Michigan Labor Dept. Earns Gold-Level Veteran-Friendly Employer Status

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has earned Gold-level Veteran-Friendly Employer status from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) for their commitment to hire, retain and support military veterans.

“As our department continues to make Michigan a place where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed, we’re honored to be recognized as a Gold-level Veteran-Friendly Employer for our efforts to help talented veterans succeed with the LEO team,” LEO Director Susan Corbin said. “We are extremely thankful for the veterans who dedicated their time and made sacrifices for our county, and we’re grateful for their ongoing public service lending their talents to the state of Michigan.”

Since its creation in 2013, the Michigan Veteran-Friendly Employer Program has recognized more than 500 Michigan employers with either Bronze-, Silver- or Gold-level status for their efforts to support the recruitment, training and retention of veterans. Through the program, MVAA aids employers as they develop and improve their efforts to recruit and retain veteran candidates. The Michigan Veteran Connector Program recognizes health systems and community partners that are committed to supporting the needs of service members, veterans and military-connected families.

“I applaud the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity on becoming a Gold-level Veteran-Friendly Employer and a Michigan Veteran Connector,” said MVAA Director Zaneta Adams. “LEO is paving the way for Michigan veterans to gain the skills and knowledge to succeed in the workforce through their various veteran-centric programs. Their mission is incredibly important and I am proud to see other departments do the work to make Michigan the premier place for veterans to succeed and support their families.”

To receive this recognition, employers must retain at least 75% of veteran hires over the most recent 12 months, implement internal veteran support networks, and create either a hiring rotation or leadership development program within their organization – in addition to meeting all other program requirements.  

“This certification will make it easier for Michigan veterans to recognize LEO – and our state – as a great place to work, live and play,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, Deputy Director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. “It also highlights the dedication of our Veterans’ Employment Services staff and their personalized approach to helping other veterans find suitable employment opportunities.”

Veterans’ Employment Services (VES) helps eligible veterans and their spouses reach their employment goals through customized career solutions. As veterans themselves, VES staff have first-hand knowledge of the types of barriers veterans and transitioning service members face when looking for civilian job opportunities.

VES staff are located in Michigan Works! Service Centers throughout the state. By using a collaborative approach and working side-by-side with Michigan Works!, VES creates personalized career plans for each veteran and advocates to employers about the benefits to hiring veterans. Learn more about VES and how its team of veterans continues to help those who have served at Michigan.gov/VES.

Read more about becoming a Veteran Friendly Employer on the MVAA website, Michigan.gov/MVAA.