizes employers who successfully recruit, hire, and retain veterans.
“Norfolk is one of the most veteran friendly cities in the nation with a significant workforce development program. This was our first time applying and being awarded the Hire Vets Gold Medallion Award which shows our commitment to veterans,” said Captain (Ret.) Len Remias, USN, Military Affairs Liaison, City of Norfolk.
The city prioritizes veteran hiring and development though a dedicated office of Veterans and Military Affairs with the support of a City Council appointed Military Economic Development Advisory Committee (MEDAC) that seeks to identify transitioning service members, military spouses and veterans for employment.
MSG Brian McPherson started with the city as a Hire Vets Now fellow earlier this year. He is now the Interim Assistant Manager, Facilities Maintenance, in the Department of General Services. “I chose to join the city full-time because the department leadership cares not only about the mission but the people. I also liked the fact that the structure was similar to the military. Finally, what it came down to was can I make a difference? I believe I can make a difference within the culture and environment,” said McPherson.
Norfolk joins 848 other organizations from 49 states, plus the District of Columbia, who have shown a commitment to hiring veterans, while also ensuring that they have a long-term career and growth plan that uses the diverse skills they acquired through their military service.
Recipients of the 2021 HIRE Vets Medallion Award meet rigorous employment and veteran integration assistance criteria, including veteran hiring and retention percentages; availability of veteran-specific resources; leadership programming for veterans; dedicated human resource efforts; pay compensation and tuition assistance programs for veterans. More than 1,400 employers have earned a HIRE Vets Medallion Award since 2018.
About the HIRE Vets Medallion Program:
The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is earned by businesses that demonstrate unparalleled commitment to attracting, hiring and retaining veterans. The 2022 HIRE Vets Medallion Award application period will open to employers on Jan. 31, 2022. For more information about the program and the application process, visit HIREVets.gov.
There are different awards for large employers (500-plus employees), medium employers (51-499 employees), and small employers (50 or fewer employees). Additionally, there are two award tiers: platinum and gold.
Original source can be found here.
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