OREANDA-NEWS. June 01, 2016. Consumers Energy is being recognized for its dedication to employing military veterans, being named a silver level Veteran-Friendly Employer by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.

"We are a better, stronger company when we recognize and bring in the talents of a diverse Michigan workforce. That includes people who have served our country honorably in the military," said

Cathy Hendrian, Consumers Energy's vice president of human resources.

"We are proud to be honored by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, and we remain committed to providing opportunities for our country's military veterans."

Consumers Energy joins eight other Michigan companies that are certified as silver-level employers by the state agency.

"Well-respected employers like Consumers Energy are an integral part of making sure Michigan veterans get the opportunities that they deserve," said retired Army Command Sgt. Maj.

David Dunckel, employment analyst for the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. "This type of collaboration between private sector employers and state agencies helps put Michigan in the top tier of states when it comes to taking care of our vets."   

Employers are recognized for efforts to recruit and retain military veterans. One example of that is the Consumers Energy's new Natural Gas Boot Camp. The energy provider collaborated with the Michigan National Guard and Power for America to create the program to train qualified military veterans and provide them with job opportunities.

Consumers Energy's recruitment efforts also include outreach to veterans organizations, while its Veterans Advisory Panel provides support to veterans who work for the company. Three company vice presidents are military veterans.

"Military veterans bring unique abilities and experience that are valuable to our work," Hendrian said. "We will continue working to recruit and retain qualified military veterans to strengthen our company and our mission to serve Michigan's communities."

Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest utility, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and electricity to 6.7 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.