67 Michigan Employers Participate in MVAA's 4th Annual Veteran-Friendly Employers Innovation Conference

MVAA honors four Employer Innovator Awards and presents United Wholesale Mortgage with Gold-level Veteran-Friendly Employer status

EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) hosted their fourth annual Veteran-Friendly Employers Innovation Conference for Michigan employers committed to the recruitment, training and retention of military veterans. More than 75 attendees from nearly 70 businesses from across Michigan joined fellow employers to learn how they can better serve their veteran employees and how to best recruit veterans to join their organizations.

"Military veterans possess a unique set of skills and experiences that have value to the Michigan workforce," says Erik Schreur, MVAA employment analyst. "Many of these employers are attracting transitioning service members and their families to Michigan as they leave the service. It is imperative for Michigan businesses to recruit and retain veterans to join their team to ensure the success of the business and more importantly the success of the veteran and their family."

On Thursday, MVAA awarded United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) with their Gold-level Veteran-Friendly Employer status for expanding their efforts in reaching veterans within and outside their organization.

"We are extremely proud to be recognized as a Gold-level Veteran-Friendly Employer by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency," said Laura Lawson, UWM chief people officer. "At UWM, we prioritize creating opportunities for veterans transitioning to civilian careers after their service is completed. This accolade reflects our commitment to supporting veterans in every aspect."

To earn this honor, UWM improved their hiring process to better identify military veterans and their spouses by include new questions regarding potential service in the armed forces. This summer, UWM also joined MVAA's Veteran Connector program. This program help organizations the tools to identify service members, veterans and their families earlier to proactively connect them to the services they earned while in service. The UWM employee resource group, established in 2023, now offers training in addition to fellowship for veterans. In addition, UWM signed a memorandum with the U.S. Department of Defense to join the Skillbridge program in Michigan.

Caption: Pictured from left to right: MVAA Employment Analyst Erik Schreur, Rhett Hamel, Eric Lindman and MVAA Deputy Director Todd Butler.

Photo file: Gold-level Veteran-Friendly Employer United Wholesale Mortgage

The Veteran-Friendly Employers Innovation Conference presented the MVAA's Employer Innovator Awards to four deserving businesses. This award recognizes an employer or staff member(s), (either as individual or team), who developed a new process, method, technology, or innovative service that will radically improve or transform current and former military and military spouse hiring and retention practices, or quality of life at the employer.

The four businesses awarded 2024 MVAA's Employer Innovator Awards are:

Amphenol Borisch Technologies

Caption: Pictured left to right: MVAA Deputy Director Todd Butler, Katelyn Butler and MVVA Employment Analyst Erik Schreur.

Photo File: Amphenol Borisch Technologies 2024 MVAA's Employer Innovator Award

Award Citation: In recognition of their exemplary commitment to supporting and honoring their Veterans, Amphenol Borisch Technologies is honored with the 2024 MVAA's Employer Innovator Award. Their initiatives include hosting a Veterans panel to enhance leadership understanding, engaging in regular Veteran Initiative meetings, and making charitable donations to the Michigan Veterans Home. The company has also installed a Wall of Honor at their facilities and hosts an annual Military Appreciation Month celebration to recognize and honor both their Veteran employees and local Veterans. These efforts reflect a profound dedication to the Veteran community and set a high standard for corporate responsibility. Congratulations to Amphenol Borisch Technologies for their outstanding contributions.

Peckham

Caption: Pictured left to right: MVAA Deputy Director Todd Butler, Alex Modlin, Matt Urhammer and MVAA Employment Analyst Erik Schreur.

Photo File: Peckham 2024 MVAA's Employer Innovator Award

Award Citation: In recognition of their exceptional Veteran support services, Peckham is honored with the 2024 MVAA's Employer Innovator Award. Their Veteran support services come in the form of Veteran Service Groups, including one for Women Veterans, to effectively ease the transition to civilian life and address barriers such as mental health and workplace adjustment. Additionally, Peckham funds a full-time Veteran Service Specialist position which demonstrates a holistic approach to supporting Veteran employees and improving retention. Peckham's "troop welfare & troop morale" philosophy further highlights their commitment to leadership accountability and the well-being of their Veteran employees. Congratulations to Peckham for their remarkable contributions and dedication to Veterans.

Rocket Companies

Caption: Pictured left to right: MVAA Deputy Director Todd Butler, Don Wright and MVAA Employment Analyst Erik Schreur.

Photo File: Rocket Companies 2024 MVAA's Employer Innovator Award

Award Citation: In recognition of their outstanding student Veteran program and innovative approaches to hiring and retaining Veterans, Rocket Companies is honored with the 2024 MVAA's Employer Innovator Award. This program creatively combines their Tour of Duty and Internship initiatives to bridge academic and professional gaps for student Veterans and military spouses, offering essential support such as housing and relocation assistance. By partnering with organizations like Student Veterans of America and Wayne State University, Rocket Companies exemplifies exceptional innovation in hiring and retention practices. Their comprehensive approach and dedication to the Veteran community and forward-thinking initiatives, make them a deserving recipient of this award. Congratulations to Rocket Companies for their incredible contributions.

DTE

Caption: Pictured left to right: MVAA Deputy Director Todd Butler, Gary Tanner and MVAA Employment Analyst Erik Schreur.

Photo File: DTE 2024 MVAA's Employer Innovator Award

Award Citation: In recognition of their outstanding dedication to the veteran community and innovative initiatives led by their DTE VETS Group, DTE is honored with the 2024 MVAA's Employer Innovator Award. Their innovative ERG programs go beyond traditional veteran group activities, setting a new standard for inclusion and engagement. DTE's proactive recruitment efforts, impactful onboarding programs, and collaborative initiatives with various departments demonstrate a deep commitment to veterans. The group's work with the Michigan National Guard's GRIP program, expansion of apprenticeship opportunities, and promotion of veteran-owned businesses highlights their strategic vision. Additionally, DTE's extensive community outreach, including $10,000 in annual grants and volunteer support for local organizations, showcases their commitment to improving veterans' lives. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition for the exceptional contributions to supporting and empowering veterans at DTE and beyond.

Learn how to become a Veteran-Friendly Employer by visiting MVAA's employer website. If you are a service member or veteran or the family member and need support, please contact the Michigan Veterans Resource Service Center at 1-800-MICH-VET (1-800-642-4838) learn more about veteran benefits and resources.

News ArticleMI NewswireDepartment of Military & Veterans Affairs