MADISON, Wis. – November 9, 2021 – The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) announced the winners of the 2021 Vets Ready Initiative, an employer recognition initiative highlighting employers who go above and beyond to support veterans and their families.

 

Associated Bank received the Silver Level Award for 2021.

 

"Wisconsin's veterans bring critically important skills to the workforce and their contributions are helping our economy bounce back stronger than ever," said Gov. Tony Evers. "By leveraging these talents, Wisconsin's award-winning Vets Ready employers are gaining a competitive advantage while supporting veterans and benefiting their communities."

 

The initiative encourages employers to build a support system within their workplace, hire and retain more veterans, and connect to veterans in the community and their families. Every year, DWD recognizes businesses that have gone above and beyond for the veteran workforce.

 

“Associated Bank is honored to be recognized by the Department of Workforce Development for our commitment to hiring and supporting veterans throughout the state,” said Brent Tischler, EVP, director of retail banking and Veterans Colleague Resource Group (CRG) executive sponsor, Associated Bank. “Associated will continue to enhance our efforts in employing veterans and work closely with our Veterans College Resource Group (CRG) to provide a network for military veterans within Associated to collaborate on important issues facing the organization and the personal and professional development of its members.” 

 

The Veterans CRG leverages the knowledge and experience of its membership to create awareness of the contributions of military veterans at Associated and in the communities they serve.

 

Associated offers a wide range of veteran-focused initiatives to help support customers, colleagues and communities:

  • Veterans Affairs (VA) loans, which are flexible mortgage options that tend to be more affordable than other loans and includes assistance with closing costs. 
  • A veteran hiring initiative that proactively recruits military candidates for career opportunities at Associated Bank through several partnerships including Hiring Our Heroes and Mission Wisconsin. 
  • For active-duty colleagues, we offer continuation of pay for up to six months per deployment and during annual required training and retention of benefits for up to 24 months. 
  • Reimbursement for colleagues traveling to a site from which an immediate family member will be deployed for military duty. 
  • Our Veterans Colleague Resource Group offers our military colleagues networking and professional development opportunities in addition to supporting military service members, veterans, military family members, and veteran organizations in our communities. 
  • A mentorship program for newly hired veterans and active-duty military colleagues. 

 

"DWD applauds the employers who make the concerted effort to hire and support our Wisconsin veteran community," said DWD Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek. "Veterans have already sacrificed so much for Wisconsin and our country, and now, Wisconsin employers are showing up to support and serve them."

 

Other Wisconsin employer recipients include:

 

  • TDS Telecom Inc – Gold Level Award
  • We Energies – Gold Level Award
  • Xcel Energy - Gold Level Award
  • Precision Iceblast Corporation - Gold Level Award
  • 4imprint – Silver Level Award
  • Associated Bank – Silver Level Award
  • Deloitte – Silver Level Award
  • Kimberly-Clark Corporation – Silver Level Award
  • Fox Cities Builders - Silver Level Award

 

For more information, visit the Department of Workforce Development.

 

ABOUT DWD

Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development efficiently delivers effective and inclusive services to meet Wisconsin's diverse workforce needs now and for the future. The department advocates for and invests in the protection and economic advancement of all Wisconsin workers, employers and job seekers through six divisions – Employment and Training, Vocational Rehabilitation, Unemployment Insurance, Equal Rights, Worker's Compensation and Administrative Services. To keep up with DWD announcements and information, sign up for news releases here and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.