DATE: February 24, 2010

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - "Missouri hires its veterans."

That was the clear message Gov. Jay Nixon delivered during stops in southwest Missouri, as he kicked off Show-Me Heroes, a new initiative to connect military veterans with job opportunities when they return home from service.

Show-Me Heroes, which is housed within the Missouri Division of Workforce Development, is a campaign to showcase Missouri businesses that are willing - and eager - to hire veterans. Specifically, the program asks employers to sign a pledge to ramp up efforts to reach out to, recruit and interview veterans for job openings at their businesses.

"Missouri's military veterans have served honorably and bravely to fight terror and secure our freedom around the world," Gov. Nixon said. "Veterans also possess unique skills and advanced training that make them ideal candidates for many jobs. Show-Me Heroes is one clear way we can acknowledge the sacrifices made by the men and women of our Armed Services to keep our families safe and secure, and help our veterans transition to civilian life once they return home. I thank the businesses from across Missouri that have taken the Show-Me Heroes pledge, and I encourage every Missouri business to make this commitment today."

Today, Gov. Nixon visited Schreiber Foods in Carthage and Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company in Springfield, both of which have taken the Show-Me Heroes pledge. During his visits, Gov. Nixon spoke about the importance of the program and thanked the businesses for becoming involved. Lt. Col. Alan Rohlfing, the director of Show-Me Heroes, also detailed how other businesses can take the pledge.

"Taking the Show-Me Heroes pledge couldn't be easier," Lt. Col. Rohlfing said. "Employers can visit the state Web site - www.MO.gov - and take the pledge today. I urge employers across Missouri to log on and become a part of this campaign now."

Once a company has taken the Show-Me Heroes pledge, the business is listed prominently in an online database, highlighting veteran-friendly employers across Missouri. The database includes contact information for the businesses and links to their Web sites. Employers also receive a special certificate, signed by the Governor, and a decal to display at their location.

Beyond the employer directory, the Show-Me Heroes Web site includes additional resources for job-seeking veterans. The site offers links to employment openings within state government, and a link to the Missouri Career Source, a statewide one-stop-shop for Missourians looking for work.

"Missouri's veterans are trained, dedicated and ready to work," Gov. Nixon said. "As we continue our efforts to turn this economy around, I am committed to getting our veterans back on the job. I ask every employer in Missouri to visit MO.gov today to take the Show-Me Heroes pledge."

Show-Me Heroes is just the latest in a series of steps Missouri has taken to become a premiere veteran friendly state. Last year, Gov. Nixon signed legislation gradually phasing out the state tax on military retirement income. Under that legislation, by 2016, military veterans will not pay a single penny in state taxes on military pensions.