The State of Colorado and 11 Employers Launch Public-Private Partnerships

Army Reserve Employer Partnership Initiative Builds Careers, Economy

Maj. Gen. Mari K. Eder, deputy chief, U.S. Army Reserve and Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter sign an agreement that solidifies the state and Army Reserve Employer Partnership at an official ceremony in Denver, Colo. photo by Jack Dempsey

DENVER - Today the U.S. Army Reserve launched a groundbreaking public-private partnership with the state of Colorado. The first state partnership, both parties agree the union will allow each to mutually recruit, train and employ individuals interested in serving the nation and pursuing a career in the state of Colorado.

"It is my pleasure to add Colorado to the list of employers who will proactively seek to hire and retain Army Reserve Soldiers when they return home," said Gov. Bill Ritter. "This partnership with the Army Reserve expands the opportunities for the men and women who have made great sacrifices on our behalf. It is one more step towards attempting to repay the debt we owe our brave troops and veterans."

There are 110 Army Reserve units in Colorado that employ 408 Soldiers and civilians full-time and 2,813 Reserve Soldiers. Nearly 610 Colorado Reserve Soldiers are currently deployed.

The Army Reserve also signed agreements with 11 Denver employers including Adecco, BC Services, City of Denver, CICSCO, Front Range Airport, Loomis, NorthGlenn Dodge, Pennica Financial Group, Pepsi Bottling Group and Western Freightways, to work collaboratively to enhance job opportunities for America's Soldiers and veterans. The alliances, launched under the Army Reserve Employer Partnership Initiative (EPI) will help strengthen the community, support Army Reserve Soldiers and their Families, and maintain a strong economy.

"I am pleased to officially begin an enduring strategic partnership with so many of Denver's leading employers and the State of Colorado," said Maj. Gen. Mari K. Eder, deputy chief, U.S. Army Reserve. "I look forward to collaborating with our newest valued partners to achieve mutual goals to attract, develop and retain a quality workforce."

The EPI establishes a process whereby employers and the Army Reserve secure and share the talents of trained professionals. Partners Employers will benefit from the employment of the roughly 204,000 trained men and women with Army values, experience and proven leadership skills.

Since its inception in April 2008, more than 225 public and private employers have joined the initiative, including Fortune 500 corporations, hospitals, industry associations, state agencies and local police departments.

Watch CBS 4 Denver news clip.

For additional information please visit http://www.armyreserve.army.mil/.