Goodyear retains ‘military friendly’ status

Goodyear is the largest producer of military tyres in the US, but its connection with the country’s armed forces goes beyond tyre supply. G.I. Jobs magazine – a publication that aims to simply the transition from the military to a successful civilian career – has again named Goodyear Tire & Rubber a Top 100 Military Friendly Employer. This designation recognises the company’s efforts to hire and support veteran employees.

The tyre maker was selected based on the results of a data-driven survey on veteran-related programmes and policies, such as the strength of military recruiting efforts, percentage of new hires with military service, retention programmes for veterans, and policies on National Guard and Reserve service. Goodyear was also recognised for surpassing its 2012 commitment to hire 1,000 veterans over the next three years. The company has since pledged to hire an additional 1,000 veterans by August 2015.

“At Goodyear, we recognise the value that veterans bring to the workplace and we’re proud to employ many men and women who’ve bravely served our country,” said Gary VanderLind, Goodyear North America’s vice-president of human resources. “It’s a great honour to have our efforts recognised by G.I. Jobs and to be named a Military Friendly Employer for a third straight year.”

In addition to its hiring programme, Goodyear’s commitment to military personnel and veterans in the US includes the hosting of events at military bases throughout the year, offering service men and women a chance to interact with race drivers and take to the skies on the Goodyear Blimp. The company also supports members of the US Armed Forces and their families through its annual “Goodyear Gives Back” campaign, which has generated more than US$960,000 in donations for the Support Our Troops non-profit organisation since its inception in 2010.