This press release was originally authored by DirectEmployers’ partner, the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA), to recognize the winner of the organization’s National Business of the Year Award.
Pictured from left to right: NASWA Board Past President Renee Olson, Dr. Latitia McCane, Newport News Shipbuilding, and Ellen Marie Hess, Commissioner of Virginia Employment Commission.
Recently the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) presented Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industry (NNS) with the prestigious National Business of the Year award at their 82nd Annual National Conference in Birmingham, Alabama. The NASWA National Business of the Year award is conferred upon businesses that consistently strive to positively impact their workforce, industry and community. Recipients of this award are also recognized for their support of the workforce development system.
Over the past two years, NNS has grown roughly 2,000 new jobs, and anticipates adding 2,000 more over the next five years. NNS also plans to hire about 5,000 additional individuals over the next five years to backfill retirements and contributes over $2 million to the community annually. The employees at NNS donate more than $1 million to the United Way. Additionally, the company has an active volunteer program to engage needs in the community.
“We’re proud that the nation’s largest shipbuilding company and the sole builder of U.S. Navy aircraft carriers has its home here in Virginia,” said Governor Ralph Northam. “Newport NewsShipbuilding Company is investing in and employing thousands of Virginia workers, and contributing greatly to the economy and life of our Commonwealth. I’m delighted to see NewportNews Shipbuilding Company receive this national recognition, and I congratulate the company on this well-deserved accolade.”
“Newport News Shipbuilding’s positive impact on their industry and community cannot be overstated,” said Scott B. Sanders, Executive Director of NASWA. “Their efforts to build and maintain a skilled workforce while meeting economic demands have provided exceptional returns for the manufacturing industry, the state of Virginia, and the entire United States.”
Sanders also noted the particular emphasis NNS’ parent company, Huntington Ingalls, places on Veteran hiring and how they also participate in the NLx, the premier national labor exchange for the United States. Additionally, their CEO made headlines last year when he decided to forego his salary so the money could be used to provide scholarships for children of employees to attend early childhood or higher education programs.
