THE HERSHEY COMPANY WELCOMES RETURNING VETERANS TO ITS EMPLOYMENT RANKS

Iconic Confectionery Company Continues Longstanding Commitment to U.S. Troops

HERSHEY, Pa., — As troops arrive home, veterans are facing a higher unemployment rate than the general population.  The growing need for veterans to successfully transition back into civilian life has inspired The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) to launch a Veteran’s Business Resource Group (BRG) to expand its longstanding outreach to veterans and veteran organizations. 

The new Veteran’s BRG will serve to support veterans within the company and those seeking work through a number of initiatives, including:   

• Educating employees on the skills and experience that veterans bring and sharing examples of Hershey’s support of the military within the company and in the communities where Hershey employees work 

• Reaching out to veterans groups to support the company’s veteran hiring mission 

• Offering support to veterans transitioning to the civilian workforce 

• Promoting communication and collaboration among veterans within the company

The Veteran’s Business Resource Group will also create formal mentorship programs for newly hired veterans by matching them with other veterans who have successfully transitioned to work at The Hershey Company.   

These efforts complement the company’s existing Military Talent Program, which was launched in late 2011.  The program works to recruit and hire returning veterans to support a growing business.  As part of these efforts, the company also plans to hold job fairs and related programs for veterans during the next several years. 

“We have great opportunities for returning troops across our U.S. operations,” says Terry O’Day, Senior Vice President, Global Operations, The Hershey Company.  O’Day is a veteran and graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, and also serves as the executive sponsor of the company’s Veteran’s BRG. “Veterans are known for their leadership, commitment and technical skills, an ideal combination for our manufacturing network,” added O’Day. 

Consistent with its historic values and commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, The Hershey Company has employed hundreds of veterans over the years and many have gone on to become leaders in the company.  There are currently more than 500 veterans in Hershey’s workforce. In 2011, Hershey increased the number of veterans hired by more than 50 percent compared with 2010. 

“Veterans– with their distinguished backgrounds in highly complex situations, working with high-tech