Lansing, MI - On Thursday, June 15, 2023, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that the Michigan Department of Treasury (Treasury) has achieved Gold-Level Veteran-Friendly Employer Certification from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA).
“I’m thrilled to see the Department of Treasury join the ranks as a Gold-level Veteran-Friendly Employer along with six other state departments,” said Governor Whitmer. “Veterans represent the best of us and bring with them unique knowledge and skillsets that are invaluable to the workforce. We want Michigan to be the first place that service members and their families consider when leaving the military. With the work of the Department of Treasury and other state departments, we’re on the right track.”
To be selected as a Gold-Level Veteran-Friendly Employer, Treasury is required to follow guidelines outlined by the MVAA. 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, among other requirements.
In July 2022, the Michigan Department of Treasury received Silver-Level Veteran-Friendly Employer Certification from MVAA.
“Our team immediately set their sights on achieving the coveted Gold-level status after receiving a Silver-level designation last year,” State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. “We knew we could continue to grow in our outreach efforts to recruit and retain veterans, who bring unique skills and talents to the organizations they serve. We dedicated our ideas, programming and outreach to help us connect with veterans in a more meaningful way. Treasury employees are really a testament to achieving this honored status.”
Since being created in 2013, the Veteran-Friendly Employer Program has recognized more than 500 Michigan employers with either Bronze-, Silver- or Gold-level status for their efforts in supporting the recruitment, training and retention of veteran workforce talent. To date, 25 employers have received the Gold-level status, including seven state departments.
As part of the program, MVAA aids employers as they develop and improve their efforts to recruit and retain high-quality veteran candidates.
“Treasury has a proven track record of being advocates for veteran employment,” says Adam Hollier, Director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. “They are determined to recruit active-duty service members and veterans for job openings and regularly attend employment events hosted by the MVAA. Their passion for supporting veterans is undeniable and I know they will serve as a model for how other employers in Michigan should serve their military-connected and veteran employees.”
Organizations can learn more about becoming a Veteran-Friendly Employer, including obtaining an application, by visiting the MVAA website.