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OLYMPIA - The state’s YesVets program honored three Washington employers for their exemplary work hiring, retaining and promoting veterans.
At a recent virtual hiring event for veterans and military families, Employment Security Department Commissioner Cami Feek announced the winners of the 2024 YesVets Employer of the Year awards.
“Since 2016, when the YesVets program started, nearly 2,000 employers have signed up,” Feek said at the event. “It’s because of dedicated employers, like our winners today, that more than 7,500 veterans have been hired in the past eight years!”
Small Employer of the Year: U.S. Fire Equipment, LLC – Sumner
Veterans make up 64% of this company’s workforce.
This year, U.S. Fire Equipment hired two veterans and one active-duty Washington National Guard member. Both veterans that were hired are enrolled in training programs for emergency vehicle technicians.
Medium Employer of the Year: Aero Controls, Inc. - Auburn
Veterans make up 23% of this company’s workforce.
Many veterans employed at Aero Controls are in leadership positions that require training and mentoring new employees. Through their extensive knowledge and experience, they train employees to become strong and diligent leaders.
Aero Controls celebrates Veterans Day annually. Their talent acquisition team works with recruiting websites to prioritize veteran applicants.
Large Employer of the Year: Fleet Services by Cox Automotive – offices statewide
Veterans make up 16% of this company’s workforce.
Fleet Services by Cox Automotive administers a mentorship program that pairs veterans for support and guidance. The company also supports an employee resource group for veterans and current military members. It aims to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace, promote personal and professional development, and support members and their families.
Fleet Services by Cox Automotive also provides:
- Experiential development opportunities. Employees can sample work in other divisions without leaving their current role.
- Seminars tailored to employees who aspire to become leaders, are already in leadership roles or are seeking leadership roles.
The company celebrates Veterans Day each year, participating in parades and making sure veteran employees have decals for their vehicles.
Award eligibility
To be eligible for the YesVets Employer of the Year Awards, employers must:
- Be registered for the Washington YesVets program.
- Have hired at least one veteran during calendar year 2023 or 2024.
- Have hired veterans for at least 7% of their workforce in 2024.
As an alternative to the 2024 7% hiring goal, employers could meet all these requirements:
- Retained 75% of veterans hired in 2023 for at least 12 months.
- 7% of all their employees are veterans.
- Made specific efforts to support veterans and veteran families in their community in the past year.
Representatives from the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Veterans' Employment and Training Service review award applicants and choose the winners.
About YesVets
The YesVets program recognizes and encourages employers to say YES to hiring veterans and their families.