PHOENIX - Viad Corp (NYSE: VVI) is proud to support
our military servicemen and women. Since October 2011,
Viad's business unit Global Experience Specialists, Inc.
(GES) has put additional focus on recruiting and hiring
candidates with military backgrounds to join its existing
U.S. operations workforce. The hiring of former military
personnel has been a great win for GES' business while, at
the same time, benefitting our military branches by
offering employment opportunities to the veterans who have
proudly served our country.
The former military personnel's leadership and logistical
experience makes them well suited for the nature of GES'
business. Years of military service have equipped these
candidates with specialized skill sets that are highly
transferrable to the trade show environment. GES is looking
to hire additional employees from this talent source who
have a background in management and logistics experience
they can apply to trade show operations.
"We're proud to be in a position to offer employment to the
men and women who have served our country," said Paul
Dykstra, Chairman, President and CEO of Viad Corp. "We're
dedicated to recruiting great people and to further
developing the talents of our people in order to attract
and retain a capable and diverse team. Individuals with a
military background have proven to be a great fit for our
business since our work environment frequently requires the
attributes these individuals possess."
Several of the former military personnel who have joined
the GES team have enjoyed the opportunity to apply their
expertise to quickly learn about operations and procurement
within the trade show business.
"Having learned how to work through difficult situations,
solve problems and accomplish goals in the military, GES is
a perfect fit for my talents and abilities," said Charles
Starr, operations manager for GES in Las Vegas, Nevada.
"I have worked for a few different corporations after
leaving the military, and GES is by far the best company
I've worked for. If you have initiative and can communicate
your ideas and if you are a team-player with a passion for
growing personally and professionally, then GES is a great
place for you to call home."
"My prior military career in contracting provided me with
the opportunity to hone many essential workplace skills in
a dynamic and challenging environment," said Amy Ciaravolo,
strategic buyer at GES' Las Vegas headquarters. "I
believe these skills greatly enhance the contributions I am
able to make in my new procurement position at GES - an
environment that fosters creativity and innovation."
The positions for which the former military personnel have
been hired are full-time positions and offer growth
opportunities within the company. In addition to former
military personnel, Viad and GES will continue to recruit
new employees from the local markets they serve while at
the same time continuing to provide career paths for their
talented, existing workforce.
About Viad
Viad is an S&P SmallCap 600 company. Viad operates through
its Marketing & Events Group, comprised of Global
Experience Specialists, Inc. and affiliates, and its Travel
& Recreation Group, comprised of Brewster Inc., Glacier
Park, Inc. and Alaskan Park Properties, Inc. For more
information, visit the company's Web site at www.viad.com.
About GES
Global Experience Specialists, Inc. (GES), a Viad Corp
(NYSE: VVI) company, is a leading marketing agency that
produces exhibitions, events, exhibits and retail
environments. GES provides a wide range of services,
including turn-key official show services, cutting-edge
creative and design, marketing and measurement services-all
with an unrivaled global reach. GES partners with leading
shows and brands, including the International CES, Spring
Fair Birmingham, International Woodworking Fair,
CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE, Bell Helicopter, Genzyme,
L'Oreal, Warner Bros., and Simon Property Group. The GES
National Servicenter
