During Veteran’s Day week, Walser Automotive Group is being recognized for its commitment to military service members, veterans and their families.

The Minnesota-based dealership group will become the first automotive retailer in the state to be recognized as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon company, which denotes employers that actively support the military community.

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon is a program of the Minnesota Department of Military Affairs created in 2008 to connect service members, veterans, and military families with state and federal resources and services.

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon companies help bridge the gap between military service and community connection through employment support, career pathways, employee resources and organizational advocacy.

“We believe no veteran should leave military service only to feel lost, undervalued or unsupported in civilian life,” Walser chief human resources officer Sherry Schultz said. “Their transition should be met with structure, empathy and purpose.

“That’s why Walser is creating a seamless support system — from the first job interview through onboarding, mentorship and beyond.”

In a news release, Walser said its support for service members includes a defined veteran hiring pipeline, a guaranteed career conversation for all veteran applicants and a commitment to hire 50 veterans annually.

The company also offers an active employee resource group — Veterans at Walser — created to build community and camaraderie among veterans, reservists and military-connected employees.

VAW’s influence has led to initiatives such as a $250 lifetime vehicle discount for service members, differential pay for deployed employees and enhanced military leave and reintegration programs.

Schultz said Walser’s success is strengthened by its partnerships with veteran-serving organizations such as Eagle Group of Minnesota Veterans, Every Third Saturday, CareerForce MN, P3 and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

“We also recognize that service continues in many forms,” Schultz said. “Our support extends beyond veterans to all who are military-connected, including family members balancing careers, deployments and unexpected challenges. The goal is connection, not just accommodation.”

Walser Automotive operates 28 retail locations in Minnesota, Kansas and Illinois, as well as rental and collision services businesses in Minnesota, Illinois, New Mexico, Texas and Georgia.

HGreg ready for holidays with Operation Red Nose

The holiday season is here, and HGreg has its Red Nose ready.

The dealership group, based in Quebec, Canada, said it’s renewing its longstanding commitment to road safety by serving as honorary president for Operation Red Nose in three major region of the province: Montreal, Laval-Basses-Laurentides and Mascouche-Lanaudière-Sud.

Operation Red Nose is a nonprofit organization that offers safe rides home during the month of December in more than 100 communities throughout Canada. The rides come at no cost, but donations are accepted.

HGreg will host a volunteer evening on Dec. 7 to encourage its employees to join in to support the cause. The company is also inviting members of the public to join local Red Nose volunteer teams.

The company has supported Red Nose in Laval-Basses-Laurentides for 22 years, in Montreal for five years and is in its second year working with the Mascouche-Lanaudière-Sud organization. In a news release, HGreg said its continued involvement reflects HGreg’s ongoing effort to promote safe driving during the holiday season.

“Road safety is an absolute priority for HGreg,” said vice president of marketing Harry Kasparian, and honorary president of HGreg’s Red Nose campaigns. “As a leader in vehicle sales in Quebec, we have a responsibility to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving.

“We invite everyone to use Red Nose services to ensure safer roads this holiday season.”

As part of its commitment, HGreg will share awareness messages across its social media channels, reminding drivers of the importance of responsibility and vigilance behind the wheel.

HGreg operates 49 locations in Canada and the U.S.