YesVets and Washington Employment Security Department recently honored Energy Northwest for the agency’s commitment to hiring veterans.

Washington Employment Security Department presented EN members with the Hire-A-Veteran award during a special ceremony at WorkSource Columbia Basin last week and YesVets recognized the agency along with 11 other Washington state employers during a celebration June 14.

“Energy Northwest continues to expand our partnership with regional military bases and veterans,” said Brent Ridge, vice president for Corporate Services and chief financial officer. “In many cases, the training and skills acquired by military professionals directly correlate to our position requirements. Equally important, veterans have a strong sense of pride, which fits well with our culture of excellence.”

Since the YesVets program’s inception in February 2016, 75 veterans chose the agency as their employer of choice. Veterans make up approximately 28 percent of EN’s workforce. Thirty-five percent of last year’s new hires were veterans.

“We have found great team members from all branches of the service who have strengthened our organization,” said Kelley Ferrantelli, senior recruiter.

Pictured in the banner are: Nick Erickson, WorkSource local veterans’ employment representative; Cindy Way, senior compensation and benefits administrator and Navy veteran; Brent Ridge, vice president for Corporate Services and chief financial officer; Dave Browne, Employment Security Department; Kelley Ferrantelli, senior recruiter; and Amy Donaldson, senior human resources information systems production specialist and Air Force veteran. (Ben Stewart graphic)