ALCC member Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) received an award for their efforts to recruit, employ, and retain U.S. veterans. CSU earned a Platinum Award (for large employers) in the Hire Vets Medallion Program.

In a statement on their website, CSU noted that “there has been a strong military presence in Colorado Springs for many years, and we're proud to serve those who serve our country. Doing right by our military, though, means more than simply providing safe, reliable utility service. It also means a commitment to hiring and retaining veterans in our workforce.”

The Hire Vets Medallion Program is a demonstration program for 2018 and will be fully implemented in 2019. It was created in 2017 by the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing (HIRE) American Military Veterans Act.

The 239 recipients of the 2018 HIRE Vets Medallion Program Demonstration Award were evaluated based on a range of criteria, including:

• Veteran hiring and retention
• Availability of veteran-specific resources
• Leadership programming for veterans
• Dedicated human resources
• Compensation and tuition assistance programs for veterans

Applications for the 2019 HIRE Vets Medallion Program will open to employers on January 31, 2019. Visit www.hirevets.gov for details.

See the full list of award recipients. 

Read more in this issue of Colorado Green NOW:
Video: How to plant a tree
Election results report for the landscape industry
Changes to H-2B recruiting requirements announced
Colorado landscape companies receive Newman Awards for landscape architecture