American Veterans, Inc. Recognizes Sodexo's Operations in North Carolina with AMVETS Veteran Friendly Employer of the Year Award

GAITHERSBURG, Md., June 7, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Sodexo, world leader in providing Quality of Life services, and its operations throughout North Carolina have been recognized by American Veterans, Inc. (AMVETS) for its work providing employment opportunities for veterans through the annual AMVETS Veteran Friendly Employer of the Year Award.

The AMVETS Veteran Friendly Employer of the Year Awards program recognizes employers from the private sector and local, state and federal government who have made great strides by providing employment to our veterans. The awards recognize organizations based on their commitment to serving veterans through both their hiring practices and community involvement.

"As a company with a deep commitment and a long term relationship to the armed services, Sodexo is in a position to use our considerable expertise and resources to improve the quality of life for solders from all branches of the military, as they start a career outside of the military upon completion of their service," said Deborah Roberts, CEO government, Sodexo North America. "Sodexo is honored to hire, mentor and train veterans, while offering information sharing and community involvement initiatives that harness the enormous potential and experience of our retired military population."

Sodexo's commitment to North Carolina veterans is evident in the number of veterans it hires and the support provided to veterans. In calendar year 2016, the measurement period for the award, Sodexo hired 68 veterans for new positions in operations throughout North Carolina, which accounts for 62% of all new hires in that state. These new hires included 22 women veterans and 26 disabled veterans.

"As part of our commitment to provide employment opportunities for veterans, Sodexo has developed a great relationship with the NCWorks Career Center and the Onslow County Veterans Unit," said Lori Ready-DiGiovanni, Senior Human Resource, Sodexo. "We have worked hard together to meet each other's needs. When Sodexo has an opening, the Veterans' Unit, staff and partners within the Career Center send the best qualified applicants and we do our utmost to hire as many as possible."

In addition to new hires, Sodexo supports veterans in numerous ways. We assist veterans succeed in its workforce and beyond. Sodexo actively raises funds and awareness for veterans, provides veterans with employment opportunities, and trains veterans to be better prepared for their futures. One of its more recent efforts included a partnership with Volunteers of America, where Sodexo launched a collection of resources specifically designed to support veterans who may be transitioning to the civilian workforce or seeking to enhance their active duty career opportunities.

Training is a vital aspect of veterans having a smooth transition to civilian life, and one way that Sodexo facilitates this is through the "Well Seasoned Culinary Training program." Well Seasoned provides training for senior level enlisted Marines who are getting ready to transition out of the Marine Corps. This three-day training session Sodexo executive chefs, culinary professionals and other subject matter experts work closely with Marine cooks to help them enhance their skills for a food-focused job in a civilian setting.

Sodexo employees who are veterans and join the company's Employee Business Resource Group, HONOR, gain support, guidance and resources for the employees and families connected to the military. HONOR accomplishes this by offering development opportunities, providing a forum to recognize and celebrate contributions made to our country, and establishing partnerships with community groups that support veterans, active duty, National Guard and military reserve.

The statewide AMVETS Employer of the Year Award was presented to Sodexo at the North Carolina AMVETS Convention on Saturday, June 3. As one of three employers throughout North Carolina recognized with this award in 2017, Sodexo is now eligible for the AMVETS national Employer of the Year Awards, which will be presented at the AMVETS National Commander's Banquet during the AMVETS National Convention in August.

With more than 40 years of experience working municipal, state, federal and military clients, Sodexo's Government segment and its nearly 3,000 employees, improve the Quality of Life for the people it serves at 150 military and U.S. Federal Government locations in 26 states. Headquartered in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Sodexo provides a variety of integrated food and facilities management solutions and is the nation's largest federal foodservice contractor – serving 45.6 million meals annually with a focus on wellness and nutrition.

Sodexo delivers more than 100 services across North America that enhance organizational performance, contribute to local communities and improve quality of life. The Fortune Global 500 company is a leader in delivering sustainable, integrated facilities management and foodservice operations.

Learn more about Sodexo at its corporate blog, Sodexo Insights.

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SOURCE Sodexo