News
August 7, 2024M&T Bank Hosts Veterans Appreciation Day at ‘Lunchtime at the Plaza Concert Series’
M&T Bank hosted Veterans Appreciation Day at the Empire State Plaza on July 31, as part of the Lunchtime at the Plaza Concert Series Presented by M&T Bank. M&T joined the New York State Office of General Services to encourage the community to honor the immense sacrifices of our nation’s veterans and active-duty service members. M&T also called on regional employers to continue stepping up their efforts to hire veterans, assist with their transition to civilian careers, and provide flexibility and support to employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.
As one small way to express their gratitude, M&T Bank provided lunch for veterans and active-duty members of the military who attended the event, offering $10 vouchers for food from vendors set up at the Empire State Plaza’s South Concourse.
Lunchtime at the Plaza Presented by M&T Bank starts at noon every Wednesday at the Empire State Plaza through August 21. Organized by the New York State Office of General Services, it is held in conjunction with the Empire State Plaza Farmers Market, featuring local produce, baked goods, dairy products, food vendors and more. The full line-up of performers and vendors can be found at this link.
Hiring Veterans, Supporting Service Members
New York State is home to over 675,000 veterans, the sixth-highest veteran population in the nation. The transition from active-duty service to civilian life can be challenging for many veterans as they seek to begin new careers. Nationally, just 25 percent of veterans said they had a civilian job lined up after they left service, the Pew Research Center found. New York State employers can ease veterans’ transition through hiring efforts and military-friendly workplace policies.
M&T Bank actively recruits veterans, military members, and military spouses. The company offers a Corporate Fellowship Program in collaboration with the Department of Defense SkillBridge and Hiring Our Heroes programs, which help active-duty service members explore career opportunities, gain work experience, and access industry training before they leave military service.
M&T has adopted several workplace policies and programs that empower National Guard and Reserve members to excel in their work and their service to the nation, ranging from flexible work environments and military leave pay to career development support. Additionally, M&T employees lead a Veterans Resource Group that focuses on the needs of colleagues, customers, and community residents who are active or former military members, and they regularly organize volunteer efforts to support veterans service organizations.
M&T and its Veterans Resource Group invite regional employers interested in implementing programs and policies to support veterans, active-duty service members, and military families to contact them for guidance on getting started or taking next steps.
