Del Monte Foods is located at 1400 Plover Rd. in Plover. (Metro Wire photo)

Plover company among 22 honored for veteran hiring and support efforts

By Patrick Lynn

PLOVER — Del Monte Foods Inc., based in Plover, is among 22 Wisconsin employers recognized by the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) for exceptional commitment to hiring and supporting veterans.

The company received a Gold Certification in the large employer category as part of the 2024 Vets Ready Employer Initiative, which acknowledges organizations that excel in veteran recruitment and retention.

The Vets Ready Employer Initiative aims to encourage Wisconsin businesses to establish supportive workplace practices for veterans and their families, including robust hiring and retention programs. According to DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek, the initiative honors employers who not only recognize the value of veteran employees but also build systems to support their long-term success.

“Veterans bring invaluable experience to the workplace, and I commend these Vets Ready employers for employing and engaging veterans,” Pechacek said. “This distinction elevates the work of these employers and gives them the competitive edge in recruiting and retaining veterans.”

Award recipients, chosen from small, medium, and large employer categories, earn either Gold or Silver Certifications based on their veteran-support initiatives. Winning companies are showcased on the state’s Job Center of Wisconsin platform and receive a Vets Ready emblem to signify their status.

For Del Monte Foods Inc. and other honorees, the designation reflects a commitment not only to hiring veterans but to creating environments where they can thrive. The list of awardees includes several new recipients this year, marked with an asterisk, highlighting the growing dedication across Wisconsin to veteran employment.

Del Monte was the only company in Portage Co. to earn the recognition.

Large Employers

Gold Certification

  • 4imprint Inc., Oshkosh
  • Del Monte Foods Inc., Plover
  • Deloitte LLP, Madison
  • Frank Beverage Group, Middleton
  • Goodwill Industries of North Central Wisconsin, Menasha*
  • Kimberly-Clark Corp., Neenah
  • Menasha Corp., Neenah
  • Moraine Park Vocational and Technical College, Fond du Lac*
  • Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh
  • Rockwell Automation, Milwaukee
  • TDS Telecom, Madison
  • U.S. Venture Inc., Appleton*
  • UW Health, Middleton*
  • We Energies, Milwaukee

Silver Certification

  • Old Wisconsin Sausage Co., Sheboygan*
  • Superior Water Light and Power, Superior*
  • Waupaca Foundry Inc., Waupaca*
  • Xcel Energy, Eau Claire

Medium Employers

Gold Certification

  • Worthington Cylinders, Chilton

Small Employers

Gold Certification

  • MCC Inc., Appleton
  • Northwood Technical College, Rice Lake
  • Precision Iceblast Corp., Peshtigo