WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes program and Spike TV’s Hire A Vet campaign today named Lowell government contractor CRI. one of eight finalists in the Small Business Tournament of Veteran Champions. The public now has the chance to vote to help identify the most veteran-friendly small business in America. The winning business will receive a custom spot produced by and aired on Spike TV. In addition, they will receive two tickets, airfare, and hotel accommodations to attend the Spike TV Guys’ Choice Awards where the winner will be announced and recognized. The Awards are scheduled to air on June 12, 2013. “We had extraordinary entries from coast-to-coast, but CRI’s commitment to our nation’s veterans set itself apart,” said Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Schmiegel (ret.), executive director of Hiring Our Heroes. “These eight finalists have established themselves as national leaders for other small businesses to follow. CRI deserves to be recognized for its innovative strategies to recruit and support the men and women who have served our country.” “We are proud to shine a light on these small businesses that have recognized the incredibly talented and motivated veterans of our armed services,” said Kevin Kay, Spike TV President.
A combination of public voting and a panel of judges will narrow it down to four semifinalists and the same format will be used to select a winner. Voting for the Final Four continues through May 16, 2013, and for the champion through May 30, 2013. Judging for the tournament is based on criteria such as innovative recruiting and retention strategies for veterans, veteran community engagement and leadership as well as an ongoing commitment to hire veterans. The public can cast their votes at VetChampsTourney.com. Other quarterfinalists are:
- Alpha Pest Control – Vancouver, WA
- Gozump, Inc. – Miami, FL
- Legion Logistics LLC – Florence, KY
- Praescient Analytics – Alexandria, VA
- Queen Associates, Inc. – Charlotte, NC
- Troop ID – McLean, VA
- VR Habilis LLC – Knoxville, TN
Hiring Our Heroes launched in March 2011 as a nationwide initiative to help veterans and military spouses find meaningful employment. Working with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s vast network of state and local chambers and other strategic partners from the public, private, and non-profit sectors, the goal is to create a movement across America in hundreds of communities where veterans and military families return every day. To date, Hiring Our Heroes has hosted more than 510 hiring fairs in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. More than 18,400 veterans and military spouses have obtained jobs.
Hire A Vet helps veterans prepare for and find jobs. It encourages companies large and small to hire veterans and gives them access to the resources necessary to do so.
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