First Data named top U.S. employer for veterans

First Data Corp. placed first in the overall rankings on Military Times' "Best for Vets: Employers 2017" list, which this year recognized 84 companies nationwide. To make the grade, companies were evaluated based on military service member recruitment policies, company culture and reservist accommodations. Military Times provides news related to the military and defense targeted to current and former military personnel.

"This is a tremendous honor for First Data and reflects the significant commitment we have made to support our nation's service members and military families," said First Data Chairman and CEO Frank Bisignano. "Our hiring efforts have placed veterans and military spouses at every level of the company, and we work tirelessly to support veteran-owned businesses through innovative tools to help these business owners thrive long after returning home from service."

First Data recently appointed former NASA astronaut Scott Kelly to its Military Advisory Council. The council advises the company on employment, experience and entrepreneurship program strategies to increase engagement with military members.

"The companies on the Military Times Best for Vets list earned their rankings through determined efforts to recruit and support service members, veterans and military families," noted George Altman, the editor in charge of the rankings. Annual lists of honorees dating back to 2014 can be referenced on the website www.militarytimes.com .

First Data Salutes

First Data launched First Data Salutes in October 2014, an enterprise-wide military engagement initiative to recruit and hire military veterans and spouses. The onboarding and training program assists with transitioning military members to the civilian workforce, and offers company-wide awareness training. First Data said the program has boosted military hires within the company by more than 10 percent since its inception.

The initiative also supports veteran-owned businesses, with free Clover Mini or Clover Mobile POS systems. In partnership with the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University, First Data helped launch the Coalition for Veteran Owned Business and Center of Excellence for Veteran Entrepreneurship. And it sponsors the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities mentorship and grant program.

Beginning with the 2016 Major League Baseball season, First Data entered a partnership with the New York Mets to sponsor the "veteran of the game." At each home game, a Mets player presents a veteran with an American flag previously displayed in the stadium as a video showcasing the service member's achievements is played.

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