Whirlpool Corporation Continues Gold Level Status for Veterans

Once again, the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) recognized Whirlpool Corporation for achieving Gold Level status as a Veteran-Friendly Employer in the State of Michigan. This marks the fourth consecutive year for achieving this status, thanks to the efforts of the Whirlpool Veterans Association (WVA).

This process started six years ago with Whirlpool Corporation moving through the levels of certification. In 2014, through the coordinated efforts of many Veteran’s Association members, Whirlpool achieved Bronze status. The team continued to drive veteran friendly initiatives within the company and was recognized in 2015 with Silver status. Not to rest, the team continued to execute plans, and in 2016, and every year since, Whirlpool achieved Gold Level status.

Whirlpool is helping to build a foundation of employment that draws veteran talent back to the state after completing their service. The military has a proven track record of training and development of people, which ultimately translates to successful employment within the dynamic Michigan economy.

To receive Gold Level certification, an employer must:

• Commit to hiring a specific number of veterans. (This number is determined by the company based on its size and hiring plans for the next year.)
• Post job openings on the MiTalent.org website.
• Agree to sign Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Statement of Support.
• Provide HR personnel in your organization with MichiganVeterans.com and Michigan Veterans Resource Center call number 800-MICH-VET (800-642-4838) to assist your veteran employees.

Plus at least two of the following:

• Veteran or Guard/Reserve specific benefit packages such as differential pay or continued healthcare coverage during deployment.
• Veteran-specific employee onboarding program.
• Veteran-specific employee retention program.
• Veteran available on-the-job-training or apprenticeship program.
• Applications are marked and/or tracked as veterans, Guard or Reserve members and spouses of veterans, Guard or Reserve Members.
• Retain 75 percent of their veterans over a 12-month period

Plus, at least four of the following:

• Veteran-specific internal support program such as a Veteran Affinity Network, Guard and Reserve Family Support Program, or formal veteran employee recognition program.
• Veteran spouse hiring initiative.
• Veteran-specific career management program such as a Junior Officer Leadership/Management Development Program or Veteran Hiring Rotation Program.
• Employment opportunity presentations or presence at veteran-centric hiring events, visits to Active Component transition sites or Guard and Reserve drilling locations.
• Achieved national level recognition for veteran hiring efforts from organizations like ESGR, Disabled American Veterans, Victory Media, Veterans of Foreign Wars, etc.
• Participation in the MVAA Private Sector Veteran Employment Council or VFE Best Practices Workshops.
• Employ personnel whose primary position description is veteran outreach and hiring/retention.
• Increased advertising (above Silver Level) of veteran-friendly information, including the MVAA VFE logo on company website, social media, print or paid advertising and marketing materials.

Ben Dellay and Todd Herrick were on hand at the award ceremony in Lansing to represent the WVA and Whirlpool Corporation.