Tony Evers, Governor
Amy Pechacek, Secretary-designee

Department of Workforce Development
Secretary's Office
201 E. Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 7946
Madison, WI 53707-7946
Telephone: (608) 266-3131
Fax: (608) 266-1784
Email: sec@dwd.wisconsin.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 09, 2021
CONTACT: DWD Communications
CommunicationsOffice@dwd.wisconsin.gov

DWD Announces Vets Ready Employer Initiative Award

MADISON – The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) announced the winners of the Vets Ready Initiative, an employer recognition initiative highlighting employers who go above and beyond to support veterans and their families.

"Wisconsin's veterans bring critically important skills to the workforce and their contributions are helping our economy bounce back stronger than ever," said Gov. Tony Evers. "By leveraging these talents, Wisconsin's award-winning Vets Ready employers are gaining a competitive advantage while supporting veterans and benefiting their communities."

The initiative encourages employers to build a support system within their workplace, hire and retain more veterans, and connect to veterans in the community and their families. Every year, DWD recognizes businesses that have gone above and beyond for the veteran workforce. Businesses are separated into three categories – small, medium, large – and either receive a gold or silver certification.

"DWD applauds the employers who make the concerted effort to hire and support our Wisconsin veteran community," said DWD Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek. "Veterans have already sacrificed so much for Wisconsin and our country, and now, Wisconsin employers are showing up to support and serve them."

DWD is partnering with the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), Wisconsin Department of Disabled American Veterans, and the Veterans Chamber of Commerce to recognize nine employers this year.

“Businesses that hire veterans benefit from their training and skills gained in the military,” WDVA Secretary Mary Kolar said. “As a veteran myself, I know full well that we value and expect teamwork. In the military and in business, working as a team is often the difference between failure and success. Veterans are goal driven. If you hire a veteran, you're likely hiring an employee who knows how to effectively manage others, be accountable for assigned responsibilities, and motivate a team of people to accomplish a common goal.”

These nine employers have been officially deemed as "Vets Ready" and are being recognized for demonstrating their commitment to hiring veterans, supporting their veteran workforce, and connecting with the veteran community.

2021 Winners

TDS Telecom Inc – Gold Level Award
We Energies – Gold Level Award
Xcel Energy - Gold Level Award
Precision Iceblast Corporation - Gold Level Award
4imprint – Silver Level Award
Associated Bank – Silver Level Award
Deloitte – Silver Level Award
Kimberly-Clark Corporation – Silver Level Award
Fox Cities Builders - Silver Level Award

These employers will be promoted by DWD staff to veteran job seekers and community partners through WiscJobsforVets.com. Employers will also be:

Highlighted as a Vets Ready employer on JobCenterOfWisconsin.com.
Recognized with a special icon on JobCenterOfWisconsin.com to indicate the employer's Vets Ready status to all individuals seeking employment. Veterans, active service members, and military spouses seeking employment will be able to identify which employers are Vets Ready on the website.
Given a Vets Ready Winner emblem to include on the company's website.
Presented with a certificate to showcase the award.
Promoted by DWD Job Center staff, Veterans Employment Services staff, veteran agencies and organizations, and workforce partners.

To learn more about how to apply, please go to Vets Ready Employer Initiative website.

ABOUT DWD

Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development efficiently delivers effective and inclusive services to meet Wisconsin's diverse workforce needs now and for the future. The department advocates for and invests in the protection and economic advancement of all Wisconsin workers, employers and job seekers through six divisions – Employment and Training, Vocational Rehabilitation, Unemployment Insurance, Equal Rights, Worker's Compensation and Administrative Services. To keep up with DWD announcements and information, sign up for news releases here and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.