New Hampshire Veterans of Foreign Wars Recognizes Measured Progress as Employer of the Year

The New Hampshire Chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars recently selected Measured Progress as the 2010 Employer of the Year. The award is given to New Hampshire companies that go above and beyond in their efforts to attract, hire, and re-train veterans. 

The Employer of the Year award has a more than 20-year history in the state, explained Dana Hussey, adjutant for the VFW's Department of New Hampshire and the George J. Maxfield Post #1772 in Rochester. Hussey said he learned about Measured Progress's commitment to veteran employment through his sister and Measured Progress employee Marilyn Daly, and by participating in the company's Veteran's Day recognition events.

"We don't necessary give the award every year," said Hussey. "It gets increasingly difficult, but we do what we can to promote companies that seek veterans for employment."

James Bates, Measured Progress's social equity administrator, said that the company currently employs 22 self-identified veterans on its permanent staff. Measured Progress's human resources department makes specific efforts to recruit veterans by attending conferences, listing job openings with the New Hampshire Department of Employment Security, and networking with local VFW chapters. In addition, Measured Progress's Diversity Committee honors veterans through an annual Veteran's Day employee recognition event.

"It's part of our company culture to celebrate employees from different backgrounds to create a diverse workforce. It's critical that our employees appreciate what makes us different and that such appreciation informs every aspect of our work," Bates said.

James Bates accepts the award from Dana Hussey, along with Measured Progress veterans, from left to right: Sonny Wormstead, Julie-Ann Edwards, Don Bouchard, Suzan Darcy, Tom Cunningham, Tony Williams, James Bates, Ben Emery, Dana Hussey, Kathy Parlier, Dan Kislus, Rich Cooke, Eric Gilbert, and Jim Greaves.