FGT: Careers for veterans, and scholarships thanks to the 'Dirty Jobs' guy
There's no shortage of solid careers in trucking, so it's important that those working in the industry show off how many rewarding opportunities there are. These organizations are opening doors to those who wish to keep America moving. That and more in this week's FGT.
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Mike Rowe Works Foundation offers $1 million in Work Ethic Scholarships
The Mike Rowe Works Foundation, a nonprofit founded by the host of the former TV series 'Dirty Jobs,' is giving away $1 million in scholarships for those seeking to attend trade schools or apprenticeship programs.
The Work Ethic Scholarship recognizes those who understand the importance of work ethic, personal responsibility, delayed gratification, and a positive attitude.
Applications for the Work Ethic Scholarship are open until Sept. 20. Scholarship recipients will be notified, and the winnings will be disbursed in December.
See also: Mike Rowe on diesel technician shortage: 'The math ain't good'
Those who apply must sign the S.W.E.A.T Pledge, which stands for "Skill & Work Ethic Aren't Taboo." This 12-point oath includes statements such as "I believe that all jobs are opportunities" and "I would rather live in a tent and eat beans than borrow money to pay for a lifestyle I can't afford." Applicants also must record videos of themselves explaining why they should receive a scholarship.
Penske joins U.S. Army's PaYS program for veteran career development
Penske Transportation Solutions has signed a strategic commitment with the U.S. Army Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) program.
The PaYS Program is a strategic partnership between the Army and a cross-section of private industry, academia, and state and local public institutes. The U.S. Army PaYS Program guarantees soldiers five job interviews and possible employment after their service in the Army.
"We're honored to begin this important, new relationship with the U.S. Army's PaYS program," said Ron Schwartz, vice president of staffing at Penske. "We truly value the service of our armed forces and the incredible diversity, work ethic, and contributions they bring to our workforce."
Since PaYS began in 2000, more than 1,000 employers have partnered with the program. About 9% of Penske's annual new hires are veterans.
"Joining forces with Penske has allowed us to amplify our impact and create even more opportunities for our veterans to thrive in the civilian world," stated Lt. Col. Jesse Ceja, battalion commander of the Dallas Fort-Worth Recruiting Battalion station. "We are proud to work with Penske in bridging the gap between military services and civilian careers, which will ensure a brighter future for those who have greatly served our nation."
Love's fundraiser for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals begins Aug. 25
The Love's Travel Stops annual fundraising campaign for Children's Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals is running from Aug. 25 to Sept. 29 and benefits 116 CMN Hospitals across the U.S.
Customers have a variety of ways to donate. At Love's Travel Stops, Country Stores, and Speedco locations, they can purchase a $1, $5, or $20 balloon, round up their change, or make a cash contribution. At Love's hotels, teddy bears can be purchased for $19.99, and for National Coffee Day on Sept. 29, customers can buy any size coffee or hot beverage for $1 through the Love's Connect app, and all proceeds will go to CMN Hospitals. Musket Corp. and Trillium Energy Solutions, both part of Love's Family of Cos., will also participate in fundraising by hosting their annual sponsorship-led Drive for a Child event in October at Topgolf Houston, benefiting Texas Children's Hospital.
See also: Love's opens new Nevada location
"Thank you to our team members and customers for stepping up each year and supporting this amazing cause," said Jenny Love Meyer, chief culture officer and executive vice president of Love's. "It's inspiring to see how our team members are committed to asking every customer to donate and how they go above and beyond in coming up with new, innovative, grassroots fundraising ideas. Our loyal customers are amazing, and because of their continued generosity, we are closing in on $50 million of lifetime fundraising for this campaign. When they reach into their pockets and hearts to help children, it means the world to us because we know when we change kids' health, we change the future—for all of us."
CMN Hospitals raises funds and awareness for 170 member hospitals that provide 32 million treatments annually to kids across the U.S. and Canada. Donations stay local to fund hospitals in each community. Love's and CMN Hospitals have partnered since 1999 to raise $46 million.
Werner Enterprises to haul 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
Werner Enterprises (No. 13 on the FleetOwner 500: Top For-Hire Fleets of 2023) will deliver a 63-ft. gift to the nation this holiday as they transport the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia to Washington, D.C.
The tree will be harvested from the Monongahela National Forest in early November, followed by a journey with special events in communities throughout the state before being delivered to D.C. Werner Enterprises will also deliver thousands of handmade ornaments made by West Virginians along with smaller trees for military families stationed at Joint Base Andrews donated by presenting sponsor, 84 Lumber.
"Werner's selection as the 2023 Capitol Christmas Tree project carrier is truly an honor and testament to our hard work in keeping America moving, no matter the task," Werner Chairman, President and CEO, Derek Leathers said. "The professional drivers entrusted with this prestigious project are highly skilled and embody our core values of safety, service, and leadership. They will do an exceptional job carrying out this unique project and tribute to our country."
Professional drivers Jesus Davila and Tim Dean will do the honors of safely delivering the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree to Washington, D.C., on behalf of Werner, while husband and wife team Steve and Gina Jones will transport the handmade ornaments and 84 companion trees. Between them, the drivers have received recognition through various prestigious driver awards.
Kenworth Truck Co. returns for the 10th year as a major U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree program sponsor. A specially decaled Kenworth 100th anniversary T680 Signature Edition will deliver the 2023 tree.
VisionTrack wins International Business Award
Video telematics provider VisionTrack won a Gold Stevie award in the transportation category at the International Business Awards following the launch earlier this year of its AI video analysis software, NARA.
The AI-powered analysis tool automatically analyzes collisions, near misses, and other driving events. The software also includes an occupant safety rating feature that calculates the probability of injury and identifies if a driver needs assistance.
Discussing the VisionTrack entry, one judge commented that "NARA is an innovative approach to leveraging AI and machine learning in the transportation sector. The software addresses critical challenges in fleet safety and operational efficiency, demonstrating transformative potential in road safety, driver protection, risk mitigation, and claim management. The solution provides tangible value to its users and has significant potential for wide-scale adoption in the transportation industry, making it an impactful contribution to road safety and fleet management."
All individuals and organizations worldwide—public and private, for-profit and nonprofit—can submit nominations to the International Business Awards. The 2023 awards received entries from organizations in 61 nations and territories. Winners will be celebrated during a gala banquet at the Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Rome, Italy, on Oct. 13.
