BURBANK, Calif., May 22, 2012 – As part of its Heroes Work Here initiative, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) today hosted more than 400 guardsmen, reservists and veterans at its Burbank studio lot for the first of three Career Expo events this week. The Expo began with a ceremony during which Disney Chairman and CEO Robert A. Iger signed the Statement of Support for the Employer Support of Guard and Reserves (ESGR). The ESGR, through the Office of the Secretary of Defense, honors companies who have demonstrated support for guardsmen, reservists and veterans. David McGinnis, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs, took part in the ceremony with Mr. Iger.
In signing the statement, The Walt Disney Company joined employers in pledging to:
- Appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to hire Guardsmen, Reservists and Veterans.
- Continually recognize and support our country’s service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.
- Fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).
- Ensure that managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
In the two months since Heroes Work Here launched, approximately 250 guardsmen, reservists and veterans have accepted offers to join various divisions of Disney including The Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, ESPN, Marvel, Disney Consumer Products, Disney Interactive Media Group and Corporate.
“Heroes Work Here is part of our comprehensive initiative to expand our long-standing support for the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces,” said Mr. Iger. “In addition to hiring vets, we’re also committed to ensuring they have the tools they need to effectively transition into a civilian career and are well equipped and positioned for success after their service, whether at Disney or another employer.”
Mr. McGinnis said, “Today, supportive employers like The Walt Disney Company are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the Nation’s Guard and Reserve Service members. Disney has consistently shown broad support for its service member employees, evidenced by the Heroes Work Here military hiring initiative. Today’s signing guarantees strong support for employee service in the Guard and Reserve into the future.”
In addition to today’s event, Disney will host two additional Career Expos in New York and Orlando this week. Over 1,000 guardsmen, reservists and veterans have been invited to the Expos, which will showcase opportunities for returning military personnel and assist in their transition to civilian life through workshops on resume writing, interview techniques and help in translating their military skills to the business world; recruiter meet and greets, speakers, leadership talks with select members of the Disney executive team and veterans already working at Disney, and more.
ABOUT DISNEY’S HEROES WORK HERE INITIATIVE
In March 2012 Disney announced its company-wide Heroes Work Here initiative to hire, train and support returning veterans. The program continues Disney’s long history of respect and appreciation for the U.S. Armed Forces by expanding the company’s commitment to recognize and honor the sacrifice and service of these men and women.
As part of the initiative, Disney will provide at least 1,000 jobs and career opportunities for returning U.S. veterans over the next three years, support military families and veterans during their transition into civilian life, and produce a national public awareness campaign to encourage all employers across the U.S. to hire veterans. The public awareness campaign, featuring veterans currently employed in various businesses across The Walt Disney Company, will highlight their value, encourage companies to hire these highly skilled men and women, and direct them to the Joining Forces initiative for more information.
In addition to providing career opportunities for veterans, Disney will also invest in select non-profit organizations that provide training and other support services. Through the Disney VoluntEARS program, employees will also engage in service projects with veterans’ organizations in communities around the country.
Heroes Work Here includes recruitment efforts across all segments of The Walt Disney Company, including ESPN, Disney-ABC Television Group, Disney Consumer Products, The Walt Disney Studios, Disney Parks and Resorts and Disney Interactive Media Group.
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