HOUGHTON — GS Engineering, an engineering firm specializing in defense and commercial industries, announces its selection as the Veteran Business of the Year 2023. Additionally, the company celebrates the recognition of its employee, Stephen LaCourt, chosen as the Veteran of the Year 2023. These awards underscore GS Engineering’s outstanding commitment to veteran employment in the Upper Peninsula.

The Veteran Business of the Year award shines a spotlight on GS Engineering’s dedication to supporting veterans, achieved through strategic partnerships with UP Michigan Works! and the Veterans Employment Services through the State of Michigan. The company’s collaborative efforts extend to prioritizing veteran employment and recognizing the invaluable benefits veterans bring to the workforce in the Upper Peninsula.

Jim Vendlinski, VP of Engineering, Technology, & Innovation at GS Engineering, underscores the significance of hiring veterans, stating, “With a substantial portion of our work dedicated to defense industry, our military hires bring firsthand understanding of being on the front line. This adds another level of commitment to providing the best solutions for those still on the frontline.”

Nearly 10% of its workforce is comprised of veterans. Stephen LaCourt’s success story epitomizes the positive impact of GS Engineering’s veteran employment initiatives. As a United States Army National Guard veteran, Stephen earned his AAT Mechanical Engineering Technology degree in May 2022 from Gogebic Community College through the Veteran Readiness & Education (VR&E) Chapter 31 program. His journey to employment was facilitated by a collaborative effort between GS Engineering, UP Michigan Works!, and Veterans Employment Services.

UP Michigan Works! recognizes the significance of GS Engineering’s commitment to hiring and employing veterans in the Upper Peninsula. Holly Peoples, director of business services, expressed appreciation, stating, “GS Engineering is a top employer in our region who knows the value of veterans and the skills they bring such as leadership skills, teamwork, collaboration, discipline, and work ethic. Thank you to GS Engineering for their contributions to our region.”

The awards ceremony will be attended by UP Michigan Works Staff, Veterans Employment Services staff, Representative Greg Markkanen, UP Michigan Works! Board members, GS Engineering’s team, and the honored veteran, Stephen LaCourt.