Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. is supporting veteran and reservist employment in a big way. On July 27, 2012, in conjunction with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), Goodyear announced its intent to hire 1,000 veterans over the next three years.
The company will hire veterans through its partnership with the United States Chamber of Commerce "Hiring Our Heroes" program.
“Our longstanding relationship with the United States military began in World War I, and as the largest producer of military tires in the United States, Goodyear products still play an important part in keeping our armed forces rolling,” said Steve McClellan, president of Goodyear’s North American Tire business unit, at a press event announcing the hiring commitment.
"Additionally, we support the military through our charitable contributions such as the ‘Goodyear Gives Back’ program, which generates support and donations for the ‘Support Our Troops’ non-profit organization."
McClellan said Goodyear partners with military bases located near its manufacturing facilities to recruit new employees and actively participate in military job fairs.
"Why do we believe in recruiting veterans, guardsmen and reservists? It’s because they often demonstrate proven leadership skills, dependability and a strong work ethic. Many of them also possess technical skills and abilities that translate well to working in the tire industry. It’s an effort which aligns with one of Goodyear’s key strategies -- building top talent and teams."
Goodyear’s hiring commitment will be counted toward the U.S. Chamber’s goal of getting 500,000 veterans and military spouses hired by the end of 2014.
“Goodyear clearly recognizes that hiring a veteran isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s also the smart thing," said Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Schmiegel (Ret.), executive director of the U.S. Chamber’s "Hiring Our Heroes" program. "With every commitment, we hope more and more companies will follow suit to help us reach our goal.”
Goodyear also reaffirmed its commitment to support employees enlisted in the National Guard and Reserve.
“Today, supportive employers like Goodyear are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s guard and reserve units," said James Rebholz, national chairman for the ESGR. "Goodyear leads the way in ensuring their human resource policies go above and beyond by incorporating policies supportive of employee service in the Guard and Reserve."
Goodyear joins other American employers in pledging to:
* continually recognize and support our country’s service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war;
* fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA);
* appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to hire Guardsmen, Reservists and Veterans;
* ensure that managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
“Mr. McClellan has sent a clear message to the employees of Goodyear that while they are serving their state or the nation, they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs,” added Rebholz.
For information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities, visit www.esgr.mil.
