Later this morning the state will award Haskins Steel general manager Craig Dias with the “Hire-A-Vet” Award – the first time the honor has been given since the economic recession started in 2008.

Padden, who will attend today’s ceremony along with representatives of the state Employment Security Department and state Department of Veterans Affairs, is a staunch advocate of the nation’s military men and women and the organizations that support them when they return home. He applauded ESD’s work in highlighting the job needs of returning veterans, and called on more employers to follow Haskins Steel’s lead. Continue reading →