OLYMPIA – YesVets, a program that recognizes employers in Washington for hiring veterans, has helped 2,699 employers hire more than 10,000 veterans since it began 10 years ago.
The Employment Security Department, the Washington State Veterans Employee Resource Group and the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs celebrated the people behind this milestone during today’s annual Veterans Day ceremony in the Columbia Room of the Legislative Building in Olympia.
“Thank you to the incredible Employment Security frontline staff who pour their energy, heart and human touch into making these personal connections at WorkSource every day,” Employment Security Interim Commissioner Martin McMurry said. “And thank you to the thousands of local businesses across Washington who have said ‘Yes’ to hiring veterans over the last decade.”
During the Veterans Day ceremony, McMurry recognized facilities management company BGIS as the YesVets’ spotlighted employer for the historic 10,000th hire of a veteran.
“BGIS is proud to partner with the YesVets program,” said Sherry Pelletier, BGIS vice president of people & culture. “Veterans exemplify leadership, discipline and an unwavering commitment to teamwork. Their problem-solving mindset and ability to thrive in challenging environments help BGIS deliver exceptional customer service and drive continuous improvement.”
This year’s Veterans Day theme was Honoring All Who Served.
“Honoring Veterans means action. It means ensuring access to healthcare, education, employment and strong community connections,” said David Puente Jr., Washington Department of Veterans Affairs director. “Connection matters. Community matters. And today reminds us how important it is that we show up for one another.”
About YesVets
YesVets is a statewide initiative between Employment Security, the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs, the Washington State Society for Human Resource Management, the state Department of Commerce, the state Military Transition and Readiness Council and chambers of commerce across the state.
The Washington state legislature recognized the importance of facilitating and focusing on hiring Washington veterans. During the 2015 legislative session, House Bill 2040 charged the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs, Employment Security and the Department of Commerce to consult local chambers of commerce, associate development organizations and businesses to initiate a campaign to increase veteran employment. This campaign would become YesVets, launched in 2016.
“What started as a modest effort to distribute our iconic window decals has grown into a massive, life-changing statewide network,” McMurry said. “I want to thank all of our state partners for their work and dedication toward building this program and helping to meet the historic 10,000th hire.”