CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA (June 29, 2015) - The National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NaVOBA) and its Vetrepreneur magazine have named Rockwell Collins one of the top 25 United States-based companies dedicated to veterans - earning the distinction as a 2015 Military Friendly® Supplier Diversity Program.

Rockwell Collins received the honor for its continued incorporation of veteran-owned businesses into its supplier diversity programs. According to Kris Gralund, manager of Supply Chain Processes and small business liaison officer, working with veteran-owned businesses is mutually beneficial because they provide our company with quicker response times on new developments and advanced levels of innovation.

"It's important for us as a company to show gratitude for our veterans' sacrifices and contributions and help them put their distinct skills into action," said Gralund.

NaVOBA stated that companies chosen to be on the prestigious list send a clear message that doing business with veterans isn't just the right thing to do; it's simply a smart business decision. The organization added that corporate America is increasingly eager to "buy veteran," but Rockwell Collins and the other 24 corporations on the list happen to be the best.

To determine its list of 25 best companies, Vetrepreneur analyzed large companies using web research, telephone inquiries and a survey. Rankings were based on policies related to the inclusion of veteran-owned businesses as part of each company's supplier diversity program, and the way the company uses its outreach program to attract veteran-owned businesses.

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