Protocase and 45Drives, technology manufacturing and data storage companies based in Wilmington, North Carolina, have committed to supporting military veteran employment through a strategic partnership with North Carolina for Military Employment (NC4ME).
With approximately 20,000 service members transitioning out of military service annually in North Carolina, the partnership aims to bridge the employment gap by connecting skilled veterans with meaningful career opportunities. The state currently hosts 778,000 veterans, representing a significant potential talent pool for local businesses.
Both companies recognize the distinctive value veterans bring to the workforce. Veterans typically possess critical skills such as leadership, problem-solving, discipline, and technical expertise that align well with technology and manufacturing sectors. Steve Lilley, Protocase's President, emphasized the natural fit between veterans' capabilities and the company's innovative manufacturing solutions.
The sponsorship will involve actively participating in NC4ME initiatives, including educating business leaders about veteran hiring benefits, providing HR training, and facilitating direct connections between employers and veteran job seekers. By focusing on the employment demand side, the partnership seeks to ensure veterans successfully transition into civilian careers while contributing to the local economic ecosystem.
Mike Pearson, Protocase's Chief Operating Officer and a veteran himself, understands the challenges of military-to-civilian career transitions. His personal experience underscores the companies' commitment to creating supportive work environments that leverage veterans' unique professional backgrounds.
This collaborative effort represents a strategic approach to workforce development, highlighting the critical role private sector companies can play in supporting military veterans' professional growth and economic integration.
