North Carolina's Governor Josh Stein, along with Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley, is currently advocating for state employers to focus on hiring veterans, and to seek recognition through the HIRE Vets Medallion Award, presented by the U.S. Department of Labor. Employers in the state have until April 30, to submit their application for this federal award, which is designed to acknowledge their commitment to hiring and retaining veterans, as well as their efforts in professional development. Governor Stein's office announced these details earlier.
In 2024, "28 North Carolina employers received a HIRE Vets Medallion Award," as was noted in a statement from Governor Stein's office. North Carolina proudly claims approximately 700,000 veterans as residents, individuals whom Stein describes as well-endowed with skills and experiences that enrich the state’s workforce. The HIRE Vets program serves to cement the state's reputation for being the most military-friendly.
The recent inclusion of an online feature on NCWorks job search site is an initiative by the N.C. Department of Commerce to aid veterans in finding jobs more readily. This new feature spotlights North Carolina employers who have earned the HIRE Vets medallion, as it permits veterans to discover currently advertised jobs by these commendable companies. "By recruiting and training veterans for meaningful employment opportunities, companies assist in the transition to civilian life and honor the sacrifice of military service," Secretary Lee Lilley told the Governor Stein's office.
Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette, Secretary of the NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, highlighted the multiplicative benefits that befall the state when veterans are seamlessly integrated into the workforce. In remarks provided to the Governor's office, she stated, “Veterans and their families enrich North Carolina communities and provide a ready and skilled workforce that is second to none.” The recognition through the HIRE Vets Medallion program serves not just as an economic boon but also as a testament to the respect and opportunity owed to veterans.
The Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministries (ABCCM), and its subdivision Veterans Services of the Carolinas, exemplifies the ethos the HIRE Vets program seeks to promote. Three-time award recipient and Managing Director Jessica Rice said in a statement to the Governor's office, “At ABCCM Veterans Services of the Carolinas, we are deeply committed to empowering and supporting our nation’s Veterans as they transition into meaningful careers.” The success of such organizations reveals how a focus on veteran employment can resonate deeply not only within the business environment but also across communities.
There is a fee associated with applying for the HIRE Vets Medallion Program, used solely to fund the operations under the HIRE Vets Act. These fees, based on the size of the applying organization, range from $90 for small employers to $495 for larger ones. This investment further signifies an employer's dedication to supporting veterans beyond just the workplace context.
