DOUGLAS, Ga., Sept. 23, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pilgrim's Pride (NYSE:PPC) has a new reason to be proud of its operations in Georgia this year: The Georgia Department of Labor-Vocational Rehabilitation Program, Region 11, has selected the Pilgrim's Douglas complex as its Employer of the Year for 2011.
At a luncheon ceremony on Wednesday, September 21, Pilgrim's was recognized for its collaboration with Vocational Rehabilitation and the Valdosta Transition Center (VTC), and for its accommodation and support in hiring inmates who are transitioning from prison back into society. The company worked with VTC to create an efficient screening and hiring process that helps place workers into well-matched jobs, and workers earn the same wages and are held to the same performance levels as other employees. The VTC helps by providing a van for transportation to and from work as well as security monitoring.
Julie Germani, an HR representative at the Douglas complex, accepted the award on behalf of the Douglas complex and noted that the VTC workers, who report for the night shift and some of whom also volunteer for additional shifts, are consistently strong employees. "Anytime we need anything from Vocational Rehabilitation or the VTC, they're always there to help," Germani said, "and our new employees have been just great." One employee has advanced to a lead position so far, and workers who continue to do well on the program will be able to stay in their jobs once they leave the transition center.
"Everyone who is willing to work deserves a chance," said Jayson Penn, executive vice president of sales and operations, who also noted, "Our partnership with the Georgia DOL helps offset the high costs of incarceration and prepares individuals for real-world jobs. This program offers a solution that helps break a pattern, and at the end of the day it may reduce recidivism in a system plagued by overcrowding."
"This has been an excellent community partnership," said Sandra Williams, vice president of human resources for Pilgrim's. "Besides bringing a new population of hard-working employees into the plant, this program has helped us work closely with the region to create real sustainability in the form of ongoing employment and community strength. I'm proud of our Douglas employees."
About Pilgrim's Pride
Pilgrim's employs approximately 42,000 people and operates chicken processing plants and prepared-foods facilities in 12 states, Puerto Rico and Mexico. The Company's primary distribution is through retailers and foodservice distributors. For more information, please visit http://www.pilgrims.com.