For the fourth consecutive year, We Energies has been named a Gold Level recipient of the Department of Workforce Development’s Vets Ready Employer Initiative award. The company hosted one of two regional events honoring recipients during a presentation at We Energies Public Service Building in downtown Milwaukee.
“We know that veterans gain incredible leadership and technical skills while serving. They are disciplined, safety-focused and lead with integrity — characteristics that are essential to any organization’s success,” said Bert Garvin, a military veteran and the executive vice president of external affairs for WEC Energy Group, the parent company of We Energies, at the presentation. “All of our companies and our communities are better places when we support and recognize those who served.”
Of the record 17 Wisconsin employers to receive the award this year, We Energies was among eight to receive gold-level certification. Gov. Tony Evers announced the winners Nov. 7.
“Veterans bring invaluable and tremendous assets to the workplace, and I commend these Vets Ready employers for their work to hire and support veterans. This distinction will help elevate the work of these employers and give them the competitive edge in recruiting and retaining veterans,” Gov. Evers said in the announcement.
The Vets Ready Employer Initiative award honors employers that have demonstrated exemplary work to build a support system for veterans within their workplace, to hire and retain more veterans, and to connect to veterans in the community and their families. The internal support system at We Energies includes its Military Service Members Association (MSMA) business resource group for employees. Matt Beilfuss, system operations manager at We Energies, a veteran and an active National Guardsman, and a member of the MSMA, accepted the award on behalf of We Energies.
“I can say without hesitation that We Energies, both in policy and word, has valued my service. The company has worked with me to make my time serving our country and returning back to work a manageable process,” Beilfuss said. “My family and I greatly appreciate that We Energies has made the two worlds compatible.”