Maine Department of Labor representatives recently acknowledged MEMIC with a Letter of Appreciation to publicly show the state’s gratitude to MEMIC for contributing to its Maine Hire-A-Vet campaign in 2020.

The Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign provides opportunity for employers to expand veteran hiring efforts through a network of state and federal agencies, resources and nonprofits; education on military language and culture; recruiting and hiring assistance; and recognition for the hiring and advancement of veterans and military family members.

During the 2019 Maine Hire-A-Vet Campaign, 254 employers participated, and 283 veterans and military family members were hired. In 2020, 145 veterans were hired, including 26 female veterans, with 226 employers participating.

“It was your resilience and dedication to Maine veterans that once again, even in challenging circumstances, made the 2020 Maine Hire-A-Vet campaign a complete success,” Allen Blackstone, veteran's representative on the Maine Hire- A- Vet Campaign, said in an e-mail to MEMIC.  “The 2020 campaign looked vastly different than previous years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, in true military fashion, we adapted and overcame obstacles, and delivered our first fully virtual veteran hiring campaign. We hope to deliver the same in 2021.”

The campaign's goal for 2021 is for 100 employers to hire 100 veterans in 100 days. A virtual kick-off event, scheduled for noon to 4 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 26, will include a virtual hiring fair staffed by MEMIC and dozens of other Maine employers.

“Building a team that includes veterans not only creates an inclusive and diverse workforce, but it is the right thing to do,”  Vice President of Human Resources Deb Sabatino said.   “Veterans have proven transferrable skills that given the opportunity can be instrumental in enhancing a company’s goals and initiatives.”

Know a veteran job seeker? They can get more information about Hire-A-Vet and register for this year’s event by visiting https://www.mainecareercenter.com/mhav/ as well as visit www.memic.com for MEMIC’s current job openings.