Newsroom
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC (November 12, 2018)— RTI International has been recognized as a Military Friendly® Supplier Diversity organization for 2019.
Military Friendly® is the standard that measures an organization's commitment, effort and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefit for the military community. The designation follows on the heels of RTI’s recent recognition as a Military Friendly® Employer for creating meaningful employment opportunities for the military community.
“RTI recognizes the power of working with and supporting veteran-owned businesses as indispensable for creating strong teams and an innovative work environment,” said RTI President and CEO Wayne Holden, Ph.D. “Our military veterans offer diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences. Growing a premier supplier diversity program is one way we can foster economic growth in our global communities.”
Military Friendly® Supplier Diversity ratings are assessed through the evaluation of both public data about the organization and proprietary data gathered by VIQTORY, a service-disable, veteran-owned small business, that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities. Results are audited by Ernst & Young.
RTI was one of three organizations in the Government/Nonprofit category to receive the designation. The organization exceeded all Military Friendly standards for partnering with and supporting veteran-owned businesses:
- Hiring and onboarding (17 percent)
- Opportunity and advancement (30 percent)
- Culture and commitment (48 percent)
- Support and retention (52 percent)
RTI has more than 190 veteran-owned businesses in its supply chain. The organization has a long tradition of fostering a culture that reflects and embraces diversity and inclusion, including recruitment and professional development efforts for military veterans, conducting military- and veterans-related research, and partnering with the Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) to bring TMF’s Character Does Matter program to North Carolina. TMF empowers veterans and the families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations.
“We are grateful for the designation of Military Friendly® Supplier Diversity,” said Wayne. “RTI takes great honor in creating an inclusive supply chain and having the opportunity to assist men and women who have selflessly and proudly served our country. Our diverse supplier partners bring a broad spectrum of perspectives, insights and inspiration as they team with us to improve the human condition.”
