The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development honored Superior Water, Light and Power, a wholly owned subsidiary of ALLETE, with a Silver Certification in the 2024 Vets Ready Employer Initiative.
The award recognizes Wisconsin employers that have gone above and beyond to hire and support veterans and their families. Twenty-two Wisconsin employers of all sizes are being honored this year.
"Our nation’s veterans have given so much in service to our country and often face special challenges when they return home, including finding family-supporting employment,” DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek said. “Veterans bring invaluable experience to the workplace, and I commend these Vets Ready employers for employing and engaging veterans. This distinction elevates the work of these employers and gives them the competitive edge in recruiting and retaining veterans.”
This is the first time Superior Water, Light and Power has been honored with the award, and SWL&P President Rob Sandstrom said support for veterans and their families is part of the company’s culture.
“We’ve always been proud to support veterans and their families and are honored to receive this recognition from the state,” Sandstrom said. “The energy and water industries are great fits for veterans because of their 24/7 operations and the urgent responses to problems at any hour. Veterans understand those needs and are integral members of our team at SWL&P.”
The Vets Ready Employer Initiative encourages employers to build a support system within their workplace, hire and retain more veterans, and connect to veterans and their families in the community.
Every year, the Wisconsin DWD and its Office of Veteran Employment Services recognize businesses with either a gold or silver certification in one of three employer categories: small, medium, and large. SWL&P’s award was in the large category. Award-winning employers will be invited to a recognition event.
Recipients are promoted by DWD staff, veterans agencies and organizations, and workforce partners through resources such as DWD’s website.