100,000 Jobs Mission Hires Over 240,000 Veterans
Coalition of Companies Shares Leading Hiring Practices to Reduce Veteran Unemployment
The 100,000 Jobs Mission announced today that its coalition of private companies has collectively hired 241,833 U.S. Military veterans through the first quarter of 2015, demonstrating that it is well on its way toward reaching its new goal of hiring 300,000.
Founded in 2011 by 11 companies, including JPMorgan Chase & Co., the coalition now stands at 196 member companies.
“This latest milestone reflects the growing number of private sector companies that place high value on the skills of our nation’s veterans,”
said Ross Brown, director of Military and Veterans Affairs for JPMorgan Chase. “More companies making a commitment to join the coalition reaffirms how important this Mission continues to be to employers.”
Collaboration Among Private Sector Companies
The coalition reports its hiring results quarterly and members share their leading practices for hiring and retaining veterans at that time. To facilitate collaboration among the member companies, the group meets several times per year to discuss issues impacting veteran employment.
Ross Brown, director of Military and Veterans Affairs for JPMorgan Chase
Bloomberg L.P., a 100,000 Jobs Mission member since 2012, hosted the most recent coalition meeting yesterday in New York, during which companies discussed best methods for engaging and retaining employee veterans, employing wounded warriors and sustaining program momentum.
"Bloomberg has long recognized the unique skills and experience veterans bring to our business," said Rachel Book, Global Head of Diversity Recruiting. "We're proud to be a member of the 100,000 Jobs Mission."
The meeting also featured guest speaker Clint Bruce, former Navy SEAL and founder of Carry The Load, as well as a keynote address by retired U.S. Marine Corps General Peter Pace, 16th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
“Through their collaboration and sharing of best practices, the 100,000 Jobs Mission companies have elevated the dialogue from simply reducing veteran unemployment to showing the private sector how to most effectively employ veterans and military spouses,” said Pace. “This has made a tremendously positive impact, both on our nation's veterans and the companies that hire them.”
Many coalition members consider the opportunity to work hand in hand with other major employers as a major factor in deciding to join the effort.
“Express Scripts proudly recruits military-experienced talent because of the adaptability, flexibility and resiliency veterans add to our work force. Veterans bring a unique passion to serve others and make our mission come alive every day,” said Patrick Christie, Express Scripts Military & Diversity Recruiting Programs manager. “We’ve grown areas of our military recruiting program from the ideas shared by other coalition members, and are pleased to contribute our own best practices back to the group.”
The 100,000 Jobs Mission continues to seek like-minded large employers to join the commitment to hiring veterans and military spouses.
Mission Launches Advisory Group
Building on the recommendations of a 2014 RAND Corporation report, the Mission recently created the 100,000 Jobs Mission Advisory Group. Made up of representatives across a variety of industries, the group will help drive the coalition strategy and manage the Mission as it continues to grow. During the first meeting, held in March, participants discussed an operating framework for the coalition, next steps for the coalition’s website and online tools, and the hiring goal.
Launched in 2011, the 100,000 Jobs Mission brings together companies committed to hiring U.S. military veterans and military spouses. The 196 companies now involved have pledged to hire 300,000 veterans. They have hired 241,833 veterans through March 31, 2015. For more information on the 100,000 Jobs Mission, visit jobsmission.com.