State Agency Collects Four Awards at Prestigious Public Relations Industry Event

NASHVILLE– The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development collected four awards last night at the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Nashville Parthenon Awards, the industry’s most coveted competition. The state agency was honored for their promotion of Paychecks for Patriots, an annual hiring event for veterans.

Himself a military veteran, Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Burns Phillips expressed enthusiasm with the announcement. “We couldn’t be more pleased by winning the top award in every category in which we applied,” said Phillips. “Each year this event gains more momentum resulting in lasting relationships with vet-friendly employers, general awareness of vets as great employees, and of course connecting Tennessee veterans with so many jobs.”

Labor and Workforce Development won the highest honors in the following categories: Public Relations Campaign, Community Relations, Media Relations and Public Affairs. The comprehensive campaign included press releases, editorials, videos, and graphics distributed through social media, partner agencies, and veteran support groups.

Paychecks for Patriots was held simultaneously in 10 Tennessee cities last October. 295 Tennessee employers participated representing more than 195 individual corporations and more than 2,000 jobs. Notable Tennessee employers included Dollar General, Amazon Fulfillment, Jack Daniels Distillery, Yates at Nissan, Vanderbilt, Cracker Barrel, Hospital Corporation of America and FedEx.

Nashville employer Gibson Guitars joined the ranks of Paychecks for Patriots in 2014, and boosted excitement by offering a Gibson Les Paul to a lucky veteran registering at the Nashville event.

2014 marked the third year of Paychecks for Patriots. Florida and Georgia have since copied Tennessee’s model and held their own veteran hiring events under the same name. Labor and Workforce Development works closely with the Tennessee Department of Military, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, and Dollar General in planning the annual event.

While a specific date hasn’t been announced, Paychecks for Patriots is anticipated in October 2015. Participating employers are required to have full time jobs available, and no part time, temporary, or self-employment opportunities are permitted. Interested employers should contact melinda.kelsey@tn.gov for more details.