Oklahoma City has recognized ten local businesses as Veteran Employer Champions for their efforts to support veterans in the workforce. This recognition, announced by the Oklahoma City Council in partnership with the Community Service Council and the Oklahoma Veteran Alliance, is part of an initiative to create a veteran-friendly business environment in the city, according to the City of Oklahoma.
Several local businesses, including Arvest Bank, BOK Financial, and Cox Communications, have been recognized for their efforts to create veteran-friendly workplaces. Mayor David Holt emphasized the importance of these employment opportunities, stating, "We honor and recognize the organizations within our city that are dedicated to creating a supportive workplace for our veterans. Their commitment ensures those who served our country feel valued and empowered in OKC." These companies are setting a positive example for others in the community, as reported by the City of Oklahoma.
The Veteran Employer Champion status is awarded to companies that meet seven key benchmarks, including proactive veteran recruitment, specialized onboarding, and community involvement, aimed at helping veterans transition into civilian careers. With over 26,000 employees across 32 industries, the initiative supports the creation of veteran-ready organizations. Rachel Runfola, CEO of Oklahoma Veterans United, said, "All of these employers have demonstrated their commitment to making their organizations Veteran Ready They have created a culture where Veteran staff and their families can thrive." Mark Morgan, Executive Community Liaison for CSC’s Oklahoma Veteran Connections, encourages new companies to join the network, as stated by the City of Oklahoma.
