Arizona Public Service (APS) has been recognized for the first time by G.I. Jobs magazine as one of America’s Top 100 Military Friendly Employers®. The utility, which debuts at No. 60 on this year’s list, joins U-Haul International as one of two Arizona companies ranked as “Military Friendly.” APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW).
G.I. Jobs magazine’s Top 100 list was drawn from a sample of 5,000 companies whose annual revenues exceed $500 million. Criteria included the strength of military recruiting efforts, the percentage of new hires with prior military service, retention programs, and company policies toward National Guard and Reserve service.
Brigadier General Michael McGuire, adjutant general of the Arizona National Guard, shared the public announcement at a joint event with the USO, APS and Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. “APS is a company that truly embraces and appreciates the service that these great young men and women behind me give to their country,” said McGuire. “They show support through their employment of our veterans.”
“Our military veterans are an integral part of APS’s workforce and the communities we serve,” said Don Brandt, APS chairman, president and CEO. “Our company and customers benefit from the unique skills, experiences and values veterans bring to work every day. Their leadership, integrity, discipline and perseverance are an asset to APS, and we are grateful for their significant contributions to our success.
“While we are deeply honored to be recognized for our growing veteran workforce, the real honor is being able to attract and retain these high-quality men and women after they have completed their distinguished service to our country.”
In addition to providing outreach and professional development opportunities for employees with military backgrounds, APS assists veterans as they shift from the military to a corporate culture. The company also has an employee-run group that engages veterans, addresses veteran issues and assists in transitioning military veterans just returning from active duty.
Now in its 11th year, the Top 100 Military Friendly Employers® list is the premier resource for transitioning service members and spouses seeking civilian employment. The survey results that determined the 2013 list were independently tested by Ernst & Young LLP based upon the weightings and methodology established by G.I. Jobs. Each year companies taking the survey are held to a higher standard than the previous year via improved methodology, criteria and weightings developed with the assistance of an advisory board consisting of leaders in the military recruitment community.
